It’s hard enough for a song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 even once. But some tracks are so good, so catchy, and so timeless, they climbed to the top spot twice—by entirely different artists, in entirely different decades. From bubblegum pop to synth-powered reinventions, these nine tracks prove that a great song never goes out of style.
“Go Away Little Girl” – Steve Lawrence (1963) and Donny Osmond (1971)
Steve Lawrence first took “Go Away Little Girl” to #1 in 1963, bringing a smooth and sentimental style to the tune written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Then in 1971, teen heartthrob Donny Osmond revived it with a fresh, youthful energy and took it to the top all over again. At just 13 years old, Osmond became the youngest solo male artist to hit #1 in the U.S. at the time. It’s one of the rare songs to make teenage heartbreak sound timeless across generations.
“The Loco-Motion” – Little Eva (1962) and Grand Funk (1974)
Little Eva made her debut with “The Loco-Motion” in 1962 and turned a dance craze into a #1 smash. More than a decade later, Grand Funk Railroad turned the same song into a full-on rock anthem in 1974, complete with crunchy guitars and arena-ready energy. Two different sounds, same irresistible rhythm. Whether it’s on a jukebox or a gym playlist, “The Loco-Motion” still gets people moving.
“Please Mr. Postman” – The Marvelettes (1961) and The Carpenters (1975)
The Marvelettes delivered Motown’s very first #1 single in 1961 with “Please Mr. Postman,” a heartfelt plea set to a catchy beat. In 1975, The Carpenters brought their soft rock polish and pristine harmonies to the same song and mailed it straight to the top of the charts once more. Different voices, same yearning. It’s a musical reminder that waiting for a letter—or a hit song—can really pay off.
“Venus” – Shocking Blue (1970) and Bananarama (1986)
In 1970, Dutch rock band Shocking Blue brought a mythical flair to the charts with “Venus,” crafting a hypnotic love song that mixed psychedelia with pop hooks. Sixteen years later, Bananarama gave the track a neon-lit makeover, turning it into an irresistible dance floor anthem. Both versions went straight to #1, proving that the goddess of love reigns supreme in any era.
“Lean on Me” – Bill Withers (1972) and Club Nouveau (1987)
Bill Withers made “Lean on Me” a soul classic in 1972, offering warmth, community, and comfort in every verse. In 1987, Club Nouveau reimagined it with a funky, upbeat New Jack Swing style that gave the timeless lyrics a fresh sound. Both versions reached #1, each delivering the same message in different musical languages: everyone needs someone to lean on.
“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” – The Supremes (1966) and Kim Wilde (1987)
The Supremes powered through heartbreak in 1966 with “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” fusing urgency and emotion with Motown’s signature groove. Kim Wilde turned it into a synth-driven power anthem in 1987, giving it a sleek, modern edge that struck a chord with a new generation. It’s the same plea for freedom, told through two equally passionate voices nearly 20 years apart.
“When a Man Loves a Woman” – Percy Sledge (1966) and Michael Bolton (1991)
Percy Sledge’s 1966 version of “When a Man Loves a Woman” is a soul masterpiece, filled with raw emotion and aching vulnerability. In 1991, Michael Bolton’s powerful vocals brought a new intensity to the song, earning him a Grammy and another #1 hit for the ages. Two powerhouse performances of the same timeless theme—love, in all its messy, beautiful glory.
“I’ll Be There” – The Jackson 5 (1970) and Mariah Carey (1992)
The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” was a soulful, heartfelt promise from a young Michael Jackson in 1970, capturing devotion and warmth in every note. In 1992, Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz breathed new life into it with a stripped-down, live MTV Unplugged performance that soared to the top. Two different eras, two different stages, one unforgettable message: I’ll be there.
“Lady Marmalade” – Labelle (1975) and Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, Pink (2001)
Labelle made “Lady Marmalade” a funky, fearless anthem in 1975 with unforgettable vocals and unapologetic sass. In 2001, it exploded again when Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and Pink teamed up for the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack, adding glamour, grit, and a whole lot of fire. Both versions hit #1 and made “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi” one of the most iconic hooks in pop history.
Some songs are destined to be hits. Others? They’re destined to be hits again. Different artists, different decades—but the same #1 magic.