Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of November 4, 1967
The Billboard Hot 100 for November 4, 1967 continued to be led by “To Sir With Love” by Lulu, which remained firmly at #1 for a third consecutive week. The heartfelt ballad had become one of the defining records of the fall, fueled by the popularity of the film and Lulu’s sincere vocal performance. While rock music was becoming more adventurous and soul music was gaining strength, this simple and emotional song continued to connect with millions of listeners.
Behind Lulu, the biggest story on the chart was the rapid rise of Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” which surged from #7 to #2. The record represented the growing influence of Southern soul on mainstream radio and would soon become one of the most celebrated songs of the decade. Vikki Carr also reached a new peak with “It Must Be Him,” while Soul Survivors and Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell rounded out an increasingly soulful Top 5.
The chart also reflected changing musical tastes. Psychedelic rock made its presence felt through Strawberry Alarm Clock’s “Incense And Peppermints,” while Aretha Franklin continued her remarkable run of hits with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” New entries from The Cowsills and Bobby Vinton completed a Top 10 that blended traditional pop, soul, and the emerging sounds of late-1960s radio.
Top 5 Songs (November 4, 1967)
1. To Sir With Love – Lulu
“To Sir With Love” held onto the #1 position for another week, proving that its success was no accident. The song offered something unique on the radio: a message built around gratitude, respect, and reflection rather than romance or heartbreak.
Lulu’s performance gave the record its emotional center. Her ability to balance strength and warmth helped listeners connect with the song on a deeply personal level. As a result, it continued to dominate the Hot 100 even as strong challengers emerged below it.
The record’s sustained success made it one of the signature songs of 1967 and one of the most memorable soundtrack hits of the era.
2. Soul Man – Sam & Dave
One of the biggest stories of the week was the explosive rise of “Soul Man,” which jumped from #7 to #2. The song brought the energy of Stax Records directly into the mainstream and showcased the incredible chemistry between Sam Moore and Dave Prater.
Driven by a powerful groove, unforgettable horn arrangements, and one of the most recognizable choruses of the decade, the record felt impossible to ignore. Its message of resilience and pride resonated with audiences across the country.
The leap to #2 made it clear that “Soul Man” was becoming one of the defining soul records of the 1960s.
3. It Must Be Him – Vikki Carr
“It Must Be Him” climbed to a new peak at #3, giving Vikki Carr the biggest hit of her career. The dramatic ballad stood apart from many contemporary hits thanks to its emotional intensity and orchestral arrangement.
The song captured the anxiety and anticipation of waiting for a loved one, themes that audiences immediately understood. Carr’s passionate vocal performance helped elevate the material and gave the record lasting appeal.
Its continued rise showed that traditional vocal pop still had a strong audience even as rock and soul dominated headlines.
4. Expressway (To Your Heart) – Soul Survivors
Holding at #4, “Expressway (To Your Heart)” continued its successful run near the top of the chart. The song blended Philadelphia soul sophistication with a driving rhythm that made it a favorite on radio and dance floors alike.
The energetic horns and confident vocal performance gave the record a distinctive personality. It sounded fresh and exciting while remaining accessible to mainstream listeners.
Its Top 5 position confirmed the growing importance of soul music in shaping the sound of late-1967 radio.
5. Your Precious Love – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell moved into the Top 5 with “Your Precious Love,” one of the finest duet recordings of the Motown era. The chemistry between the two singers was evident from the first note and helped make the song an instant favorite.
The record balanced romance, melody, and vocal interplay perfectly. Rather than competing with one another, Gaye and Terrell complemented each other in a way that felt natural and effortless.
Its rise into the Top 5 further strengthened Motown’s remarkable presence on the charts during the decade.
More Weeks at #1 for “To Sir With Love”
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 November 4, 1967, this was your birthday song:
🎵 To Sir With Love by Lulu
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- To Sir With Love – Lulu
- Soul Man – Sam & Dave
- It Must Be Him – Vikki Carr
- Expressway (To Your Heart) – Soul Survivors
- Your Precious Love – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- Never My Love – The Association
- Incense And Peppermints – Strawberry Alarm Clock
- (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin
- The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
- Please Love Me Forever – Bobby Vinton
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at November 1967
The November 4, 1967 chart reflected a music industry that was becoming increasingly diverse. Lulu’s soundtrack ballad sat at #1, but soul music was rapidly becoming one of the dominant forces in popular music. Sam & Dave, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, and Soul Survivors all held significant positions within the Top 10.
This week also showcased the variety of styles competing for listeners’ attention. Traditional pop, Motown, Southern soul, Philadelphia soul, and psychedelic rock all shared space on the same chart, something that would have been difficult to imagine only a few years earlier.
Looking back today, the chart serves as a snapshot of a transformative period in music history. The records occupying the Top 10 captured both the changing tastes of the public and the remarkable creativity that defined the late 1960s.
