List of "Billboard's" #2 Pop Singles

[Max]

Believe it or not, someone has actually written a book about the songs that peaked at #2 on the "Billboard" Pop Singles Chart: "The 'Billboard' Book of No. 2 Singles" by Christopher G. Feldman. This book will serve as the source of the following list of singles that peaked at #2. Before I begin this list, however, there are some things that I need to mention:

*The list of #2 singles will begin in 1955 and end in 1999.

*One of the things that makes this list interesting is that so many of the songs that peaked at #2 are very well-known songs that one might think would have reached #1. Another interesting thing about this list is that some very famous artists never had a #1 single; instead, their biggest single(s) peaked at #2.

*This list will be quite a bit shorter than the list of #1 singles. The reason why this is the case is because if a song reached #1, it by definition peaked at #1. On the other hand, if a song reached #2, there is still a chance that that song could peak at #1. Keep in mind that this is a list of songs that reached #2 and peaked at #2. Obviously, if a song reached #2 yet peaked at #1, it will not be included in this list.

*Similar to what is written above, the list of singles that peaked at #2 will not cover every single week of any given year (unlike how the list of #1 songs covered the entire year). This is because for many weeks of any given year, the song that held the #2 position went on to peak at #1.

*Despite the fact that this list is shorter than the list of #1 hits, it is still a very long list that will take quite a while for me to complete it.

*After each song title and its artist is listed, a parentheses will appear that lists how many weeks the song spent at #2 and a corresponding date. Specifically, the format of the parentheses will look like this: (# of weeks the song spent at #2, corresponding date). First, keep in mind that the number of weeks a song spent at #2 may not necessarily be consecutive. And, by "corresponding date," I am referring to the date of the week that the single first peaked at #2. This date is always a Saturday, and it represents the week ENDED on that particular date.

To further ease confusion about what the figures in parentheses mean, look at the following example:

1957:

Bye Bye Love--The Everly Brothers (4 weeks, June 17)

What the figures in parentheses tell you is the following. First, the song spent 4 weeks at its peak position of #2 (although all 4 weeks might not have necessarily been consecutive). Second, this single first peaked at #2 on the week ending Saturday, June 17 (1957).

And now, here is the list:

1955:

1. Melody of Love--Billy Vaughn & His Orchestra (1 week, March 5)*

2. Crazy Otto Medley--Johnny Maddox & the Rhythmasters (6 weeks, March 12)

3. Unchained Melody--Les Baxter, His Chorus, & Orchestra (6 weeks, May 14)

4. Dance with Me, Henry--Georgia Gibbs (1 week, May 21)

5. Learnin' the Blues--Frank Sinatra (2 weeks, July 23)

6. A Blossom Fell--Nat "King" Cole (1 week, July 30)

7. Ain't That a Shame--Pat Boone (6 weeks, August 13)

*(Note: This list starts with "Melody of Love," which was the very first single to peak at #2 in 1955. This differs from the list of #1 hits, because that list did not start with the very first single to peak at #1 in 1955.)

1956:

8. The Great Pretender--The Platters (3 weeks, January 28)

9. Hot Diggity--Perry Como (5 weeks, April 21)

10. Moonglow and the Theme from "Picnic"--Morris Stoloff Conducting the Columbia Pictures Orchestra (6 weeks, May 26)

11. I Almost Lost My Mind--Pat Boone (3 weeks, July 7)

12. Honky Tonk (Parts 1 & 2)--Bill Doggett (2 weeks, October 6)

13. Green Door--Jim Lowe (6 weeks, November 10)

1957:

14. Young Love--Sonny James (3 weeks, January 26)

15. Teen-Age Crush--Tommy Sands (2 weeks, March 16)

16. Little Darlin'--The Diamonds (8 weeks, April 6)

17. White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)--Marty Robbins (1 week, June 3)

18. A Teenager's Romance--Ricky Nelson (1 week, June 10)

19. Bye Bye Love--The Everly Brothers (4 weeks, June 17)

20. Raunchy--Bill Justis & His Orchestra (1 week, December 16)

To make this list even more interesting, I am going to tell you which #1 hit(s) kept each #2 hit from reaching the top spot. In several instances, the #1 song(s) that kept a #2 song from the top spot is actually less well-known than the #2 hit. Please note that if a song spent 2 or more weeks at #2, it is entirely possible for more than one #1 hit to have blocked it from reaching the top: that's because it is possible for one song to be #1 during one/some of the weeks the #2 hit reached its peak position, and it is also possible for another song(s) to be #1 during another/some other of the weeks the #2 hit held its peak position. Also note that after the colon that follows each #2 song title listed below, the song title and artist of the #1 hit(s) will be mentioned.

