Billboard Hot 100 Chart – Week of March 16, 1968

1. (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay completed its remarkable rise to number one this week, becoming the biggest song in America. The record represented a significant departure from Otis Redding’s earlier work, showcasing a more reflective and introspective side of his artistry.

The song’s relaxed pace, thoughtful lyrics, and unforgettable whistling outro created a mood unlike anything else on the radio. Listeners responded to its honesty and emotional depth, helping propel it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Today, it is regarded as one of the greatest soul recordings ever made. Its arrival at number one marked a defining moment in music history and cemented its place among the most enduring songs of the twentieth century.

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2. (Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls – Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick remained at number two for a fourth consecutive week with (Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls. The record continued to demonstrate Warwick’s ability to transform a movie theme into a major pop hit.

Her elegant vocal delivery and emotional interpretation elevated the material, making it resonate with listeners well beyond the film’s audience. Few performers of the era combined sophistication and accessibility as effectively as Warwick.

Although the song never quite reached the top position, its sustained success reinforced her status as one of the most respected and consistent hitmakers of the decade.

3. Love Is Blue (L’amour Est Bleu) – Paul Mauriat And His Orchestra

After five weeks at number one, Love Is Blue slipped to number three. Its chart run had already exceeded expectations and established it as one of the most successful instrumental recordings of the rock era.

The song’s elegant orchestration and memorable melody gave it broad appeal across multiple generations of listeners. In a period increasingly dominated by vocal performances, it proved that a powerful instrumental could still capture the public’s imagination.

Its success remains one of the most unusual and impressive stories of the late 1960s Billboard charts.

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4. Simon Says – 1910 Fruitgum Co.

Simon Says held steady at number four this week, continuing its successful run as one of the era’s defining bubblegum pop records. The song’s playful energy and sing-along chorus made it an instant favorite among younger audiences.

Unlike many of the more serious songs on the chart, Simon Says embraced pure fun and simplicity. Its infectious melody ensured that listeners remembered it after a single play.

The song’s continued success demonstrated that catchy, upbeat pop music still had a strong place in a rapidly changing musical landscape.

5. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) – The First Edition

The First Edition reached a new high this week as Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) climbed into the Top 5. The psychedelic recording offered a dramatically different sound from many of the other songs occupying the upper reaches of the chart.

Its unusual production, surreal lyrics, and powerful vocal performance helped it stand out on radio playlists. The song reflected the growing influence of psychedelic culture on mainstream music.

Looking back, it remains one of the most distinctive hits associated with the late 1960s and helped introduce many listeners to The First Edition.

More Weeks at #1 for “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”

This song spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Explore each chart week below: