Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of July 20, 1968
The Billboard Hot 100 for July 20, 1968 captures one of the most diverse moments of the decade. Instrumental hits, British rock, sunshine pop, sophisticated ballads, and soulful vocal performances all competed for listeners’ attention during a summer that seemed filled with musical possibilities. While many of the year’s biggest stars remained on the chart, new sounds and fresh faces continued pushing their way into the spotlight.
The week’s biggest story was the arrival of Hugh Masekela’s Grazing In The Grass at number one. The upbeat instrumental climbed from number five to the top position, becoming one of the few instrumental records of the era to reach the summit of the Hot 100. Behind it, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap moved into second place with Lady Willpower, while The Rolling Stones held steady with the hard-rocking Jumpin’ Jack Flash.
Several former chart leaders remained major forces. Herb Alpert’s This Guy’s In Love With You slipped from number one to number four after a successful run at the top, while Cliff Nobles & Co.’s The Horse continued its impressive performance in the Top 5. Further down the chart, newcomers like The Doors and Mason Williams hinted at additional changes ahead.
Looking back, this chart represents the growing musical experimentation of 1968. Radio audiences embraced everything from jazz-influenced instrumentals to psychedelic rock, helping make this one of the most creative years in Billboard history.
Top 5 Songs (July 20, 1968)
1. Grazing In The Grass – Hugh Masekela
Hugh Masekela reached number one with one of the summer’s most infectious recordings. The South African trumpeter delivered a bright, upbeat instrumental that seemed perfectly designed for warm weather and good times.
The song’s joyful melody and irresistible groove made it a favorite on radio stations across the country. Instrumentals rarely reached the top of the Hot 100 during the late 1960s, making its achievement especially notable.
Its climb from number five to number one demonstrated just how strongly audiences connected with its positive energy and distinctive sound.
2. Lady Willpower – Gary Puckett And The Union Gap
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap continued their remarkable run of hits by moving into second place. Following the success of earlier chart favorites, the group once again demonstrated its ability to blend dramatic vocals with memorable pop songwriting.
Puckett’s powerful delivery helped distinguish the record from many of its contemporaries. The emotional intensity of the performance gave the song lasting appeal among listeners.
Its steady rise suggested that a challenge for the number one position could be just ahead.
3. Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones remained at number three with one of the defining rock records of the era. Jumpin’ Jack Flash marked a return to the band’s blues-based roots and quickly became a cornerstone of their catalog.
The song’s famous opening riff and energetic performance captured the rebellious spirit that helped make the Stones one of the most influential bands of the decade.
Even without reaching number one, it was already establishing itself as one of the most important rock singles of 1968.
4. This Guy’s In Love With You – Herb Alpert
After a successful stay at the top, Herb Alpert slipped to number four. The song had become one of the biggest adult-pop hits of the year, showcasing Alpert’s talents beyond his famous trumpet performances.
Its sophisticated arrangement and heartfelt lyrics continued to resonate with listeners. Even as newer records climbed the chart, it remained one of the most polished and elegant recordings on radio.
Its ten-week run demonstrated the enduring appeal of strong songwriting and tasteful production.
5. The Horse – Cliff Nobles & Co.
The Horse rounded out the Top 5 after spending several weeks near the summit. Its horn-driven arrangement and energetic rhythm helped it become one of the standout instrumental hits of the decade.
The record’s popularity stretched far beyond traditional pop audiences, finding fans among soul, R&B, and dance music listeners alike. Its versatility contributed greatly to its chart longevity.
Although newer songs were beginning to overtake it, the record remained one of the defining sounds of the summer of 1968.
More Weeks at #1 for “Grazing in the Grass”
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 July 20, 1968, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Grazing in the Grass by Hugh Masekela
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Grazing In The Grass – Hugh Masekela
- Lady Willpower – Gary Puckett And The Union Gap
- Jumpin’ Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones
- This Guy’s In Love With You – Herb Alpert
- The Horse – Cliff Nobles & Co.
- Stoned Soul Picnic – The 5th Dimension
- Hurdy Gurdy Man – Donovan
- Classical Gas – Mason Williams
- Hello, I Love You – The Doors
- Indian Lake – The Cowsills
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at July 1968
The July 20, 1968 chart highlights the incredible range of music that was reaching mainstream audiences. Instrumentals like Grazing In The Grass and The Horse stood alongside rock anthems, polished pop ballads, and emerging psychedelic influences. Few years offered listeners such variety at the top of the charts.
The continued success of artists like Herb Alpert, Gary Puckett, and The Rolling Stones reflected the changing musical landscape of the late 1960s. Established stars were adapting to new tastes while younger audiences increasingly embraced more adventurous sounds.
Viewed today, this chart serves as a snapshot of a remarkable era in popular music. The records featured here helped define the summer of 1968 and continue to represent one of the most creative periods in Billboard history.
