A History of Girl Groups at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

Artist, Title, Peak Date
The Shirelles, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” 1/30/1961
The Marvelettes, “Please Mr. Postman,” 12/11/1961
The Shirelles, “Soldier Boy,” 5/5/1962
The Crystals, “He’s a Rebel,” 11/3/1962
The Chiffons, “He’s So Fine,” 3/30/1963
The Angels, “My Boyfriend’s Back,” 8/31/1963
The Dixie Cups, “Chapel of Love,” 6/6/1964
The Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go,” 8/22/1964
The Supremes, “Baby Love,” 10/31/1964
The Shangri-Las, “Leader of the Pack,” 11/28/1964
The Supremes, “Come See About Me,” 12/19/1964
The Supremes, “Stop! In the Name of Love,” 3/27/1964
The Supremes, Back in My Arms Again,” 6/12/1965
The Supremes, “I Hear a Symphony,” 11/20/1965
The Supremes, “You Can’t Hurry Love,” 9/10/1966
The Supremes, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” 11/19/1966
The Supremes, “Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone,” 3/11/1967
The Supremes, “The Happening,” 5/13/1967
Diana Ross & the Supremes, “Love Child,” 11/30/1968
Diana Ross & the Supremes, “Someday We’ll Be Together,” 12/27/1969

The ‘60s were the most dominant era for girl groups, with 20 of the 44 total Hot 100 No. 1s achieved in that decade. Of those 20 No. 1s, 12 were by the Supremes alone — the most by an all-woman group in the chart’s history. The sound was pure pop with strong R&B roots, largely produced by legendary producers Phil Spector and Motown’s Holland-Dozier-Holland trio.

Artist, Title, Peak Date
The Honey Cone, “Want Ads,” 6/12/1971
Labelle, “Lady Marmalade,” 3/29/1975
Silver Convention, “Fly, Robin, Fly,” 11/29/1975
The Emotions, “Best of My Love,” 8/20/1977

Girl groups took a relative dip in the ‘70s, with only four No. 1s, compared to 20 the previous decade. That’s perhaps partially due to Diana Ross’ split from the Supremes (she earned four solo No. 1s this decade outside the group). Still, the sound didn’t disappear — it just evolved into disco anthems from Silver Convention and Labelle, and more R&B sounds from the Emotions and Honey Cone.

Artist, Title, Peak Date
Bananarama, “Venus,” 9/6/1986
The Bangles, “Walk Like an Egyptian,” 12/20/1986
Exposé, “Seasons Change,” 2/20/1988
The Bangles, “Eternal Flame,” 4/1/1989

The ‘80s brought a different flavor to girl group No. 1s on the Hot 100. These bands may not define the “girl group” label, but they fit the criteria here. The decade’s four No. 1s were bright, catchy pop songs and ballads, some with a rock edge.

Artist, Title, Peak Date
Wilson Phillips, “Hold On,” 6/9/1990
Sweet Sensation, “If Wishes Came True,” 9/1/1990
Wilson Phillips, “Release Me,” 9/15/1990
Wilson Phillips, “You’re In Love,” 4/20/1991
SWV, “Weak,” 7/10/1993
TLC, “Creep,” 1/28/1995
TLC, “Waterfalls,” 7/8/1995
Spice Girls, “Wannabe,” 2/22/1997
Divine, “Lately,” 11/28/1998
TLC, “No Scrubs,” 4/10/1999
Destiny’s Child, “Bills, Bills, Bills,” 7/17/1999
TLC, “Unpretty,” 9/18/1999

The ‘90s brought girl groups back to the forefront with 12 Hot 100 No. 1s. R&B ruled, largely thanks to TLC’s four No. 1s, along with leaders from SWV and Divine. Pop acts including Wilson Phillips, Sweet Sensation and Spice Girls also brought their own styles to the summit. Even compared to the 20 No. 1s in the ‘60s, the ‘90s make the case for the most diverse decade for girl groups, encompassing pop, rock and R&B.

Artist, Title, Peak Date
Destiny’s Child, “Say My Name,” 3/18/2000
Destiny’s Child, “Independent Women Part I,” 11/18/2000
Destiny’s Child, “Bootylicious,” 8/4/2001

Destiny’s Child picked up right where the ‘90s left off, tallying three more Hot 100 No. 1s in less than two years. Similar to Diana Ross’ exit from the Supremes, the group’s reign ended when Beyoncé went solo — Bey has since tallied nine No. 1s on her own.

Artist, Title, Peak Date
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI, “Golden,” 8/16/2025

As noted, HUNTR/X ends a 24-year drought — the longest in the Hot 100’s history — for Hot 100 No. 1s among all-women groups. The trio is also the first female act associated with K-pop to top the chart.