On This Day in 1964, The Beatles Set a Record That May Never Be Broken—Five Songs Held the Billboard Hot 100 Top 5
via Sergio Giacobone / YouTube
On April 4, 1964, The Beatles made music history by holding the top five spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their songs dominated the chart:
1. “Can’t Buy Me Love”
2. “Twist and Shout”
3. “She Loves You”
4. “I Want to Hold Your Hand”
5. “Please Please Me”
This achievement remains unmatched in the music industry. In addition to these top five hits, The Beatles had seven other songs on the Hot 100 that week:
– “I Saw Her Standing There” at No. 31
– “From Me to You” at No. 41
– “Do You Want to Know a Secret” at No. 46
– “All My Loving” at No. 58
– “You Can’t Do That” at No. 65
– “Roll Over Beethoven” at No. 68
– “Thank You Girl” at No. 79
This brought their total to 12 songs on the chart simultaneously.
The Beatles’ influence extended beyond the United States. In Canada, they held nine of the top ten singles, and in Australia, they occupied the first six positions on the charts.
Their chart dominance was facilitated by multiple record labels releasing their songs. For instance, “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” were released by Capitol Records, while “Twist and Shout” appeared on Tollie, “She Loves You” on Swan, and “Please Please Me” on Vee Jay.
View this post on Instagram
The Beatles’ Unprecedented Chart Success in Early 1964
The Beatles’ chart success in early 1964 was unprecedented. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” had entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 45 on January 18, 1964, and quickly climbed to No. 1 by February 1, staying there for seven weeks. It was succeeded by “She Loves You” for two weeks, followed by “Can’t Buy Me Love,” which jumped from No. 27 to No. 1, holding the position for five weeks starting April 4.
The Beatles’ popularity led to other artists releasing tribute songs. On the same April 4 chart, “We Love You Beatles” by The Carefrees was at No. 42, and “A Letter to the Beatles” by The Four Preps was at No. 85.
This level of chart dominance was unparalleled. In September 2021, Drake matched this feat by holding the top five spots on the Billboard Hot 100 with songs from his album “Certified Lover Boy.”
The Beatles’ remarkable achievement on April 4, 1964, remains a significant moment in music history, showcasing their widespread appeal and influence during the 1960s.
