Today we take a look at the number one songs in 1970. There were 14 number ones in 1970. The start of a new decade and one that was going to provide us with so much great music. Just think we hadn’t heard of glam rock, punk rock and most of the artists when the new decade started. That was about to change.

Number One Songs In 1970

Okay, let’s get started. I will list the date, the song name and the artist plus how long they stayed at the top. The year will be in the title and of course they all reached number 1. Let’s go. Two Little Boys was at the top at the start of the decade as it was the Christmas no. 1 in 1969.

 

 

Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes – Edison Lighthouse

The original line-up of Edison Lighthouse consisted of  lead vocalist Tony Burrows , Stuart Edwards on lead guitar, David Taylor on bass guitar, George Weyman on drums and Ray Dorey guitar. They released this song and it reached Number 1 on the 31st January 1970 only two weeks later, and it stayed top for 5 weeks.

 

 

 

Wanderin’ Star – Lee Marvin

Lee Marvin reached number one with Wanderin’ Star on 7th March 1970 and stayed there for 3 weeks. The song was taken from the film Paint Your Wagon. On the b side of this single was Clint Eastwood singing I Talk To The Trees.

 

Bridge Over Troubled Waters – Simon and Garfunkel

This classic song reached number one on the 28th March 1970. The song was written by Paul Simon and sung beautifully in the video below by Art Garfunkel.

 

All Kinds Of Everything – Dana

Dana won the eurovision contest with All Kinds Of Everything in 1970 and the song soon hit the top of the charts. Written by Derry Lyndsey and Jackie Smith it stayed number one for 2 weeks.

 

Spirit In The Sky – Norman Greenbaum

Spirit In The Sky went to number 1 on 2nd May 1970 and stayed there for 2 weeks. The song also made number one twice more with covers from Doctor and the Medics and Gareth Gates.

 

 

 

 

Back Home – The England World Cup Squad

The good old football squads singing songs when they got to world cup finals and F.A. cup finals, brings back a few memories not always good ones either. Why don’t they do them no more? See below for your answer. This song was number 1 for 3 weeks though from 16th May 1970.

 

Yellow River – Christie

Just the one week at the top for Yellow River from Christie on the 6th June 1970. It was written by Jeff Christie their vocalist, bassist and songwriter; the band  initially included guitarist Vic Elmes and drummer Mike Blakley. A great song at the time, though it was never established where Yellow River was or what the song was about.

 

 

 

In The Summertime – Mungo Jerry

In The Summertime by Mungo Jerry stayed top for the longest in 1970 with 7 weeks at the top from 13th June. Written and composed by lead singer Ray Dorset.

 

The Wonder Of You – Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley took over from Mungo Jerry at the top with The Wonder Of You on 1st August. The song was top for 6 weeks.

 

 

Tears Of A Clown – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles had 1 week at number 1 with Tears Of A Clown on the 12th September 1970.

 

 

 

Band Of Gold – Freda Payne

Freda Payne started a 6 weeks spell at the top with Band Of Gold on the 19th September. Did you know this song was about male impotence? Listen to the lyrics.

 

 

Woodstock – Matthews Southern Comfort

My favourite song of the year hit top spot on the 31st of October and stayed there for 3 weeks.

 

Voodoo Chile – Jimi Hendrix

On the 21st November Jimi Hendrix hit number one with Voodoo Chile it was a short stay though of one week.

 

 

 

I Hear You Knockin’ – Dave Edmunds

The Christmas number one in 1970 was I Hear You Knockin’ by Dave Edmunds. It lasted 6 weeks at number one.

 

 

Number One Songs in 1970

1. 31st Jan – Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) – Edison Lighthouse – 5 weeks
2. 7th March – Wandrin’ Star – Lee Marvin – 3 weeks
3. 28th March – Bridge Over Troubled Waters – Simon and Garfunkel – 3 weeks
4. 18th April – All Kind Of Everything – Dana – 2 weeks
5. 2nd May – Spirit In The Sky – Norman Greenbaum – 2 weeks
6. 16th May – Back Home – England World Cup Squad – 3 weeks
7. 6th June – Yellow River – Christie – 1 week
8. 13th June – In The Summer Time – Mungo Jerry – 7 weeks
9. 1st Aug – The Wonder Of You – Elvis Presley – 6 weeks
10. 12th Sep – Tears Of A Clown – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – 1 week
11. 19th Sep – Band Of Gold – Freda Payne – 6 weeks
12. 31st Oct – Woodstock – Matthews’ Southern Comfort – 3 weeks
13. 21st Nov – Voodoo Chile – Jimi Hendrix Experience – 1 week
14. 28th Nov – I Hear You Knockin’ – Dave Edmunds – 6 weeks

 

I hope you enjoyed this post on the number one songs in 1970.

If you get a minute could you please pop over to my Facebook Page and join us. I plan to build this page this year as I have more time on my hands since retiring.  I am trying to get people to share their favourite 70s music.  As you know we do not all like the same songs and it would be great to hear page members favourite 70s songs.  I hope to see you there soon.