On June 10, 1971, the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart was "It's Too Late" / "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King.
Chart Dynamics in Early June 1971
This iconic double-sided single from Carole King's acclaimed album Tapestry ascended to the top spot, marking a significant moment in music history. Its rise concluded a notable period dominated by other strong contenders on the US charts.
Leading up to King's chart-topping success:
- For six consecutive weeks prior, the airwaves and record players had been commanded by Three Dog Night's upbeat anthem, "Joy To The World."
- Following its impressive run, The Rolling Stones took over the coveted top position for two weeks with their hard-hitting track, "Brown Sugar."
This succession of rock and pop dominance on the charts, particularly into mid-1971, left many fans of soul and R&B music feeling less than optimistic about their genres' visibility at the very peak of the music charts.
Understanding Billboard Chart Dates
To understand why "It's Too Late" / "I Feel the Earth Move" was number one on June 10, 1971, it's helpful to know how Billboard magazine published its charts during that era. Billboard traditionally released its charts, including the prestigious Hot 100, on Thursdays. The chart would then be dated for the Saturday of the week it covered.
Therefore, the chart that officially designated "It's Too Late" / "I Feel the Earth Move" as number one for the week ending June 19, 1971, was officially released on Thursday, June 10, 1971. This made it the reigning chart-topper on that specific date.
Here's a brief overview of the Billboard Hot 100 number one songs around that time:
| Chart Week Ending | Chart Release Date | Number One Song | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 1971 | May 13, 1971 | Joy To The World | Three Dog Night |
| May 29, 1971 | May 20, 1971 | Brown Sugar | The Rolling Stones |
| June 5, 1971 | May 27, 1971 | Brown Sugar | The Rolling Stones |
| June 12, 1971 | June 3, 1971 | Brown Sugar | The Rolling Stones |
| June 19, 1971 | June 10, 1971 | It's Too Late / I Feel the Earth Move | Carole King |
Carole King's dual-sided hit remained at the top of the charts for five consecutive weeks, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable songs of 1971 and a staple of the singer-songwriter era. For more information on Carole King's influential career, you can visit her official website.
