If you’re a baby boomer, you got to experience what the mainstream music world was dishing out as the 1960s came to a close in 1969, probably through the radio. That was an excellent year for every genre from rock to soul, and the following four radio hits remain totally unforgettable. Let’s take a look!
“Get Back” by The Beatles and Billy Preston from ‘Let It Be’
The Beatles were on their way out, and “Get Back” was one of several songs from later in the band’s career that became absolutely legendary. Part of why this bluesy rock and roll song is so good is because of Billy Preston, too. That singer-songwriter offered his piano-playing talents to “Get Back”, and the whole thing came together beautifully. “Get Back” would peak at No. 1 across the board by the end of 1969.
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“What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” by Jr. Walker & The All Stars from ‘Home Cookin’’
How about some classic soul music? This jam was a hefty hit for Jr. Walker & The All Stars back in 1969. “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 13 in the UK. It remains one of Jr. Walker’s most popular and commercially successful songs, and even earned him a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
“It’s Your Thing” by The Isley Brothers from ‘It’s Our Thing’
The Isley Brothers had a good run in the 1960s, and the 1969 song “It’s Your Thing” was one of their best works from the tail end of that decade. This psychedelic, funky R&B jam is easily one of the most memorable of the era, and listeners definitely resonated with it back then. “It’s Your Thing” peaked at No. 1 on the R&B chart in the US and No. 2 on the Hot 100.
“I Can’t Get Next To You” by The Temptations from ‘Puzzle People’
This Temptations classic was one of many No. 1 hits the group enjoyed on the US pop chart, and it’s also one of the best-selling songs they ever released. And if you’re a baby boomer, I bet you remember this 1969 psychedelic soul jam being all over the radio. “I Can’t Get Next To You” by The Temptations made it all the way to No. 1 on both the Hot 100 and the R&B chart.
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