1974 Billboard Number One Hits: Every Hot 100 Chart-Topper

The 1974 Billboard Number One Hits list was one of the busiest Hot 100 years of the decade, with soft rock, soul, funk, country crossover, novelty songs, film themes, early disco, singer-songwriter ballads, and classic rock all reaching No. 1. Jim Croce opened the year with Time in a Bottle, Barbra Streisand delivered Billboard’s year-end No. 1 with The Way We Were, John Denver scored two chart-toppers, and Helen Reddy closed the year with the mysterious Angie Baby.

This page follows the Billboard Hot 100 issue dates for 1974, shown here as reader-friendly weekly date ranges. Because Billboard chart weeks can cross calendar years, this list begins with Jim Croce’s late-1973 carryover and continues into early 1975 with Helen Reddy’s Angie Baby.

The Billboard Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs in the United States using radio airplay and sales. These are official Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs, not pop-only, adult-contemporary-only, R&B-only, country-only, rock-only, or “this was absolutely on the AM radio in the kitchen” rankings.

1974 Billboard Number One Hits by Week

December 30, 1973 – January 5, 1974: Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce
January 6 – January 12, 1974: The Joker – Steve Miller Band
January 13 – January 19, 1974: Show and Tell – Al Wilson
January 20 – January 26, 1974: You’re Sixteen – Ringo Starr
January 27 – February 2, 1974: The Way We Were – Barbra Streisand
February 3 – February 9, 1974: Love’s Theme – Love Unlimited Orchestra
February 10 – February 23, 1974: The Way We Were – Barbra Streisand
February 24 – March 16, 1974: Seasons in the Sun – Terry Jacks
March 17 – March 23, 1974: Dark Lady – Cher
March 24 – March 30, 1974: Sunshine on My Shoulders – John Denver
March 31 – April 6, 1974: Hooked on a Feeling – Blue Swede
April 7 – April 13, 1974: Bennie and the Jets – Elton John
April 14 – April 27, 1974: TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) – MFSB featuring The Three Degrees
April 28 – May 11, 1974: The Loco-Motion – Grand Funk
May 12 – June 1, 1974: The Streak – Ray Stevens
June 2 – June 8, 1974: Band on the Run – Paul McCartney & Wings
June 9 – June 22, 1974: Billy, Don’t Be a Hero – Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods
June 23 – June 29, 1974: Sundown – Gordon Lightfoot
June 30 – July 6, 1974: Rock the Boat – The Hues Corporation
July 7 – July 20, 1974: Rock Your Baby – George McCrae
July 21 – August 3, 1974: Annie’s Song – John Denver
August 4 – August 10, 1974: Feel Like Makin’ Love – Roberta Flack
August 11 – August 17, 1974: The Night Chicago Died – Paper Lace
August 18 – September 7, 1974: (You’re) Having My Baby – Paul Anka & Odia Coates
September 8 – September 14, 1974: I Shot the Sheriff – Eric Clapton
September 15 – September 21, 1974: Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe – Barry White
September 22 – September 28, 1974: Rock Me Gently – Andy Kim
September 29 – October 12, 1974: I Honestly Love You – Olivia Newton-John
October 13 – October 19, 1974: Nothing from Nothing – Billy Preston
October 20 – October 26, 1974: Then Came You – Dionne Warwick & The Spinners
October 27 – November 2, 1974: You Haven’t Done Nothin’ – Stevie Wonder
November 3 – November 9, 1974: You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
November 10 – November 16, 1974: Whatever Gets You Thru the Night – John Lennon with The Plastic Ono Nuclear Band
November 17 – November 30, 1974: I Can Help – Billy Swan
December 1 – December 14, 1974: Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
December 15 – December 21, 1974: Cat’s in the Cradle – Harry Chapin
December 22, 1974 – January 4, 1975: Angie Baby – Helen Reddy

Song-by-Song Notes on the 1974 Billboard No. 1 Hits

Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce

Jim Croce opened the 1974 Billboard Hot 100 calendar with Time in a Bottle, a late-1973 carryover that reached No. 1 after his death in a plane crash. The song’s gentle arrangement and reflective lyric made it one of the most poignant chart-toppers of the decade.

Its one 1974 chart week gave the year an emotional opening. A song about time became even more powerful because Croce had so little of it left.

The Joker – Steve Miller Band

Steve Miller Band reached No. 1 with The Joker, one of the group’s signature songs. The track’s laid-back groove, playful lyrics, and “space cowboy” persona made it a classic rock staple.

Its one-week run introduced Miller’s mid-1970s hitmaking era on the Hot 100. The song also gave the world “pompatus,” a word pop culture has been trying to define ever since.

Show and Tell – Al Wilson

Al Wilson reached No. 1 with Show and Tell, a smooth soul ballad with a warm vocal and polished arrangement. The song had originally been recorded by Johnny Mathis, but Wilson’s version became the major pop hit.

Its one-week run gave Wilson his biggest Hot 100 moment and one of the year’s early soul-pop highlights.

You’re Sixteen – Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr topped the Hot 100 with You’re Sixteen, a remake of Johnny Burnette’s 1960 hit. The song became Starr’s second solo No. 1 single after Photograph.

Its one-week stay continued the early-1970s solo success of the former Beatles, who kept turning up on the Hot 100 like they still had a group meeting scheduled.

The Way We Were – Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand reached No. 1 with The Way We Were, the title song from the film of the same name. The ballad became her first Hot 100 No. 1 and Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 song of 1974.

The song had an interrupted No. 1 run: one week at the top, then Love’s Theme, then two more weeks back at No. 1. Its film connection, Streisand vocal, and nostalgic lyric made it one of the defining adult-pop ballads of the decade.

Love’s Theme – Love Unlimited Orchestra

Love Unlimited Orchestra reached No. 1 with Love’s Theme, an instrumental produced and arranged by Barry White. The lush strings and smooth groove helped make it one of the early records pointing toward disco’s mainstream rise.

Its one-week run interrupted The Way We Were. That is a very 1974 contrast: Barbra ballad, orchestral groove, then Barbra again.

Seasons in the Sun – Terry Jacks

Terry Jacks spent three weeks at No. 1 with Seasons in the Sun, an English-language adaptation of Jacques Brel’s Le Moribond. The song’s farewell lyric and simple arrangement made it one of the year’s most recognizable soft-pop hits.

It ranked No. 2 on Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 for 1974, behind The Way We Were. Sad songs were apparently very good business that year.

Dark Lady – Cher

Cher reached No. 1 with Dark Lady, a dramatic story song involving fortune-telling, betrayal, and revenge. It became her third solo Hot 100 No. 1 after Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves and Half-Breed.

Its one-week run continued Cher’s early-1970s success with theatrical narrative singles. Subtle? Not really. Memorable? Absolutely.

Sunshine on My Shoulders – John Denver

John Denver reached No. 1 with Sunshine on My Shoulders, a gentle folk-pop ballad that fit his warm, nature-focused image. The song had been recorded earlier but became a major hit in 1974.

Its one-week run was the first of two John Denver No. 1 songs during the year, making him the only act with multiple Hot 100 chart-toppers in 1974.

Hooked on a Feeling – Blue Swede

Blue Swede reached No. 1 with Hooked on a Feeling, a cover of B.J. Thomas’ 1968 hit. The Swedish group’s version became famous for its “ooga-chaka” chant, borrowed from Jonathan King’s earlier version.

Its one-week run made it one of 1974’s most instantly recognizable pop oddities. Before it was a movie-trailer favorite decades later, it was already weird enough to top the chart.

Bennie and the Jets – Elton John

Elton John topped the Hot 100 with Bennie and the Jets, a glam-flavored track from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Its fake live-audience sound, unusual rhythm, and futuristic band imagery made it one of Elton’s strangest major hits.

Its one-week run helped show how adventurous Elton’s mid-1970s singles could be while still reaching mainstream radio.

TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) – MFSB featuring The Three Degrees

MFSB and The Three Degrees spent two weeks at No. 1 with TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia). The song was strongly associated with Soul Train and became a signature record for the Philadelphia soul sound.

Its polished groove and orchestral-soul arrangement helped bridge soul, funk, and the emerging disco era. In other words, the train had rhythm and very good production values.

The Loco-Motion – Grand Funk

Grand Funk reached No. 1 with The Loco-Motion, a rock remake of Little Eva’s 1962 chart-topper. The song became one of the rare records to top the Hot 100 in versions by two different artists.

Its two-week run showed how 1960s pop material could be revived for 1970s rock radio. Same train, louder engine.

The Streak – Ray Stevens

Ray Stevens spent three weeks at No. 1 with The Streak, a novelty song inspired by the early-1970s streaking craze. The record mixed spoken comedy, country-pop, and topical humor.

Its success proves that the Hot 100 has always had room for serious art, emotional ballads, and, occasionally, people running through public places without pants.

Band on the Run – Paul McCartney & Wings

Paul McCartney & Wings reached No. 1 with Band on the Run, a multi-section rock single from the album of the same name. The song became one of McCartney’s defining post-Beatles recordings.

Its one-week run continued Wings’ growing 1970s commercial power and gave McCartney another major Hot 100 victory.

Billy, Don’t Be a Hero – Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods

Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods spent two weeks at No. 1 with Billy, Don’t Be a Hero. Paper Lace had the original U.K. hit, but the Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods version was the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper.

The song’s anti-war story and singalong chorus made it a major pop hit, though its sentimentality also made it an easy target for later critics. It was earnest enough to need its own uniform.

Sundown – Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot reached No. 1 with Sundown, a folk-rock single with a darker edge than some of his earlier hits. The song’s tense lyric and smooth groove made it one of Lightfoot’s most memorable recordings.

Its one-week run gave the Canadian singer-songwriter his only Hot 100 No. 1.

Rock the Boat – The Hues Corporation

The Hues Corporation reached No. 1 with Rock the Boat, one of the earliest disco-associated songs to top the Hot 100. Its smooth rhythm and dance-floor friendliness helped point pop toward the disco explosion of the later 1970s.

Its one-week run may look small, but its timing matters. The boat rocked early, and the rest of the decade eventually climbed aboard.

Rock Your Baby – George McCrae

George McCrae spent two weeks at No. 1 with Rock Your Baby, another early disco landmark. Produced by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch, the song helped establish the Miami disco-funk sound that would soon make KC and the Sunshine Band famous.

Its groove was smoother than many later disco hits, but the direction was clear: dance music was moving into the center of pop.

Annie’s Song – John Denver

John Denver returned to No. 1 with Annie’s Song, a romantic ballad written for his then-wife, Annie Martell. The song’s sweeping melody and nature imagery made it one of Denver’s most beloved recordings.

Its two-week run made Denver the only act with two Hot 100 No. 1 songs in 1974.

Feel Like Makin’ Love – Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack reached No. 1 with Feel Like Makin’ Love, a smooth soul ballad that became one of her signature songs. The record continued her early-1970s run of elegant, understated pop and R&B crossover hits.

Its one-week run gave Flack her third Hot 100 No. 1 as a solo artist.

The Night Chicago Died – Paper Lace

Paper Lace reached No. 1 with The Night Chicago Died, a dramatic story song about a fictionalized gangster-era shootout. The British group had earlier recorded Billy, Don’t Be a Hero, but in the U.S. that song was a No. 1 for Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods.

Its one-week run gave Paper Lace its own American chart-topper, and 1974 another theatrical story-song hit.

(You’re) Having My Baby – Paul Anka & Odia Coates

Paul Anka and Odia Coates spent three weeks at No. 1 with (You’re) Having My Baby. The song became one of the year’s biggest adult-pop hits and one of the decade’s more debated lyric choices.

Its chart success was clear, even if the title has not aged gracefully. Some No. 1 songs become timeless; others become time capsules with raised eyebrows.

I Shot the Sheriff – Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton reached No. 1 with I Shot the Sheriff, a cover of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ song. Clapton’s version brought reggae songwriting to a much larger American pop audience.

Its one-week run gave Clapton his only solo Hot 100 No. 1 and helped introduce many U.S. listeners to Marley’s writing.

Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe – Barry White

Barry White reached No. 1 with Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe, one of his signature orchestral soul records. The song’s deep vocal, lush strings, and romantic groove made it classic Barry White.

Its one-week run gave White his first and only solo Hot 100 No. 1. The man did not need many; one with that much velvet goes a long way.

Rock Me Gently – Andy Kim

Andy Kim reached No. 1 with Rock Me Gently, a bright pop single with a relaxed groove. Kim had already found success as a songwriter and performer, and this became his biggest solo hit.

Its one-week run gave 1974 another polished pop moment between soul, reggae, and country crossover hits.

I Honestly Love You – Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John spent two weeks at No. 1 with I Honestly Love You. The gentle ballad helped establish her as a major American pop and adult-contemporary crossover artist before her later Grease and Physical eras.

The song later won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Quiet did not mean small.

Nothing from Nothing – Billy Preston

Billy Preston reached No. 1 with Nothing from Nothing, a funky piano-driven single. Preston had already worked with major artists including The Beatles and had a strong solo career of his own.

Its one-week run became his second solo Hot 100 No. 1 after Will It Go Round in Circles.

Then Came You – Dionne Warwick & The Spinners

Dionne Warwick and The Spinners reached No. 1 with Then Came You, a smooth soul collaboration. The song became Warwick’s first Hot 100 No. 1 and added another major crossover success to The Spinners’ 1970s run.

Its one-week stay brought together one of pop’s great vocal stylists with one of the decade’s strongest soul groups.

You Haven’t Done Nothin’ – Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder reached No. 1 with You Haven’t Done Nothin’, a sharp funk track from Fulfillingness’ First Finale. The Jackson 5 provided backing vocals, adding extra pop firepower to the record.

The song’s political edge made it one of 1974’s more pointed No. 1 singles. Stevie was not just making a groove; he was filing a complaint with rhythm.

You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Bachman-Turner Overdrive reached No. 1 with You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, a hard rock hit with a famous stuttered chorus. The song became the Canadian band’s biggest American single.

Its one-week run gave 1974 one of its strongest straight-ahead rock chart-toppers.

Whatever Gets You Thru the Night – John Lennon with The Plastic Ono Nuclear Band

John Lennon reached No. 1 with Whatever Gets You Thru the Night, featuring Elton John on vocals and piano. It was Lennon’s only solo Hot 100 No. 1 during his lifetime.

The song also led to Lennon’s famous 1974 Madison Square Garden appearance with Elton John after losing a friendly wager that the single would not hit No. 1.

I Can Help – Billy Swan

Billy Swan spent two weeks at No. 1 with I Can Help, a rockabilly-flavored country-pop hit. Its organ riff and easygoing vocal helped it cross over from country audiences to the Hot 100.

Its success made Swan a one-hit wonder in the pop-chart sense, but it was a very useful one. The title promised help, and the chart accepted.

Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas

Carl Douglas spent two weeks at No. 1 with Kung Fu Fighting, a novelty-disco hit inspired by the martial arts craze of the 1970s. The song’s catchy chorus and playful production made it a global smash.

Its two-week run became one of the most famous novelty hits of the decade. Everybody was not literally kung fu fighting, but the song made a strong case.

Cat’s in the Cradle – Harry Chapin

Harry Chapin reached No. 1 with Cat’s in the Cradle, a story song about fatherhood, absence, and regret. Its narrative structure and emotional payoff made it one of the most enduring singer-songwriter hits of the 1970s.

Its one-week run was brief, but its emotional life has lasted for generations of parents, children, and people suddenly reconsidering their calendars.

Angie Baby – Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy closed the 1974 Billboard Hot 100 year with Angie Baby, which carried into the first Billboard issue of 1975. Written by Alan O’Day, the song tells a strange, dreamlike story about a girl, a radio, and a disappearing boy.

Its cross-year run gave 1974 one of its most mysterious exits. Not every soft-rock song needs a plot twist, but this one brought one anyway.

Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Stories of 1974

The Way We Were Was Billboard’s Year-End No. 1

Barbra Streisand’s The Way We Were was Billboard’s top Hot 100 song of 1974. It reached No. 1 in February, briefly lost the top spot to Love’s Theme, then returned for two more weeks.

1974 Had Heavy No. 1 Turnover

Thirty-five songs reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 during the 1974 issue-date year, making it one of the busiest No. 1 years of the 1970s. Many songs spent only one week at the top.

John Denver Was the Only Act With Two No. 1 Songs

John Denver topped the Hot 100 with Sunshine on My Shoulders and Annie’s Song. He was the only act with two separate No. 1 songs during the 1974 chart year.

Early Disco Signals Were Getting Louder

Love’s Theme, TSOP, Rock the Boat, and Rock Your Baby all pointed toward disco’s coming rise. The full disco explosion was still ahead, but the floor was already warming up.

Story Songs and Novelty Hits Were Everywhere

Seasons in the Sun, Dark Lady, The Streak, Billy, Don’t Be a Hero, The Night Chicago Died, Kung Fu Fighting, Cat’s in the Cradle, and Angie Baby all showed how strongly narrative and novelty records could perform in 1974.

1974 Billboard Number One Hits Trivia

The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand was Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 song of 1974.
Time in a Bottle became Jim Croce’s second posthumous No. 1 single.
John Denver was the only act with two Hot 100 No. 1 songs in 1974.
Billy, Don’t Be a Hero was a U.S. No. 1 for Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods, not Paper Lace.
Rock the Boat and Rock Your Baby were early disco-linked Hot 100 No. 1 hits.
I Shot the Sheriff was written by Bob Marley and became Eric Clapton’s only solo Hot 100 No. 1.
Whatever Gets You Thru the Night was John Lennon’s only solo Hot 100 No. 1 during his lifetime.
Kung Fu Fighting reflected the 1970s martial arts craze.
Angie Baby closed 1974 and carried into the first Billboard issue of 1975.

Why the 1974 Billboard Number One Hits Matter

The 1974 Billboard Number One Hits list shows a pop chart without one dominant sound. Soft rock, soul, funk, early disco, country crossover, novelty songs, singer-songwriter ballads, and classic rock all moved through No. 1.

The year also pointed toward the rest of the decade. Disco was beginning to surface, story songs still had commercial power, former Beatles remained chart forces, and artists like Elton John, Stevie Wonder, John Denver, Olivia Newton-John, and Barry White helped define mid-1970s radio.

For chart fans, 1974 was wonderfully crowded: Barbra ballads, Jim Croce heartbreak, streakers, kung fu, Philadelphia soul, early disco, and enough one-week No. 1 songs to keep record-store clerks busy flipping singles.