1955:

1. Melody of Love: Sincerely--The McGuire Sisters

2. Crazy Otto Medley: Sincerely--The McGuire Sisters and Ballad of Davy Crockett--Bill Hayes

3. Unchained Melody: Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White--Perez Prado

4. Dance with Me, Henry: Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White--Perez Prado

5. Learnin' the Blues: (We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock--Bill Haley & His Comets

6. A Blossom Fell: (We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock--Bill Haley & His Comets

7. Ain't That a Shame: (We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock--Bill Haley & His Comets and The Yellow Rose of Texas--Mitch Miller

1956:

8. The Great Pretender: Memories Are Made of This--Dean Martin

9. Hot Diggity: Heartbreak Hotel--Elvis Presley

10. Moonglow and the Theme from "Picnic": Heartbreak Hotel--Elvis Presley and The Wayward Wind--Gogi Grant

11. I Almost Lost My Mind: The Wayward Wind--Gogi Grant

12. Honky Tonk (Parts 1 & 2): Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog--Elvis Presley

13. Green Door: Love Me Tender--Elvis Presley and Singing the Blues--Guy Mitchell

1957:

14. Young Love: Singing the Blues--Guy Mitchell and Too Much--Elvis Presley

15. Teen-Age Crush: Young Love--Tab Hunter

16. Little Darlin': Round and Round--Perry Como and All Shook Up--Elvis Presley

17. White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation): Love Letters in the Sand--Pat Boone

18. A Teenager's Romance: Love Letters in the Sand--Pat Boone

19. Bye Bye Love: Love Letters in the Sand--Pat Boone and (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear--Elvis Presley

20. Raunchy: Jailhouse Rock/Treat Me Nice--Elvis Presley

[Im-n-a-whirl]

Some of these songs, as we already discussed, were actually number ones on other charts.

Speaking of "one-hit wonders," you'd be surprised at who else falls into this category:

-Jimi Hendrix. Despite being one of rock's biggest legends, he actually only had one hit single, the #20 "All Along the Watchtower."

-The Grateful Dead. They have a huge cult following and record-breaking ticket sales, but as for the charts, they have only appeared on them once: The Top Ten hit "Touch of Gray."

-Jesse Belvin. In the Hall of Fame as an early influence, but he only had one hit, 1959's "Guess Who." He was killed in a car accident a few months later.

-Roxy Music. This art-rock band, who are legends in every other part of the world never caught on here in the states. Their one chart entry: "Love is the Drug" from 1976.

-Led Zeppelin. They are not one hit wonders, but they are a wonder in the fact that their most famous recording, "Stairway to Heaven," was never released as a commercial single. That feat has to fall into a category somewhere!

[Max]

Im-n-a-whirl, thank you again for sharing your expertise with us. I always enjoy reading your insightful comments.

Like you stated, so many of the songs that peaked at #2 on "Billboard's Best Sellers in Stores" chart peaked at #1 on one of the other pop charts that "Billboard" had at the time. Thankfully, beginning in late 1958, "Billboard" has just one pop singles chart, "The Hot 100."

Thank you for telling us about these very surprising one-hit wonders. As you would probably guess, I find this topic to be endlessly fascinating. I would definately consider Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead as the two most surprising one-hit wonders of all-time. (As a side note, I also find it interesting that the Grateful Dead's one hit, "Touch of Grey," was actually from 1987.) And, as you said, Jessie Belvin is a surprising one-hit wonder due to his influence on early rock 'n' roll. Even more surprising than his being a one-hit wonder, is the fact that "Guess Who" (his only top 40 hit) is not as well known as "Goodnight My Love," which did not make the top 40. I am very sorry to read that he died in a car crash at such a young age.

[Max]

1958:

21. Great Balls of Fire--Jerry Lee Lewis (1 week, January 6)

22. Stood Up--Ricky Nelson (3 weeks, January 13)

23. Get a Job--The Silhouettes (4 weeks, February 3)

24. Sweet Little Sixteen--Chuck Berry (3 weeks, March 17)

25. Lollipop--The Chordettes (1 week, March 31)

26. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands--Laurie London (2 weeks, April 14)

27. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck--Elvis Presley (1 week, April 28)

28. Yakety Yak--The Coasters (3 weeks, June 30)

29. Patricia--Perez Prado & His Orchestra (2 weeks, July 28)

30. Bird Dog--The Everly Brothers (3 weeks, September 15)

31. Rockin' Robin--Bobby Day (2 weeks, October 13)

32. Problems--The Everly Brothers (1 week, December 15)

1959:

