In early summer 1969, Judy Garland died, the Stonewall Riots marked the beginning of the modern gay rights movement and we were a month away from setting foot on the moon. And these were the tracks everyone was listening to, via Billboard's Hot 100 chart archive.
10. "Spinning Wheel," Blood, Sweat & Tears
Horns + painted ponies (and other psychedelic imagery) = classic 1969 Blood, Sweat & Tears.
9. "Good Morning Starshine," Oliver
The debut of Broadway musical "Hair" is responsible for Oliver's biggest hit, as well as people trying to figure out just what "starshine" was.
8. "Grazing in the Grass," The Friends of Distinction
Depending on who you ask, this one is either about having a fun time outdoors or having a fun time outdoors with, you know, help from drugs. It's probably a bit of both, right? Dig it?
7. "Love (Can Make You Happy)," Mercy
This Song (Can Make You Tired).
6. "One," Three Dog Night
It's sounds like a confession of someone who is severely depressed, but it was actually written after Harry Nilsson couldn't reach someone on the phone and got a busy signal. Quite dramatic, Nilsson.
5. "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," Marvin Gaye
Originally recorded by the Temptations, "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" was Gaye's second-biggest hit of the 1960s. His biggest of the '60s? "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."
4. "In the Ghetto," Elvis Presley
Presley's big comeback hit proved that he had become quite the poverty expert.
3. "Bad Moon Rising," Creedence Clearwater Revival
If you had to pick a follow-up to "Proud Mary," you'd choose this song, too.
2. "Love Theme from 'Romeo & Juliet,'" Henry Mancini
The film was released in 1968, but Mancini version of the theme was its most popular, entering the charts at No. 2 and eventually hitting No. 1.
1. "Get Back," The Beatles
One of the Beatles' last No 1 hits (the final No. 1, "The Long and Winding Road," would come a year later) was also the band's only song that was also credited to another artist — Billy Preston.
