Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of January 6, 1968
The first Billboard Hot 100 of 1968 opened with a familiar sight at the top as “Hello Goodbye” by The Beatles remained the nation’s #1 song. The group had spent much of the decade redefining popular music, and they entered the new year exactly where many expected them to be—on top of the charts. While the song was lighter and more straightforward than some of their recent recordings, its irresistible melody and universal appeal made it another massive hit.
The opening chart of 1968 reflected a fascinating transition period in popular music. The psychedelic influences that had exploded during 1967 remained visible, but soul music was becoming increasingly dominant. Gladys Knight and The Pips, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and Joe Tex all held Top 10 positions, illustrating the growing influence of rhythm and blues on mainstream radio.
At the same time, established stars continued to thrive. The Monkees remained near the summit with “Daydream Believer,” while rising records such as “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” and “Woman, Woman” hinted at the changing musical landscape that would define 1968. It was a chart that balanced familiar favorites with exciting new contenders.
Top 5 Songs (January 6, 1968)
1. Hello Goodbye – The Beatles
“Hello Goodbye” remained at #1 for a second week, giving The Beatles another major chart success during an already historic decade. The song demonstrated the group’s remarkable ability to create records that were both commercially successful and instantly memorable.
Built around simple lyrical contrasts and a bright, upbeat arrangement, the song connected with listeners of all ages. Its accessibility helped it become one of the fastest-rising Beatles hits of the late 1960s.
Starting 1968 at #1 reinforced the group’s continued dominance of popular music as they prepared for yet another creative year.
2. Daydream Believer – The Monkees
After spending multiple weeks at #1, “Daydream Believer” held firmly at #2. The Monkees had proven that they were far more than a television phenomenon, consistently delivering records that resonated with audiences.
The song’s nostalgic lyrics and Davy Jones’ warm vocal performance helped make it one of the most beloved recordings of the era. Its appeal remained strong even after leaving the top spot.
The continued success of the record demonstrated its staying power and widespread popularity.
3. Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) – John Fred And The Playboys
One of the biggest movers on the chart was “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses),” which climbed from #6 to #3. The playful title and catchy melody immediately captured the attention of radio listeners.
The record’s lighthearted spirit and memorable hook helped it stand out among a crowded field of hit singles. Its rapid climb suggested that it could soon become a serious contender for the top position.
As the new year began, few songs had more momentum than this Louisiana-based hit.
4. I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Gladys Knight And The Pips
Although it slipped from #2 to #4, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” remained one of the strongest records on radio. Gladys Knight’s powerful vocal performance continued to captivate audiences.
The song’s emotional tension and compelling narrative gave it a dramatic quality that few contemporary recordings could match. It remained a standout within Motown’s already impressive catalog.
Its lengthy stay near the top confirmed its place among the defining soul records of the period.
5. Woman, Woman – The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett
Holding steady at #5, “Woman, Woman” continued its climb toward its eventual peak. Gary Puckett’s emotional vocal performance gave the record a level of maturity and drama that resonated strongly with listeners.
The song tackled themes rarely explored in mainstream pop music at the time, helping it stand apart from many competing hits. Its combination of strong songwriting and powerful delivery made it a favorite among adult audiences.
The record’s momentum suggested that it still had room to climb during the opening weeks of 1968.
More Weeks at #1 for “Hello, 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 January 6, 1968, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Hello, Goodbye by The Beatles
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Hello Goodbye – The Beatles
- Daydream Believer – The Monkees
- Judy In Disguise (With Glasses) – John Fred And The Playboys
- I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Gladys Knight And The Pips
- Woman, Woman – The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett
- I Second That Emotion – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
- Chain Of Fools – Aretha Franklin
- Bend Me, Shape Me – The American Breed
- Boogaloo Down Broadway – The Fantastic Johnny C
- Skinny Legs And All – Joe Tex
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at 1967
The first chart of 1968 reflected the remarkable diversity that had become a hallmark of late-1960s music. British Invasion acts, Motown stars, soul performers, and pop groups all shared space within the Top 10, giving listeners an unprecedented variety of styles.
The Beatles began the year at #1, but strong challenges were emerging from every direction. Gladys Knight and The Pips, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, and several rising newcomers were all poised to make major impacts in the months ahead.
Looking back today, the January 6, 1968 chart serves as an excellent snapshot of a musical era in transition. The sounds of 1967 were still present, but the records climbing the chart hinted at the new directions popular music would take as the decade approached its conclusion.