33. My Happiness--Connie Francis (2 weeks, January 19)

34. The All American Boy--Bill Parsons (aka, Bobby Bare) (1 week, February 2)

35. 16 Candles--The Crests (2 weeks, February 9)

36. Donna--Ritchie Valens (2 weeks, February 23)

37. Charlie Brown--The Coasters (3 weeks, March 9)

38. (Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I--Elvis Presley (1 week, April 27)

39. Sorry (I Ran All the Way Home)--The Impalas (2 weeks, May 11)

40. Dream Lover--Bobby Darin (1 week, June 8)

41. Personality--Lloyd Price (3 weeks, June 15)

42. There Goes My Baby--The Drifters (1 week, August 17)

43. Sea of Love--Phil Phillips with the Twilights (2 weeks, August 24)

44. Put Your Head on My Shoulder--Paul Anka (3 weeks, October 5)

45. Don't You Know--Della Reese (1 week, November 30)

The #2 hits listed above were kept from reaching the top spot by the following #1 hits:

1958:

21. Great Balls of Fire: At the Hop--Danny & the Juniors

22. Stood Up: At the Hop--Danny & the Juniors

23. Get a Job: At the Hop--Danny & the Juniors and Don't/I Beg of You--Elvis Presley

24. Sweet Little Sixteen: Tequila--The Champs

25. Lollipop: Tequila--The Champs

26. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands: Tequila--The Champs and Twilight Time--The Platters

27. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck: Witch Doctor--David Seville

28. Yakety Yak: The Purple People Eater--Sheb Wooley and Hard Headed Woman--Elvis Presley

29. Patricia: Hard Headed Woman--Elvis Presley and Poor Little Fool--Ricky Nelson

30. Bird Dog: Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu)--Domenico Modugno and It's All in the Game--Tommy Edwards

31. Rockin' Robin: It's All in the Game--Tommy Edwards

32. Problems: To Know Him Is to Love Him--The Teddy Bears

1959:

33. My Happiness: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes--The Platters

34. The All American Boy: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes--The Platters

35. 16 Candles: Stagger Lee--Lloyd Price

36. Donna: Stagger Lee--Lloyd Price

37. Charlie Brown: Venus--Frankie Avalon

38. (Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I: Come Softly to Me--The Fleetwoods

39. Sorry (I Ran All the Way Home): The Happy Organ--Dave "Baby" Cortez and Kansas City--Wilbert Harrison

40. Dream Lover: The Battle of New Orleans--Johnny Horton

41. Personality: The Battle of New Orleans--Johnny Horton

42. There Goes My Baby: A Big Hunk O' Love--Elvis Presley

43. Sea of Love: The Three Bells--The Browns

44. Put Your Head on My Shoulder: Mack the Knife--Bobby Darin

45. Don't You Know: Mack the Knife--Bobby Darin

[Max]

1960:

46. Handy Man--Jimmy Jones (1 week, February 29)

47. He'll Have to Go--Jim Reeves (3 weeks, March 7)

48. Wild One--Bobby Rydell (1 week, March 28)

49. Puppy Love--Paul Anka (2 weeks, April 4)

50. Greenfields--The Brothers Four (4 weeks, April 18)

51. Only the Lonely (Know How I Feel)--Roy Orbison (1 week, July 25)

52. Walk-Don't Run--The Ventures (1 week, August 29)

53. Chain Gang--Sam Cooke (2 weeks, October 3)

54. Poetry in Motion--Johnny Tillotson (1 week, November 14)

55. Last Date--Floyd Cramer (4 weeks, November 28)

1961:

56. Theme from "Exodus"--Ferrante & Teicher (1 week, January 23)

57. Shop Around--The Miracles (1 week, February 20)

58. Apache--Jorgen Ingmann & His Guitar (2 weeks, April 3)

59. Daddy's Home--Shep & the Limelights (1 week, May 29)

60. Raindrops--Dee Clark (1 week, June 26)

61. The Boll Weevil Song--Brook Benton (3 weeks, July 10)

62. I Like It Like That, Part 1--Chris Kenner (3 weeks, July 31)

63. The Mountain's High--Dick & DeeDee (2 weeks, September 25)

64. Crying--Roy Orbison (1 week, October 9)

65. Bristol Stomp--The Dovells (2 weeks, October 23)

66. Run to Him--Bobby Vee (1 week, December 25)

1962:

