Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 20, 1969
As Christmas approached and the 1960s prepared to give way to a new decade, the Billboard Hot 100 reflected both nostalgia and change. Folk music, Motown soul, classic rock, and polished pop all shared space on the same chart, demonstrating the remarkable musical diversity that had developed throughout the decade. The week of December 20, 1969, delivered another memorable shift at the top as one of America’s most beloved folk groups finally earned their biggest chart achievement.
Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” rose to No. 1, becoming the trio’s only Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper. Written by a young John Denver, the bittersweet farewell song resonated with listeners during a period marked by social change and uncertainty. Just behind it, Diana Ross & The Supremes continued their climb with “Someday We’ll Be Together,” while Creedence Clearwater Revival’s powerful double-sided hit “Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son” moved into the Top 3. Former chart leader “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” remained a major force, and B.J. Thomas continued his steady rise with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.”
The Top 10 also featured The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and R.B. Greaves. Together these songs formed one of the final great snapshots of the 1960s music scene, capturing a decade that had transformed popular music forever.
Top 5 Songs (December 20, 1969)
1. Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary reached No. 1 with “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” their only Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper. Written by John Denver, the song’s heartfelt lyrics and gentle harmonies made it one of the most enduring folk-pop recordings of the era.
The record captured the reflective mood of the late 1960s and became a fitting chart leader as the decade approached its conclusion.
▶ Watch and experience this song →
2. Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
Diana Ross & The Supremes climbed to No. 2 with “Someday We’ll Be Together.” The emotional ballad was quickly becoming one of Motown’s biggest hits and would soon close out an extraordinary chapter in the group’s history.
3. Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival moved into the No. 3 position with one of the strongest double-sided singles of the decade. “Down On The Corner” showcased the band’s roots-rock charm, while “Fortunate Son” delivered a powerful social message.
4. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
After two weeks at No. 1, Steam slipped to No. 4 but remained one of the biggest records in the country. Its unforgettable chorus had already secured a lasting place in popular culture.
5. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
B.J. Thomas continued his rapid ascent into the Top 5. Featured in the hit film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the song would soon become one of the defining records bridging the 1960s and 1970s.
🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending December 20, 1969, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul and Mary
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🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
- Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
- Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
- Come Together/Something – The Beatles
- Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday – Stevie Wonder
- Take A Letter Maria – R.B. Greaves
- Holly Holy – Neil Diamond
- And When I Die – Blood, Sweat & Tears
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at December 20, 1969
The Billboard Hot 100 for December 20, 1969, highlighted the extraordinary variety that characterized the closing weeks of the decade. Folk music, soul, rock, and pop all found representation in the Top 10, reflecting the broad tastes of American listeners.
Peter, Paul & Mary’s rise to No. 1 marked an important milestone, while future chart-toppers such as “Someday We’ll Be Together” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” continued gaining momentum. With only one more chart week remaining before Christmas and the start of a new decade, these songs provided a fitting soundtrack to the end of one of the most influential eras in popular music history.
