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Billboard Hot 100 Top Songs

1961

Starting in 1958, Billboard magazine has tracked the performance of music singles in the United States through the Billboard Hot 100. Taking a look through their archives of top songs is like viewing a time capsule. To better cater to this journey, I have listed all songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 each week for the year. I have embedded a video to easily listen to them, given a link to the lyrics, included the date it topped the chart, and given a way to purchase the song. Enjoy listening to the best songs of 1961!

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Billboard Hot 100 - 1961

January 2

"Are You Lonesome To-night?" by Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires
"Are You Lonesome To-night?" was The Hot 100's #1 song on January 2.

January 9

January 16

January 23

"Wonderland By Night" by Bert Kaempfert And His Orchestra
"Wonderland By Night" was The Hot 100's #1 song on January 9, January 16, and January 23.

January 30

February 6

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles
"Will You Love Me Tomorrow" was The Hot 100's #1 song on January 30 and February 6.

February 13

February 20

"Calcutta" by Lawrence Welk And His Orchestra
"Calcutta" was The Hot 100's #1 song on February 13 and February 20.

February 27

March 6

March 13

"Pony Time" by Chubby Checker
"Pony Time" was The Hot 100's #1 song on February 27, March 6, and March 13.

March 20

March 27

"Surrender" by Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires
"Surrender" was The Hot 100's #1 song on March 20 and March 27.

April 3

April 10

April 17

"Blue Moon" by The Marcels
"Blue Moon" was The Hot 100's #1 song on April 3, April 10, and April 17.

April 24

May 1

May 8

May 15

"Runaway" by Del Shannon
"Runaway" was The Hot 100's #1 song on April 24, May 1, May 8, and May 15.

May 22

"Mother-In-Law" by Ernie K-Doe
"Mother-In-Law" was The Hot 100's #1 song on May 22.

May 29

"Travelin' Man" by Ricky Nelson
"Travelin' Man" was The Hot 100's #1 song on May 29.

June 5

"Running Scared" by Roy Orbison
"Running Scared" was The Hot 100's #1 song on June 5.

June 12

"Travelin' Man" by Ricky Nelson
"Travelin' Man" was The Hot 100's #1 song on June 12.

June 19

"Moody River" by Pat Boone
"Moody River" was The Hot 100's #1 song on June 19.

June 26

July 3

"Quarter To Three" by U.S. Bonds
"Quarter To Three" was The Hot 100's #1 song on June 26 and July 3.

July 10

July 17

July 24

July 31

August 7

August 14

August 21

"Tossin' And Turnin'" by Bobby Lewis
"Tossin' And Turnin'" was The Hot 100's #1 song on July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, and August 21.

August 28

"Wooden Heart" by Joe Dowell
"Wooden Heart" was The Hot 100's #1 song on August 28.

September 4

September 11

"Michael" by The Highwaymen
"Michael" was The Hot 100's #1 song on September 4 and September 11.

September 18

September 25

October 2

"Take Good Care Of My Baby" by Bobby Vee
"Take Good Care Of My Baby" was The Hot 100's #1 song on September 18, September 25, and October 2.

October 9

October 16

"Hit The Road Jack" by Ray Charles and his Orchestra
"Hit The Road Jack" was The Hot 100's #1 song on October 9 and October 16.

October 23

October 30

"Runaround Sue" by Dion
"Runaround Sue" was The Hot 100's #1 song on October 23 and October 30.

November 6

November 13

November 20

November 27

December 4

"Big Bad John" by Jimmy Dean
"Big Bad John" was The Hot 100's #1 song on November 6, November 13, November 20, November 27, and December 4.

December 11

"Please Mr. Postman" by The Marvelettes
"Please Mr. Postman" was The Hot 100's #1 song on December 11.

December 18

December 25

"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was The Hot 100's #1 song on December 18 and December 25.
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