67. Can't Help Falling in Love--Elvis Presley (1 week, February 3)

68. The Wanderer--Dion (1 week, February 24)

69. Midnight in Moscow--Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen (1 week, March 17)

70. Mashed Potato Time--Dee Dee Sharp (2 weeks, May 5)

71. The Wah Watusi--The Orlons (2 weeks, July 21)

72. You Don't Know Me--Ray Charles (1 week, September 8)

73. Ramblin' Rose--Nat "King" Cole (2 weeks, September 22)

74. Only Love Can Break a Heart--Gene Pitney (1 week, November 3)

75. Return to Sender--Elvis Presley (5 weeks, November 17)

76. Limbo Rock--Chubby Checker (2 weeks, December 22)

The #2 hits listed above were kept from reaching the top spot by the following #1 hits:

1960:

46. Handy Man: Theme from "A Summer Place"--Percy Faith

47. He'll Have to Go: Theme from "A Summer Place"--Percy Faith

48. Wild One: Theme from "A Summer Place"--Percy Faith

49. Puppy Love: Theme from "A Summer Place"--Percy Faith

50. Greenfields: Theme from "A Summer Place"--Percy Faith and Stuck on You--Elvis Presley

51. Only the Lonely (Know How I Feel): I'm Sorry--Brenda Lee

52. Walk-Don't Run: It's Now or Never--Elvis Presley

53. Chain Gang: My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own--Connie Francis and Mr. Custer--Larry Verne

54. Poetry in Motion: Georgia on My Mind--Ray Charles

55. Last Date: Are You Lonesome Tonight?--Elvis Presley

1961:

56. Theme from "Exodus": Wonderland by Night--Bert Kaempfert

57. Shop Around: Calcutta--Lawrence Welk

58. Apache: Blue Moon--The Marcels

59. Daddy's Home: Travelin' Man--Ricky Nelson

60. Raindrops: Quarter to Three--Gary U.S. Bonds

61. The Boll Weevil Song: Tossin' and Turnin'--Bobby Lewis

62. I Like It Like That, Part 1: Tossin' and Turnin'--Bobby Lewis

63. The Mountain's High: Take Good Care of My Baby--Bobby Vee

64. Crying: Hit the Road Jack--Ray Charles

65. Bristol Stomp: Runaround Sue--Dion

66. Run to Him: The Lion Sleeps Tonight--The Tokens

1962:

67. Can't Help Falling in Love: Peppermint Twist-Part I--Joey Dee & the Starliters

68. The Wanderer: Duke of Earl--Gene Chandler

69. Midnight in Moscow: Hey! Baby--Bruce Channel

70. Mashed Potato Time: Soldier Boy--The Shirelles

71. The Wah Watusi: Roses Are Red (My Love)--Bobby Vinton

72. You Don't Know Me: Sheila--Tommy Roe

73. Ramblin' Rose: Sherry--The Four Seasons

74. Only Love Can Break a Heart: He's a Rebel--The Crystals

75. Return to Sender: Big Girls Don't Cry--The Four Seasons

76. Limbo Rock: Telstar--The Tornadoes

[Im-n-a-whirl]

Jumping in for just a second...

So who are the kings of number 2's?

Creedence Clearwater Revival, who had no less than 5 singles hit #2 and subsequently fail to top the charts:

Proud Mary

Bad Moon Rising

Green River

(the above three were back to back releases)

Travelin' Band

Lookin' Out My Back Door

As for the King himself, he has also found himself knocking on the #1 door and getting stuck at #2:

Love Me

Wear My Ring Around Your Neck

(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such as I

Can't Help Fallin' In Love

Return to Sender

Burnin' Love

[Max]

Im-n-a-whirl, Creedence Clearwater Revival sure did have "bad" luck: they had five #2 hits yet never reached #1.

Regarding "Love Me" by Elvis Presley, I'm sure that you know the reason why that is not listed here is because that song went to #2 on one of the "Billboard" charts other than the "Best Sellers in Stores" chart.

In addition to Creedence Clearwater Revival and Elvis Presley (who had five #2 hits if you exclude "Love Me"), the Carpenters also had five #2 hits.

Yet, surprisingly, five #2 hits is not the record for the artist with the most #2 hits. (Although it should be noted that Creedence Clearwater Revival holds the record for the artist that had the most #2 hits without ever having a #1 hit.) The artist with the most #2 hits is Madonna, who had six #2 hits.

[Im-n-a-whirl]

I remembered that CCR held that record and that's what sent me to them first. As far as Elvis goes, since he holds the record for most chart entries, he had to have a slew of #2's in there!

Max, we need to hang out together sometime. We have WAY too much interest in this, LOL.

But make no mistake, I'm loving every minute of it! Meeting someone who also studies music history is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

[Max]

Im-n-a-whirl, I'm also loving every minute of our conversations! I feel so lucky getting to talk to you because you are the first person I know who is every bit as--or even more--knowledgable about pop music history as I am.

