Elvis’ Music and the Other Top Hits From 1969

Man walked on the Moon in 1969, the Vietnam War was in full swing, and the year 1969 was the year we also saw the assignations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. What were the top songs from 1969? Here’s our list of blockbuster tunes.

Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” hit the charts in 1969, and returned Elvis to international popularity after a drought of obscurity. Elvis first sang the song in concert at Las Vegas International Hotel, now the Hilton, on July 31, 1969 and the single was released 30 days later.

“In the Year 2525” by Zager and Evans was the only single from perhaps the musicians of note from Lincoln Nebraska, and is considered the best example of a one hit wonder. The song has been covered at least 60 times in seven languages.

The 5th Dimension hit the charts with “Aquarius, Let the Sunshine In” in the spring of 1969, and was the second ranked Billboard song of the year.

“Suite Judy Blue Eyes” by Cosby Stills Nash and Young came from the group’s debut album of the same name. The song was played by progressive radio stations in its original length, but had to be shorted to allow Top 40 airplay. The song was originally played at the Woodstock Music Festival.

—
Photo credit: American Spirit / Shutterstock.com