On This Day in 1973, George Harrison’s Single Knocks Paul McCartney’s ‘My Love” Out of the #1 Spot on Billboard and Cash Box Best Sellers Charts
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Harrison Reclaims the Charts
On June 30, 1973, George Harrison’s “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” replaced Paul McCartney and Wings’ “My Love” at the top of both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Best Sellers charts. This marked a rare moment when two former Beatles held the top two positions, with Harrison at #1 and McCartney at #2 — the only time this happened for solo Beatles on those charts.
Harrison’s song became his second solo U.S. number one after “My Sweet Lord,” rising to the top in late June 1973. Meanwhile, “My Love” had led the chart for four weeks but was now edged out by Harrison’s spiritual plea. In the UK, “Give Me Love” climbed to number 8 on the Singles Chart.
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Musical and Cultural Context
“Give Me Love” was released as the lead single from Harrison’s “Living in the Material World” album, recorded in late 1972 and officially released in May 1973. The song features a mix of acoustic guitar, slide guitar, and gospel-style vocals. Harrison described it as “a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord, and whoever likes it.” Prominent musicians like Nicky Hopkins, Jim Keltner, Klaus Voormann, and Gary Wright contributed to its sound.
In contrast, “My Love” was a piano ballad written by McCartney for his wife, Linda. Released in March 1973, it featured an orchestral arrangement and a guitar solo from Henry McCullough. Though popular and topping charts, some critics found it overly sentimental.
Chart Milestone and Beatles Legacy
The June 30 chart shift was historically notable: It was the first time since April 1964 that former Beatles held both #1 and #2 spots on a U.S. singles chart. For Harrison, this was validation: he had become the last Beatle to top the Hot 100 as a solo artist following “My Sweet Lord” in 1970.
Billboard also ranked “My Love” among the top five singles of 1973, but on June 30, it was nudged into second place by “Give Me Love.” Meanwhile, Cash Box listed Harrison’s single at #1 for the week ending June 30.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
“Living in the Material World,” Harrison’s second solo album, was released shortly after “Give Me Love” and debuted strongly, bolstered by the single’s success. The hit became one of his most enduring songs, praised as both a pop statement and a prayer. Its smooth blend of slide guitar, acoustic warmth, and spiritual lyrics resonated with listeners beyond the typical pop audience.
Meanwhile, “My Love” continued to be a favorite for McCartney fans. Despite critical critiques, the song remained a staple in Wings’ live shows and later became a tribute to Linda McCartney after her passing in 1998.
The chart swap on June 30, 1973, stands out as a high point in post-Beatles solo success, underscoring the lasting influence of each member’s creative voice.
