‘It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way’ by Jim Croce debuts at #77 in USA 50 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 29 1973)

(Saturday, December 29, 1973) — “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way” by Jim Croce debuted at #77 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week.

The Christmas-themed record would peak at #64 on the weekly chart dated Jan. 19, 1974, for one week.