Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 13, 1969
As the final weeks of the 1960s unfolded, the Billboard Hot 100 reflected a music industry in transition. Rock bands, soul groups, folk legends, and emerging singer-songwriters all shared space on the charts. The week of December 13, 1969 showcased both established stars and surprising newcomers, creating one of the most diverse Top 10 lineups of the year.
Holding onto the No. 1 position was Steam’s unforgettable anthem “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” What began as a studio project had become one of the year’s biggest hits, with its singalong chorus making it a favorite on radio stations across America. Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” climbed to No. 2, while Diana Ross & The Supremes continued their ascent with “Someday We’ll Be Together.” The Beatles remained in the Top 5 with “Come Together/Something,” while Creedence Clearwater Revival rounded out the week’s elite group with “Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son.”
The chart also highlighted the continued strength of soul music, with Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and R.B. Greaves all scoring major hits. Meanwhile, B.J. Thomas’ “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” was rapidly climbing and would soon become one of the defining songs bridging the 1960s and 1970s.
Top 5 Songs (December 13, 1969)
1. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
Steam remained at No. 1 for a second consecutive week with “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” The song’s unforgettable chorus transformed it into one of the most recognizable records of the era and helped propel it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Its simple, infectious singalong appeal made it a nationwide favorite and ensured its lasting place in popular culture.
2. Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary’s emotional interpretation of John Denver’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” climbed to No. 2. The trio’s harmonies and heartfelt performance resonated strongly with listeners as the decade drew to a close.
The song was rapidly gaining momentum and appeared poised to challenge for the top spot.
3. Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
Moving up from No. 9 to No. 3, Diana Ross & The Supremes scored one of the biggest jumps of the week. The emotional ballad would become especially significant as Diana Ross prepared to leave the group for a solo career.
Its continued climb signaled that another No. 1 contender had emerged.
4. Come Together/Something – The Beatles
The Beatles remained in the Top 5 with the powerful double-sided hit “Come Together/Something.” Featuring standout songwriting from both John Lennon and George Harrison, the single became one of the group’s final major chart successes.
It continued to demonstrate the band’s extraordinary popularity even as the decade ended.
5. Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival held steady at No. 5 with one of the most memorable double-sided hits of 1969. “Down On The Corner” celebrated everyday American life while “Fortunate Son” delivered a powerful social commentary.
Together they helped cement CCR as one of the most important rock bands of the era.
More Weeks at #1 for “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”
This song spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Explore each chart week below:
🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending December 6, 1969, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye by Steam
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
- Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
- Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- Come Together/Something – The Beatles
- Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Take A Letter Maria – R.B. Greaves
- Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday – Stevie Wonder
- And When I Die – Blood, Sweat & Tears
- Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
- Backfield In Motion – Mel And Tim
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at December 13, 1969
The week of December 13, 1969 offered a fitting snapshot of the musical diversity that defined the decade. Folk music, soul, rock, pop, and singer-songwriter ballads all competed for chart positions. Artists such as The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross & The Supremes demonstrated the incredible depth of talent dominating radio at the end of the 1960s.
With only a few chart weeks remaining before the arrival of the 1970s, the Billboard Hot 100 continued to showcase songs that would become lasting classics. Many of the records on this chart remain among the most beloved and recognizable hits of the era.
