These are the top-selling R&B singles for 1966. It’s heavy on Motown, Atlantic, and Stax, to no one’s surprise.
*This song reached #1 on the pop charts, so I linked to it a few days ago already
Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – the Temptations (Gordy), 8 weeks at #1; also #13 pop. I LOVED the Tempts!
634-5789 (Soulsville USA) – Wilson Pickett (Atlantic), 7 weeks at #1; also #13
Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Stevie Wonder (Tamla), 5 weeks at #1; also #3 pop for two weeks. My favorite Stevie song of the 1960s.
Beauty’s Only Skin Deep – the Temptations (Gordy), 5 weeks at #1; also #3 pop
*When A Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge (Atlantic), 4 weeks at #1; also #1 pop for two weeks
*You Keep Me Hangin’ On – the Supremes (Motown), 4 weeks at #1; also #1 pop for two weeks
Baby Scratch My Back– Slim Harpo (Excello), 2 weeks at #1; also #16 pop
It’s A Man’s, Man’s World – James Brown (King), 2 weeks at #1; also #8 pop
*You Can’t Hurry Love – the Supremes (Motown), 2 weeks at #1; also #1 pop for two weeks
*Reach Out, I’ll Be There – the Four Tops (Motown), 2 weeks at #1; also #1 pop for two weeks
(I Know) I’m Losing You – the Temptations (Gordy), 2 weeks at #1; also #8 pop
#1 RB for 1 week
A Sweet Woman Like You – Joe Tex (Dial); also #29 pop
Get Ready – the Temptations (Gordy); also #29 pop
Hold On! I’m A Comin’ – Sam & Dave (Stax); also #21 pop
Let’s Go Get Stoned – Ray Charles (ABC); also #31 pop
Blowin’ In The Wind – Stevie Wonder (Tamla); also #9 pop
Land Of 1000 Dances – Wilson Pickett (Atlantic); also #6 pop
Love Is A Hurtin’ Thing – Lou Rawls (Capitoll); also #13 pop
Knock On Wood – Eddie Floyd (Stax); also #28 pop