1963:

77. Ruby Baby--Dion (3 weeks, February 23)

78. The End of the World--Skeeter Davis (1 week, March 23)

79. Can't Get Used to Losing You--Andy Williams (4 weeks, April 13)

80. Puff the Magic Dragon--Peter, Paul, & Mary (1 week, May 11)

81. Wipe Out--The Surfaris (1 week, August 10)

82. Blowin' in the Wind--Peter, Paul, & Mary (1 week, August 17)

83. Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter from Camp)--Allan Sherman (3 weeks, August 24)

84. Sally, Go 'Round the Roses--The Jaynetts (2 weeks, September 28)

85. Be My Baby--The Ronettes (3 weeks, October 12)

86. Washington Square--The Village Stompers (1 week, November 23)

87. Louie Louie--The Kingsmen (6 weeks, December 14)

1964:

88. You Don't Own Me--Lesley Gore (3 weeks, February 1)

89. Twist and Shout--The Beatles (4 weeks, April 4)

90. Do You Want to Know a Secret--The Beatles (1 week, May 9)

91. My Boy Lollipop--Millie Small (1 week, July 4)

92. Memphis--Johnny Rivers (2 weeks, July 11)

93. Bread and Butter--The Newbeats (2 weeks, September 19)

94. Dancing in the Street--Martha & the Vandellas (2 weeks, October 17)

95. Last Kiss--J. Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers (1 week, November 7)

96. She's Not There--The Zombies (1 week, December 12)

1965:

97. Can't You Hear My Heartbeat--Herman's Hermits (2 weeks, March 27)

98. Count Me In--Gary Lewis & the Playboys (2 weeks, May 8)

99. Wooly Bully--Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs (2 weeks, June 5)

100. Save Your Heart for Me--Gary Lewis & the Playboys (1 week, August 21)

101. Like a Rolling Stone--Bob Dylan (2 weeks, September 4)

102. Treat Her Right--Roy Head & the Traits (2 weeks, October 16)

103. A Lover's Concerto--The Toys (3 weeks, October 30)

104. 1-2-3--Len Barry (1 week, November 20)

The #2 hits listed above were kept from reaching the top spot by the following #1 hits:

1963:

77. Ruby Baby: Hey Paula--Paul & Paula and Walk Like a Man--The Four Seasons

78. The End of the World: Our Day Will Come--Ruby & the Romantics

79. Can't Get Used to Losing You: He's So Fine--The Chiffons and I Will Follow Him--Little Peggy March

80. Puff the Magic Dragon: I Will Follow Him--Little Peggy March

81. Wipe Out: Fingertips (Pt. II)--Little Stevie Wonder

82. Blowin' in the Wind: Fingertips (Pt. II)--Little Stevie Wonder

83. Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter from Camp): Fingertips (Pt. II)--Little Stevie Wonder and My Boyfriend's Back--The Angels

84. Sally, Go 'Round the Roses: Blue Velvet--Bobby Vinton

85. Be My Baby: Sugar Shack--Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs

86. Washington Square: I'm Leaving It Up to You--Dale & Grace

87. Louie Louie: Dominique--The Singing Nun and There! I've Said It Again--Bobby Vinton

1964:

88. You Don't Own Me: I Want to Hold Your Hand--The Beatles

89. Twist and Shout: Can't Buy Me Love--The Beatles

90. Do You Want to Know a Secret: Hello, Dolly!--Louis Armstrong

91. My Boy Lollipop: I Get Around--The Beach Boys

92. Memphis: I Get Around--The Beach Boys and Rag Doll--The Four Seasons

93. Bread and Butter: House of the Rising Sun--The Animals and Oh, Pretty Woman--Roy Orbison

94. Dancing in the Street: Do Wah Diddy Diddy--Manfred Mann

95. Last Kiss: Baby Love--The Supremes

96. She's Not There: Mr. Lonely--Bobby Vinton

1965:

97. Can't You Hear My Heartbeat: Stop! In the Name of Love--The Supremes

98. Count Me In: Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter--Herman's Hermits

99. Wooly Bully: Help Me Rhonda--The Beach Boys and Back in My Arms Again--The Supremes

100. Save Your Heart for Me: I Got You Babe--Sonny & Cher

101. Like a Rolling Stone: Help!--The Beatles

102. Treat Her Right: Yesterday--The Beatles

103. A Lover's Concerto: Yesterday--The Beatles and Get Off My Cloud--The Rolling Stones

104. 1-2-3: I Hear a Symphony--The Supremes

[Im-n-a-whirl]

