Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of September 6, 1969
Labor Day weekend marked the unofficial end of the summer of 1969, and the Billboard Hot 100 reflected a music scene that was changing rapidly. Woodstock had taken place only weeks earlier, introducing many listeners to a new generation of performers, while established stars continued to dominate radio. The chart for September 6, 1969 blended rock, country, folk, pop, and singer-songwriter styles into one of the year’s most memorable Top 10 lineups.
At No. 1 for the third consecutive week was “Honky Tonk Women” by The Rolling Stones. The song’s blues-infused rock sound made it one of the defining records of the summer. Johnny Cash remained close behind with “A Boy Named Sue,” while the animated pop group The Archies continued their rapid climb with “Sugar, Sugar.” Creedence Clearwater Revival moved into the Top 5 with “Green River,” and The Youngbloods’ revival hit “Get Together” completed one of the most unusual chart stories of the decade by reaching a new peak nearly two years after its original release.
The chart also featured major hits from Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Jackie DeShannon, Three Dog Night, and Tom Jones. Looking back, this week serves as a perfect bridge between the optimistic spirit of the 1960s and the musical trends that would define the 1970s.
Top 5 Songs (September 6, 1969)
1. Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones continued their reign atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Honky Tonk Women.” Combining country influences with gritty rock and blues, the record became one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring hits.
Its driving rhythm, memorable guitar work, and confident performance helped it remain the nation’s most popular song as the summer drew to a close.
2. A Boy Named Sue – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash held the No. 2 position with the live-recorded novelty hit “A Boy Named Sue.” The humorous tale resonated with audiences across multiple genres and became one of Cash’s biggest crossover successes.
The song’s popularity demonstrated the growing influence of country music on the mainstream pop charts.
3. Sugar, Sugar – The Archies
“Sugar, Sugar” continued its rapid ascent, holding at No. 3 while gaining momentum toward the top spot. The bubblegum pop anthem featured catchy melodies and a simple, infectious chorus that appealed to listeners of all ages.
Its success proved that a fictional television band could compete with the biggest stars in popular music.
4. Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival climbed into the Top 5 with “Green River.” The song’s swamp-rock sound and vivid storytelling continued the band’s remarkable streak of hit singles during 1969.
John Fogerty’s songwriting and the group’s distinctive sound helped make Creedence one of America’s most successful rock bands.
5. Get Together – The Youngbloods
“Get Together” reached a new peak after an unusually long chart journey. Originally released in 1967, the song found renewed popularity as its message of peace, understanding, and unity resonated with listeners during 1969.
Its climb into the Top 5 made it one of the most remarkable comeback stories of the decade.
More Weeks at #1 for “Honky Tonk Women”
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 6, 1969, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Honky Tonk Women by The Rolling Stones
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones
- A Boy Named Sue – Johnny Cash
- Sugar, Sugar – The Archies
- Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Get Together – The Youngbloods
- Put A Little Love In Your Heart – Jackie DeShannon
- Lay Lady Lay – Bob Dylan
- Easy To Be Hard – Three Dog Night
- Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) – Neil Diamond
- I’ll Never Fall In Love Again – Tom Jones
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at September 6, 1969
The Billboard Hot 100 for September 6, 1969 captured an extraordinary mix of musical styles. Rock acts like The Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival shared chart space with country legend Johnny Cash, folk-rock favorites The Youngbloods, and the bubblegum pop phenomenon of The Archies.
Several future classics were still climbing, including “Sugar, Sugar,” “Green River,” and “Easy To Be Hard.” As the final months of the decade approached, this chart demonstrated just how diverse and creative popular music had become. More than fifty years later, many of these songs remain staples of classic radio and continue to define the sound of 1969.
