Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of May 17, 1969
The Billboard Hot 100 chart for May 17, 1969 continued to be dominated by The 5th Dimension’s “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures),” which spent its sixth week at No. 1. Few songs captured the spirit of 1969 more effectively. Drawing inspiration from the Broadway musical Hair, the record reflected the optimism, idealism, and cultural transformation taking place across America as the decade approached its conclusion.
While the top two positions remained unchanged, the biggest story on the chart was the rapid rise of The Beatles’ “Get Back.” After debuting at No. 10 just one week earlier, the single surged to No. 3. Featuring Billy Preston, the song marked a return to the group’s rock and roll roots and quickly became one of the most talked-about records in the country.
The chart also demonstrated the growing diversity of popular music. The Isley Brothers represented the emerging funk movement with “It’s Your Thing,” while Mercy’s “Love (Can Make You Happy)” brought soft-pop harmonies into the Top 5. Instrumental music remained popular through The Ventures’ “Hawaii Five-O,” and Simon & Garfunkel continued their climb with the epic folk-rock masterpiece “The Boxer.”
Looking back today, this chart serves as an excellent snapshot of late-1960s music. Established superstars, emerging artists, soul groups, pop vocalists, and experimental recordings all shared space on one of the most varied Billboard Top 10s of the decade.
Top 5 Songs (May 17, 1969)
1. Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures) – The 5th Dimension
The 5th Dimension remained comfortably at No. 1 with one of the defining records of the era. “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In” combined theatrical ambition, social commentary, and commercial appeal in a way few songs had ever achieved.
The group’s polished harmonies transformed material from Hair into a mainstream pop phenomenon. Its uplifting themes and memorable arrangement helped it connect with listeners from a wide variety of backgrounds.
By its sixth week at No. 1, the song had become a cultural landmark as well as a chart success.
2. Hair – The Cowsills
The Cowsills held at No. 2 with “Hair,” giving the groundbreaking musical a remarkable lock on the chart’s top two positions. The song’s playful lyrics and upbeat presentation made it one of the most recognizable records on radio.
The group’s wholesome image helped broaden the song’s audience, bringing material inspired by the counterculture into mainstream American households.
Its continued success reflected the extraordinary influence that Hair was having on popular culture in 1969.
3. Get Back – The Beatles With Billy Preston
The week’s biggest mover was “Get Back,” which jumped from No. 10 to No. 3 in only its second week on the chart. The Beatles returned to a more straightforward rock and roll sound after several years of increasingly ambitious studio experimentation.
Billy Preston’s keyboard work added a distinctive flavor to the recording, making him one of the few musicians ever credited on a Beatles single. The record’s infectious groove and memorable chorus made it an immediate favorite.
Its rapid ascent suggested that another Beatles No. 1 hit was only weeks away.
4. It’s Your Thing – The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers slipped one position to No. 4 but remained one of the most exciting acts on the chart. “It’s Your Thing” helped define the emerging funk genre through its powerful rhythm, confident message, and energetic performance.
The record reflected the group’s growing artistic independence and willingness to pursue their own creative vision. Its influence would be felt throughout soul and funk music for years to come.
Even as it moved slightly downward, it remained one of the year’s most important recordings.
5. Love (Can Make You Happy) – Mercy
Mercy climbed into the Top 5 with the gentle and melodic “Love (Can Make You Happy).” The song provided a softer contrast to many of the more energetic and experimental records surrounding it.
Its lush harmonies and romantic message helped it connect with listeners seeking a more traditional pop sound. The record quickly became one of the surprise success stories of the spring of 1969.
Its continued climb showed that melodic pop ballads still held an important place on the Billboard charts.
More Weeks at #1 for “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In”
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 May 17, 1969, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In by The 5th Dimension
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures) – The 5th Dimension
- Hair – The Cowsills
- Get Back – The Beatles With Billy Preston
- It’s Your Thing – The Isley Brothers
- Love (Can Make You Happy) – Mercy
- Hawaii Five-O – The Ventures
- The Boxer – Simon & Garfunkel
- Atlantis – Donovan
- Gitarzan – Ray Stevens
- These Eyes – The Guess Who
Chart Movers This Week
Why This Week Mattered
The May 17, 1969 chart highlighted both continuity and change. While songs connected to Hair continued to dominate the top of the chart, The Beatles’ rapid rise with “Get Back” signaled the return of one of the most influential bands in music history.
The chart also demonstrated the growing popularity of funk and soul music through records by The Isley Brothers and other Top 10 performers. Meanwhile, Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” continued climbing toward its eventual peak, adding another future classic to an already impressive lineup.
Viewed today, this chart captures a remarkable moment when Broadway-inspired pop, British rock, funk, folk-rock, and soft-pop all coexisted on the Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of the most diverse and memorable charts of 1969.
