Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of May 9, 1964
The Billboard Hot 100 for May 9, 1964 delivered one of the most remarkable moments of the decade. After six consecutive weeks of Beatles domination with “Can’t Buy Me Love,” Louis Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly!” rose to #1, ending the Beatles’ historic run at the top of the chart.
The achievement was extraordinary. At 62 years old, Armstrong became the oldest artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100 at that time. Even more impressive, he accomplished the feat during the height of Beatlemania, when The Beatles seemed virtually unstoppable.
The rest of the chart reflected the changing musical landscape of 1964. The Beatles still held two Top 5 positions, Motown continued its ascent through Mary Wells’ “My Guy,” and The Dave Clark Five remained one of the strongest British challengers to Liverpool’s most famous export.
Looking back, this week is remembered as one of the great surprises in Billboard history. Louis Armstrong, whose career stretched back to the 1920s, proved that timeless talent could still compete against the newest musical sensations.
Top 5 Songs
1. Hello, Dolly! – Louis Armstrong And The All Stars
“Hello, Dolly!” climbed from #2 to #1, becoming one of the most unlikely chart-toppers of the 1960s. Louis Armstrong accomplished what few believed possible: he ended the Beatles’ reign at the height of Beatlemania.
The record’s cheerful melody, Broadway origins, and Armstrong’s unmistakable voice made it a favorite with listeners of all ages. His warm performance gave the song a timeless quality that stood apart from contemporary pop trends.
Historically, this remains one of the most important chart achievements of the decade. Armstrong demonstrated that great music could transcend generations and compete successfully against even the most powerful cultural phenomenon.
2. Do You Want To Know A Secret – The Beatles
Rising to a new peak of #2, “Do You Want To Know A Secret” became the highest-charting Beatles record on the chart this week. George Harrison’s lead vocal helped distinguish the song from many of the group’s other hits.
The record’s continued success reflected the enormous appetite Americans still had for Beatles music. Even older recordings were becoming major chart contenders months after Beatlemania began.
Although it fell short of #1, its climb to #2 added yet another major hit to the Beatles’ growing catalog.
3. My Guy – Mary Wells
Mary Wells climbed to #3 with “My Guy,” continuing Motown’s rise as a major force in American music. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, the song perfectly balanced pop accessibility with soul sophistication.
Wells delivered one of the most confident and charming vocal performances of the era. Her delivery helped make the song a favorite with radio listeners nationwide.
Its continued climb suggested that Motown’s biggest breakthrough was just around the corner.
4. Bits And Pieces – The Dave Clark Five
Holding at #4, “Bits And Pieces” kept The Dave Clark Five firmly in the spotlight. The group’s energetic style and pounding rhythm section made them one of the strongest British acts outside of The Beatles.
The song built on the momentum created by “Glad All Over” and helped establish the group as a major player in the British Invasion.
Its success showed that American audiences were embracing far more than a single British band.
5. Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles
After six weeks at #1, “Can’t Buy Me Love” fell to #5. Even so, its chart run remained one of the defining success stories of 1964.
The song helped power the most dominant period of Beatlemania and was a central part of the group’s historic chart achievements during the spring.
Its decline from the top spot marked the end of one chapter in chart history, but The Beatles remained one of the most powerful forces in popular music.
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🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending May 9, 1964, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Hello, Dolly! by Louis Armstrong
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🎂 Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Hello, Dolly! – Louis Armstrong And The All Stars
- Do You Want To Know A Secret – The Beatles
- My Guy – Mary Wells
- Bits And Pieces – The Dave Clark Five
- Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles
- Don’t Let The Rain Come Down (Crooked Little Man) – The Serendipity Singers
- Ronnie – The 4 Seasons
- Dead Man’s Curve – Jan & Dean
- Suspicion – Terry Stafford
- White On White – Danny Williams
Chart Movers This Week
Louis Armstrong Ends Beatlemania’s Reign
The week of May 9, 1964 is remembered as one of the most surprising chart weeks of the decade. Louis Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly!” dethroned The Beatles and became the #1 song in America.
Armstrong’s victory was significant not only because of his age and legendary status, but because it occurred during one of the most dominant stretches any artist has ever enjoyed on the Billboard Hot 100. Few performers could have challenged The Beatles at that moment, yet Armstrong succeeded.
The chart also highlighted the growing strength of Motown and the continuing influence of the British Invasion. Looking back, this week serves as a reminder that great music can come from any generation, and that even during Beatlemania there was still room for surprises.