Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of November 9, 1968
The second week of November 1968 found The Beatles continuing their remarkable dominance of the Billboard Hot 100. Hey Jude held firmly at number one, extending a chart run that had become one of the biggest stories of the year. Few records had captured the public imagination the way Hey Jude had, and even after weeks at the top, its popularity showed no signs of fading.
Apple Records enjoyed another strong week as Mary Hopkin’s Those Were The Days remained at number two. The song’s nostalgic melody and old-world charm provided a striking contrast to the rock-oriented sounds climbing elsewhere on the chart. Together, The Beatles and Hopkin gave Apple control of the top two positions for a second consecutive week.
The biggest mover in the Top 5 belonged to Motown. Diana Ross & The Supremes surged from number nine to number three with Love Child, one of the group’s most socially relevant and emotionally powerful recordings. Meanwhile, O.C. Smith’s Little Green Apples continued its impressive run near the top, while Johnny Nash broke into the Top 5 with the uplifting Hold Me Tight.
The chart reflected the musical diversity that defined late 1968. Soul, rock, psychedelic music, pop ballads, and folk-influenced songs all competed side by side. As the year entered its final stretch, the Billboard Hot 100 remained one of the most varied charts of the entire decade.
Top 5 Songs (November 9, 1968)
1. Hey Jude – The Beatles
Hey Jude remained the number one song in America, continuing one of the most dominant chart runs of the 1960s. The Beatles had created a record that transcended traditional pop formulas and became a cultural event in its own right.
The song’s emotional message, memorable piano introduction, and legendary closing singalong kept listeners returning week after week. Radio stations continued to embrace its unusually long running time because audience demand remained so strong.
As November progressed, Hey Jude looked increasingly destined to become one of the defining records of the entire decade.
2. Those Were The Days – Mary Hopkin
Mary Hopkin held steady at number two with Those Were The Days, maintaining impressive momentum after her rapid rise through the chart. The song’s nostalgic mood continued to resonate with listeners across multiple generations.
Produced under The Beatles’ Apple label, the record stood apart from most contemporary hits through its folk-inspired arrangement and timeless storytelling. Its unique sound helped make it one of the year’s most memorable records.
Although still blocked by Hey Jude, it remained one of the strongest challengers on the chart.
3. Love Child – Diana Ross & The Supremes
The biggest Top 5 move of the week belonged to Love Child, which jumped from number nine to number three. Diana Ross & The Supremes delivered one of the most powerful performances of their career with a song that tackled more serious themes than many earlier Motown hits.
The record combined a compelling story, strong vocal performance, and the polished production that had made Motown one of the most successful labels in America.
Its rapid climb suggested that a challenge for the number one position might be only weeks away.
4. Little Green Apples – O.C. Smith
Little Green Apples slipped one position to number four, but it remained one of the most beloved ballads on the chart. O.C. Smith’s warm vocal style gave the song a sincerity that connected deeply with listeners.
Its thoughtful lyric and understated arrangement helped it stand out amid the louder rock records and dramatic productions surrounding it in the Top 10.
The song’s longevity proved that strong songwriting and emotional honesty still had a place at the top of the charts in 1968.
5. Hold Me Tight – Johnny Nash
Johnny Nash climbed into the Top 5 with Hold Me Tight, one of the smoothest and most uplifting records on the radio. The song’s infectious rhythm and optimistic feel made it an easy favorite with listeners.
Nash’s warm vocal delivery gave the record a relaxed charm that contrasted nicely with many of the more dramatic songs climbing the charts.
Its move into the Top 5 marked another important milestone in a steadily growing hit run.
More Weeks at #1 for “Hey Jude”
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 9, 1968, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Hey Jude by The Beatles
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Hey Jude – The Beatles
- Those Were The Days – Mary Hopkin
- Love Child – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- Little Green Apples – O.C. Smith
- Hold Me Tight – Johnny Nash
- White Room – Cream
- Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf
- Elenore – The Turtles
- Fire – The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
- Midnight Confessions – The Grass Roots
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at November 1968
The November 9, 1968 chart highlighted both stability and change. The Beatles remained firmly in control at number one, while Apple Records held the top two positions for another week. Yet beneath them, the chart was shifting rapidly as Motown, rock, and pop artists battled for position.
The rise of Love Child signaled another major hit for Diana Ross & The Supremes, while Johnny Nash’s climb into the Top 5 showed that listeners continued to embrace positive, melodic records alongside the era’s more experimental sounds.
Looking back today, this chart represents the rich variety of late-1968 popular music—a moment when classic pop craftsmanship, Motown soul, psychedelic rock, and contemporary ballads all shared the same stage.
