My Thoughts For This Month of My Life-December 1968

I guess, when I look back at this phase of life here in the United States, a few things stick out to me.

Sure all of this chart information is cool, and I love to share and talk about it.

But I guess if I am honest with you, this is when I was wrapped up in being a high school student.

Music, groups and charts were beginning to be an interesting hobby for me.

December 1968: I was a junior in high school, very interested in becoming a better basketball player and looking forward to spring baseball.

At the same time, I became fascinated with charts, music, and groups; everything felt emotional to me.

I spent a lot of time listening to WKBW 1520 in Buffalo, New York, and WHHO AM in Hornell, New York.

My favorite places to buy music were Koskie's Music in Hornell, New York, and a store called Mobile Music in Bath, New York.

I didn’t have much money for records and didn’t own a turntable, so I used my parents’ turntable.

The records I bought were 45 RPMs, and my interest grew sharply.

Around the summer of 1969, I discovered *Billboard* magazine, which opened a whole world of information and deepened my interest in music groups and charts.

I still remember the hit songs from December 1968 and have many memories of that music.

My studies then were Chemistry, Trigonometry, Beginning Typing and 11th Grade American History.

I was eager to develop relationships with girls, but none were interested in me—an awkward teenage time in high school.

Looking back, 1968 was a time when we went to gym class and saw returning students from Vietnam with injuries.

Over the next year, 1969, I lost a student who had been with us a few years earlier. These are my memories from 1968.

Album Spotlight

The White Album - The Beatles

Album of the Week Spotlight

The Beatles (The White Album) – The Beatles

This album stood out because it pushed creative boundaries and showcased a wide range of musical styles all in one release.

Why it mattered:

• Featured a diverse mix of rock, folk, blues, and experimental tracks
• Highlighted the individuality of each band member
• Became one of the most influential double albums in music history

Top 10 Albums – December 1968 (Billboard 200)

Here’s what America was listening to during this week in December 1968:

1. The Beatles (The White Album) – The Beatles
2. Cheap Thrills – Big Brother & the Holding Company
3. Wichita Lineman – Glen Campbell
4. Feliciano! – José Feliciano
5. Time Peace: The Rascals’ Greatest Hits – The Rascals
6. Electric Ladyland – The Jimi Hendrix Experience
7. A Happening in Central Park – Barbra Streisand
8. Bookends – Simon & Garfunkel
9. The Time Has Come – Chambers Brothers
10. The Graduate (Soundtrack) – Simon & Garfunkel

Billboard Hot 100 #1 Single

“Love Child” – Diana Ross & The Supremes

The Billboard Hot 100 number-one single during December 1968 was “Love Child” by Diana Ross & The Supremes.

This is one of my favorite Supreme's Songs. It also is one of the very last in a long line of number 1 hits for the group.

Short breakdown:

• It reached #1 with strong Motown production and radio support
• The song connected with listeners through its emotional and socially aware lyrics
• Its message reflected the changing cultural landscape of the late 1960s

Highlights:

• One of The Supremes’ final #1 hits with Diana Ross
• Tackled more serious subject matter than typical pop songs of the time
• Helped define Motown’s influence on mainstream music

Storage Solutions Every Collector Needs!

What Was Happening Month (December 1968)

Music reflects the world around it. Here’s what was happening at the same time:

• The United States was deeply affected by the ongoing Vietnam War
• Social and political movements continued to shape American culture
• Television became a dominant force in entertainment
• Music increasingly reflected real-world issues and personal expression

  A Snapshot in Time

Politics & World Events:

• The Vietnam War remained a central global conflict
• The U.S. experienced ongoing social and political change

Technology & Culture:

• Color television became more common in American homes
• Vinyl records dominated music consumption

In Music:

• Psychedelic rock and experimental sounds grew in popularity
• Motown and folk-rock continued mainstream success