I have a book called "Flowers in the Dustbin" although it's probably out of print now. It talks about how a few rock classics were made and goes into much more detail than the Billboard #1's book. The biggest selling single pre-dating "Rock Around the Clock" was Patti Page's version of "Tennessee Waltz." The songwriters blatantly admitted to trying to copy "Kentucky Waltz" but it was still a huge hit anyway, and I believe this was about 1951. Another favorite book of mine is by David Marsh. I'll have to dig it out for you because I can't recall the name of it, but it's a book of lists. One list after another, all pertaining to music, and some of it is pretty darn funny. One list they have is of the earliest "rock 'n roll" records, dating back into the 40's.

You should really join that Max's Top 40 board. The guy that runs it, Mark, has musical ties to the Archies and the Guess Who and is quite the music historian himself. We both could learn a lot from this guy!

Did you ever watch the countdowns that VH1 did? 100 Best Songs, 100 Best Albums, 100 Best Dance Songs, etc.? I had the Best Dance Songs shows on tape but I accidently recorded over them. You can get a ton of info by watching those shows.

[Max]

Im-n-a-whirl, I am certainly considering joining Max's Top 40 board. That is so cool that Mark has musical ties to the Archies and the Guess Who! Regarding the VH1 Countdown shows, I also love them because they are so informative. And, thank you so much for telling me about the single that sold the most copies prior to "Rock Around the Clock."

1966:

105. Barbara Ann--The Beach Boys (2 weeks, January 29)

106. 19th Nervous Breakdown--The Rolling Stones (3 weeks, March 19)

107. Daydream--The Lovin' Spoonful (2 weeks, April 9)

108. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)--Cher (1 week, April 23)

109. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35--Bob Dylan (1 week, May 21)

110. A Groovy Kind of Love--The Mindbenders (2 weeks, May 28)

111. Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?--The Lovin' Spoonful (2 weeks, June 11)

112. Red Rubber Ball--The Cyrkle (1 week, July 9)

113. Lil' Red Riding Hood--Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs (2 weeks, August 6)

114. Sunny--Bobby Hebb (2 weeks, August 20)

115. Yellow Submarine--The Beatles (1 week, September 17)

116. Mellow Yellow--Donovan (3 weeks, December 10)

117. Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron--The Royal Guardsmen (4 weeks, December 31)

1967:

118. Tell It Like It Is--Aaron Neville (1 week, January 28)

119. Georgy Girl--The Seekers (2 weeks, February 4)

120. Dedicated to the One I Love--The Mamas & the Papas (3 weeks, March 25)

121. A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You--The Monkees (1 week, April 29)

122. Sweet Soul Music--Arthur Conley (1 week, May 13)

123. Little Bit O' Soul--The Music Explosion (2 weeks, July 8)

124. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You--Frankie Valli (1 week, July 22)

125. I Was Made to Love Her--Stevie Wonder (2 weeks, July 29)

126. Reflections--Diana Ross & the Supremes (2 weeks, September 9)

127. Never My Love--The Association (2 weeks, October 7)

128. Soul Man--Sam & Dave (3 weeks, November 4)

129. The Rain, the Park, and Other Things--The Cowsills (2 weeks, December 2)

130. I Heard It Through the Grapevine--Gladys Knight & the Pips (3 weeks, December 16)

The #2 hits listed above were kept from reaching the top spot by the following #1 hits:

1966:

105. Barbara Ann: We Can Work It Out--The Beatles and My Love--Petula Clark

106. 19th Nervous Breakdown: The Ballad of the Green Berets--S/Sgt. Barry Sadler

107. Daydream: (You're My) Soul and Inspiration--The Righteous Brothers

108. Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down): (You're My) Soul and Inspiration--The Righteous Brothers

109. Rainy Day Women #12 & 35: Monday, Monday--The Mamas & the Papas

110. A Groovy Kind of Love: When a Man Loves a Woman--Percy Sledge

111. Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?: Paint It Black--The Rolling Stones

112. Red Rubber Ball: Paperback Writer--The Beatles

113. Lil' Red Riding Hood: Wild Thing--The Troggs and Summer in the City--The Lovin' Spoonful

114. Sunny: Summer in the City--The Lovin' Spoonful

115. Yellow Submarine: You Can't Hurry Love--The Supremes

116. Mellow Yellow: Good Vibrations--The Beach Boys and Winchester Cathedral--The New Vaudeville Band

117. Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron: I'm a Believer--The Monkees

1967:

