Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of January 3, 1970
The first Billboard Hot 100 chart of the 1970s arrived with a mixture of familiar stars and emerging sounds that would define the new decade. While many of the artists dominating the chart had become household names during the 1960s, a new generation was beginning to rise. The week of January 3, 1970, served as a bridge between two musical eras, combining folk-pop, Motown, rock, and soundtrack hits into one memorable Top 10.
At No. 1 was B.J. Thomas with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.” Featured prominently in the hit film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the song’s optimistic melody and easygoing charm connected immediately with audiences. It became Thomas’ first No. 1 hit and one of the defining songs of the transition from the 1960s into the 1970s. Former chart-toppers Peter, Paul & Mary and Diana Ross & The Supremes remained near the top, while Creedence Clearwater Revival continued their remarkable chart run with another major hit. Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” completed the Top 5 after spending time at No. 1 in December.
Further down the chart, Led Zeppelin and the Jackson 5 were rapidly climbing toward even greater success. Their presence in the Top 10 hinted at the changing musical landscape that would soon dominate the new decade.
Top 5 Songs (January 3, 1970)
1. Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
B.J. Thomas reached No. 1 with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” one of the most recognizable songs ever associated with a motion picture. Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song’s upbeat message and memorable melody made it an instant classic.
Its success helped launch the new decade and established the song as one of the signature recordings of the early 1970s.
2. Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
After reaching No. 1 two weeks earlier, Peter, Paul & Mary’s farewell ballad remained one of the biggest songs in America. Written by John Denver, it became the trio’s only Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper.
3. Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
The final No. 1 hit by Diana Ross & The Supremes slipped to No. 3 after topping the chart the previous week. The record marked the end of one of Motown’s most successful partnerships.
4. Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival continued their incredible streak of hit records with this double-sided classic. Both songs remain among the band’s most enduring recordings.
5. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
Steam’s former chart-topper remained firmly inside the Top 5. Its singalong chorus would eventually become one of the most recognizable crowd songs in sports and popular culture.
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Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
- Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
- Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
- Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
- I Want You Back – Jackson 5
- Venus – The Shocking Blue
- Holly Holy – Neil Diamond
- La La La (If I Had You) – Bobby Sherman
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at January 3, 1970
The first Billboard Hot 100 of the 1970s perfectly captured a changing musical landscape. Established stars such as Peter, Paul & Mary, Diana Ross & The Supremes, and Creedence Clearwater Revival still dominated the chart, while newcomers like the Jackson 5 and Led Zeppelin were quickly gaining momentum.
With “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” at No. 1, the new decade began with a song that blended pop craftsmanship, movie success, and universal appeal. Looking back, this chart serves as a fascinating snapshot of a music industry standing at the crossroads between two remarkable eras.
