Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of September 19, 1964
The Billboard Hot 100 for September 19, 1964 reflected a music scene in transition. British groups still dominated much of the conversation, but American soul, girl groups, and classic pop performers continued to battle for chart supremacy. The result was one of the most diverse Top 10s of the year.
The Animals remained firmly in control at #1 with “House Of The Rising Sun,” while newer hits from The Newbeats, Roy Orbison, and Martha & The Vandellas were rapidly climbing. At the same time, established favorites such as The Supremes and Dean Martin continued to demonstrate remarkable staying power.
September 1964 was also a period when radio listeners could hear dramatic folk-rock influences, polished Motown productions, British beat music, and catchy novelty records all within the same hour. The variety made this one of the most exciting periods in Hot 100 history.
As autumn approached, several future classics were beginning their climb toward the top, setting the stage for an unforgettable final quarter of the year.
Top 5 Songs
1. House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals
The Animals spent a third consecutive week at #1 with one of the most powerful recordings of the decade. Built around Alan Price’s unforgettable organ and Eric Burdon’s intense vocal, the song brought traditional folk material into the rock era.
Its dark mood stood apart from nearly everything else on the radio, proving that audiences were ready for songs with greater emotional depth and storytelling.
By September 1964, “House Of The Rising Sun” had become one of the defining records of the British Invasion.
2. Bread And Butter – The Newbeats
The Newbeats jumped to #2 with their infectious pop hit “Bread And Butter.” The record’s unique falsetto lead vocal instantly captured listeners’ attention and helped distinguish it from every other song on the chart.
Its simple lyrics and catchy melody made it a radio favorite, and its rapid rise suggested that an even higher chart position could be within reach.
For many listeners, it was one of the most memorable novelty-pop hits of the entire year.
3. Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes
The Supremes remained near the top with the breakthrough record that transformed them into Motown’s premier female group. Diana Ross’s lead vocal and the song’s irresistible rhythm continued to attract new fans each week.
The success of “Where Did Our Love Go” helped establish the formula that would soon make The Supremes one of the most successful groups in music history.
Even after leaving the #1 position, the song remained one of the year’s biggest records.
4. Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison surged into the Top 5 with what would become one of the most recognizable songs ever recorded. Driven by its famous guitar riff and Orbison’s remarkable vocal performance, the record immediately stood out from the competition.
The song’s dramatic structure and unforgettable hook made it clear that this was more than just another hit single.
Its climb this week signaled that a future chart-topper had arrived.
5. G.T.O. – Ronny And The Daytonas
Car culture remained a major force in American pop music, and “G.T.O.” captured the excitement perfectly. The song celebrated speed, freedom, and the growing fascination with muscle cars that defined much of youth culture during the mid-1960s.
Its energetic performance and memorable chorus helped it become one of the era’s signature automobile songs.
The record continued its climb as summer driving season neared its end.
More Weeks at #1 for “The House of the Rising Sun”
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 September 19, 1964, this was your birthday song:
🎵 The House of the Rising Sun by The Animals
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- House Of The Rising Sun – The Animals
- Bread And Butter – The Newbeats
- Where Did Our Love Go – The Supremes
- Oh Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
- GTO – Ronny And The Daytonas
- Everybody Loves Somebody – Dean Martin
- Remember Walkin In The Sand – The Shangri-Las
- Because – The Dave Clark Five
- Do Wah Diddy Diddy – Manfred Mann
- Dancing In The Street – Martha-and-the-Vandellas
Chart Movers This Week
Autumn Arrives with New Contenders
The week of September 19, 1964 highlighted how quickly popular music was evolving. British acts remained powerful, but Motown, traditional pop, and emerging soul hits were all competing for attention.
Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” and Martha & The Vandellas’ “Dancing In The Street” were among the records gaining momentum, while The Supremes continued one of the year’s most impressive chart runs.
With “House Of The Rising Sun” still leading the way, the Hot 100 reflected a music industry that was becoming more diverse, ambitious, and influential with every passing week.