118. Tell It Like It Is: I'm a Believer--The Monkees

119. Georgy Girl: I'm a Believer--The Monkees

120. Dedicated to the One I Love: Happy Together--The Turtles

121. A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You: Somethin' Stupid--Nancy & Frank Sinatra

122. Sweet Soul Music: The Happening--The Supremes

123. Little Bit O' Soul: Windy--The Association

124. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You: Windy--The Association

125. I Was Made to Love Her: Light My Fire--The Doors

126. Reflections: Ode to Billie Joe--Bobbie Gentry

127. Never My Love: The Letter--The Box Tops

128. Soul Man: To Sir With Love--Lulu

129. The Rain, the Park, and Other Things: Daydream Believer--The Monkees

130. I Heard It Through the Grapevine: Daydream Believer--The Monkees and Hello Goodbye--The Beatles

[Evan]

Max, what an interesting list! I am astonished at the list of classic tracks that only peaked at #2.

The best example I can think of is Foreigner's "Waiting For a Girl Like You", which I recall was stuck at #2 for weeks on end in 1981, while Olivia Newton John's "Physical" stayed at #1.

Loving all the chart history!

[Max]

Evan, I'm so glad that you're enjoying this list! I must also say that you have an excellent memory regarding #2 hits: "Waiting for a Girl Like You" is indeed the single that spent the most weeks (10 weeks) at #2. And, as you said, "Physical" was the song that was #1 for vast majority of the weeks that "Waiting for a Girl Like You" was #2. Fortunately for Foreigner, they finally had a #1 hit with "I Want to Know What Love Is."

1968:

131. Chain of Fools--Aretha Franklin (2 weeks, January 20)

132. (Theme from) "Valley of the Dolls"--Dionne Warwick (4 weeks, February 24)

133. Young Girl--The Union Gap featuring Gary Puckett (3 weeks, April 6)

134. Cry Like a Baby--The Box Tops (2 weeks, April 27)

135. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly--Hugo Montenegro (1 week, June 1)

136. MacArthur Park--Richard Harris (1 week, June 22)

137. The Horse--Cliff Nobles & Co. (3 weeks, June 29)

138. Lady Willpower--Gary Puckett & the Union Gap (2 weeks, July 20)

139. Classical Gas--Mason Williams (2 weeks, August 3)

140. Born to Be Wild--Steppenwolf (3 weeks, August 24)

141. Fire--The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (1 week, October 19)

142. Little Green Apples--O.C. Smith (1 week, October 26)

143. Those Were the Days--Mary Hopkin (3 weeks, November 2)

144. For Once in My Life--Stevie Wonder (2 weeks, December 28)

1969:

145. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me--Diana Ross & the Supremes & the Temptations (2 weeks, January 11)

146. Proud Mary--Creedence Clearwater Revival (3 weeks, March 8)

147. Traces--The Classics IV featuring Dennis Yost (1 week, March 29)

148. You've Made Me So Very Happy--Blood, Sweat, & Tears (3 weeks, April 12)

149. It's Your Thing--The Isley Brothers (1 week, May 3)

150. Hair--The Cowsills (2 weeks, May 10)

151. Love (Can Make You Happy)--Mercy (2 weeks, May 31)

152. Bad Moon Rising--Creedence Clearwater Revival (1 week, June 28)

153. Spinning Wheel--Blood, Sweat, & Tears (3 weeks, July 5)

154. Crystal Blue Persuasion--Tommy James & the Shondells (3 weeks, July 26)

155. A Boy Named Sue--Johnny Cash (3 weeks, August 23)

156. Green River--Creedence Clearwater Revival (1 week, September 27)

157. Jean--Oliver (2 weeks, October 4)

158. Hot Fun in the Summertime--Sly & the Family Stone (2 weeks, October 18)

159. Take a Letter, Maria--R.B. Greaves (1 week, November 22)

160. And When I Die--Blood, Sweat, & Tears (1 week, November 29)

The #2 hits listed above were kept from reaching the top spot by the following #1 hits:

1968:

131. Chain of Fools: Judy in Disguise (With Glasses)--John Fred & His Playboy Band

132. (Theme from) "Valley of the Dolls": Love Is Blue--Paul Mauriat and (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay--Otis Redding

133. Young Girl: (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay--Otis Redding and Honey--Bobby Goldsboro

134. Cry Like a Baby: Honey--Bobby Goldsboro

135. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Mrs. Robinson--Simon & Garfunkel

