Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 27, 1969
The final Billboard Hot 100 of the 1960s marked the end of one of the most revolutionary decades in music history. Over the previous ten years, rock and roll had matured, Motown had become a cultural force, folk music had found mainstream success, and artists increasingly used popular music to reflect social change. As 1969 came to a close, the chart captured both the familiar sounds that defined the decade and the emerging artists who would dominate the 1970s.
At No. 1 was Diana Ross & The Supremes with “Someday We’ll Be Together.” The emotional ballad became the group’s final chart-topper before Diana Ross launched her solo career, making it one of the most significant records in Motown history. Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” slipped to No. 2 after its week at the summit, while B.J. Thomas continued his climb with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” Creedence Clearwater Revival remained among the biggest acts in America with “Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son,” and Steam’s unforgettable “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” rounded out the Top 5.
Elsewhere in the Top 10, Neil Diamond, The Beatles, and Stevie Wonder maintained strong positions while two future giants arrived on the scene. The Jackson 5 entered the Top 10 with “I Want You Back,” and Led Zeppelin made their first Top 10 appearance with “Whole Lotta Love.” The chart offered a perfect bridge between the music of the 1960s and the sounds that would shape the decade ahead.
Top 5 Songs (December 27, 1969)
1. Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
“Someday We’ll Be Together” reached No. 1 and became the final chart-topping hit credited to Diana Ross & The Supremes. The song’s emotional performance and lush Motown production made it a fitting farewell for one of the most successful groups of the decade.
As the final Billboard chart of the 1960s, the record symbolized both an ending and a beginning. Diana Ross would soon embark on a solo career while Motown continued to evolve into the 1970s.
▶ Watch and experience this song →
2. Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
After reaching No. 1 the previous week, Peter, Paul & Mary’s signature hit remained near the top. Written by John Denver, the song became one of the defining folk-pop recordings of its era.
3. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
B.J. Thomas climbed to No. 3 with the Academy Award-winning song from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Its easygoing optimism made it one of the most recognizable recordings of the period.
4. Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival continued their remarkable run of hits with this powerful double-sided single. Few bands finished the decade with more momentum than CCR.
5. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
Steam’s former No. 1 hit remained firmly in the Top 5. Its unforgettable singalong chorus ensured its place as one of the most enduring crowd-participation songs ever recorded.
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending December 27, 1969, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Someday We’ll Be Together by Diana Ross & the Supremes
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
- Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
- Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
- Holly Holy – Neil Diamond
- Come Together/Something – The Beatles
- I Want You Back – Jackson 5
- Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
- Take A Letter Maria – R.B. Greaves
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at December 27, 1969
The final Hot 100 of the 1960s showcased the incredible range of artists who defined the decade. Motown legends, folk-pop icons, rock innovators, and rising young stars all appeared together on the same chart.
Most notably, the arrival of the Jackson 5 and Led Zeppelin hinted at the musical direction of the coming decade. While Diana Ross & The Supremes closed one chapter of music history at No. 1, new stars were already preparing to write the next one. The week of December 27, 1969, stands as one of the most historically significant Billboard charts ever published—a fitting finale to the remarkable music of the 1960s.
