The Number One Hits Of 1961

The Number One Hits Of 1961

November 28, 1960January 8, 1961:
Elvis Presley – Are You Lonesome Tonight?
January 9, 1961 – January 29, 1961:
Bert Kaempfert – Wonderland by Night
January 30, 1961 – February 12, 1961:
The Shirelles – Will You Love Me Tomorrow
February 13, 1961 – February 26, 1961:
Lawrence Welk – Calcutta
February 27, 1961 – March 19, 1961:
Chubby Checker – Pony Time
March 20, 1961 – April 2, 1961:
Elvis Presley – Surrender
April 3, 1961 – April 23, 1961:
The Marcels – Blue Moon
April 24, 1961 – May 21, 1961:
Del Shannon – Runaway
May 22, 1961 – May 28, 1961:
Ernie K-Doe – Mother-in-Law
May 29, 1961 – June 4, 1961:
Ricky Nelson – Travelin’ Man
June 5, 1961 – June 18, 1961:
Roy Orbison – Running Scared
June 19, 1961 – June 25, 1961:
Pat Boone – Moody River
June 26, 1961 – July 9, 1961:
Gary U.S. Bonds – Quarter to Three
July 10, 1961 – August 27, 1961:
Bobby Lewis – Tossin’ and Turnin’
August 28, 1961 – September 3, 1961:
Joe Dowell – Wooden Heart (Muss I Denn)
September 4, 1961 – September 17, 1961:
The Highwaymen – Michael
September 18, 1961 – October 8, 1961:
Bobby Vee – Take Good Care of My Baby
October 9, 1961 – October 22, 1961:
Ray Charles – Hit the Road Jack
October 23, 1961 – November 5, 1961:
Dion – Runaround Sue
November 6, 1961 – December 10, 1961:
Jimmy Dean – Big Bad John
December 11, 1961 – December 17, 1961:
The Marvelettes – Please Mr. Postman
December 18, 1961 – January 12, 1962:
The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight

(Data is compiled from various charts including Billboard’s “Pop,” “Airplay,” “R&B” and “Singles” Charts. “Hot 100” is the primary chart used starting October, 1958)