136. MacArthur Park: This Guy's in Love with You--Herb Alpert

137. The Horse: This Guy's in Love with You--Herb Alpert

138. Lady Willpower: Grazing in the Grass--Hugh Masekela

139. Classical Gas: Hello, I Love You--The Doors

140. Born to Be Wild: People Got to Be Free--The Rascals

141. Fire: Hey Jude--The Beatles

142. Little Green Apples: Hey Jude--The Beatles

143. Those Were the Days: Hey Jude--The Beatles

144. For Once in My Life: I Heard It Through the Grapevine--Marvin Gaye

1969:

145. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me: I Heard It Through the Grapevine--Marvin Gaye

146. Proud Mary: Everyday People--Sly & the Family Stone and Dizzy--Tommy Roe

147. Traces: Dizzy--Tommy Roe

148. You've Made Me So Very Happy: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In--The Fifth Dimension

149. It's Your Thing: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In--The Fifth Dimension

150. Hair: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In--The Fifth Dimension

151. Love (Can Make You Happy): Get Back--The Beatles with Billy Preston

152. Bad Moon Rising: Love Theme from "Romeo and Juliet"--Henry Mancini

153. Spinning Wheel: Love Theme from "Romeo and Juliet"--Henry Mancini and In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)--Zager & Evans

154. Crystal Blue Persuasion: In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)--Zager & Evans

155. A Boy Named Sue: Honky Tonk Women--The Rolling Stones

156. Green River: Sugar, Sugar--The Archies

157. Jean: Sugar, Sugar--The Archies

158. Hot Fun in the Summertime: I Can't Get Next to You--The Temptations

159. Take a Letter, Maria: Wedding Bell Blues--The Fifth Dimension

160. And When I Die: Come Together/Something--The Beatles

[Max]

1970:

161. Hey There Lonely Girl--Eddie Holman (1 week, February 21)

162. Travelin' Band--Creedence Clearwater Revival (2 weeks, March 7)

163. The Rapper--The Jaggerz (1 week, March 21)

164. Vehicle--The Ides of March (1 week, May 23)

165. Which Way You Goin' Billy?--The Poppy Family (2 weeks, June 6)

166. Lookin' Out My Back Door--Creedence Clearwater Revival (1 week, October 3)

167. We've Only Just Begun--The Carpenters (4 weeks, October 31)

168. One Less Bell to Answer--The Fifth Dimension (2 weeks, December 26)

1971:

169. Mama's Pearl--The Jackson Five (2 weeks, February 27)

170. She's a Lady--Tom Jones (1 week, March 20)

171. What's Going On--Marvin Gaye (3 weeks, April 10)

172. Put Your Hand in the Hand--Ocean (1 week, May 1)

173. Never Can Say Goodbye--The Jackson Five (3 weeks, May 8)

174. Rainy Days and Mondays--The Carpenters (2 weeks, June 19)

175. Mr. Big Stuff--Jean Knight (2 weeks, August 14)

176. Take Me Home, Country Roads--John Denver with Fat City (1 week, August 28)

177. Spanish Harlem--Aretha Franklin (2 weeks, September 11)

178. Superstar--The Carpenters (2 weeks, October 16)

The #2 hits listed above were kept from reaching the top spot by the following #1 hits:

1970:

161. Hey There Lonely Girl: Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin)/Everybody Is a Star--Sly & the Family Stone

162. Travelin' Band: Bridge Over Troubled Water--Simon & Garfunkel

163. The Rapper: Bridge Over Troubled Water--Simon & Garfunkel

164. Vehicle: American Woman/No Sugar Tonight--The Guess Who

165. Which Way You Goin' Billy?: Everything Is Beautiful--Ray Stevens and The Long and Winding Road/For You Blue--The Beatles

166. Lookin' Out My Back Door: Ain't No Mountain High Enough--Diana Ross

167. We've Only Just Begun: I'll Be There--The Jackson Five and I Think I Love You--The Partridge Family

168. One Less Bell to Answer: My Sweet Lord/Isn't It a Pity--George Harrison

1971:

169. Mama's Pearl: One Bad Apple--The Osmonds

170. She's a Lady: Me and Bobby McGee--Janis Joplin

171. What's Going On: Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)--The Temptations and Joy to the World--Three Dog Night

172. Put Your Hand in the Hand: Joy to the World--Three Dog Night

173. Never Can Say Goodbye: Joy to the World--Three Dog Night

174. Rainy Days and Mondays: It's Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move--Carole King

175. Mr. Big Stuff: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?--The Bee Gees

176. Take Me Home, Country Roads: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?--The Bee Gees

177. Spanish Harlem: Go Away Little Girl--Donny Osmond

178. Superstar: Maggie May/Reason to Believe--Rod Stewart

[Im-n-a-whirl]

Aretha Franklin's version of "Spanish Harlem" is simply spectacular!