Our countdown concludes today as we salute The Top 20 Hits of 1960 - 1963, based on data collected by Dann Isbell in his hot new book "Ranking The '60's" ... available on Amazon.com.
#20 - Runaround Sue - Dion (1961)
A timeless, feel-good classic!
#19 - Peppermint Twist, Part 1 - Joey Dee and the Starlighters (1962)
House band at The Starlight Lounge, a few of The Rascals played here first before going out on their own.
#18 - Sherry - The Four Seasons (1962)
Their first big hit .. and one of their greatest. The world experienced a whole new adventure the first time they were exposed to "The Sound Of Frankie Valli"!
#17 - Runaway - Del Shannon (1961)
Wow, this really IS the cream of the crop! Another timeless classic!
#16 - He'll Have To Go - Jim Reeves (1960)
A huge country cross-over hit.
#15 - Wonderland By Night - Bert Kaempfert Orchestra (1961)
The first guy to give The Beatles a recording contract.
#14 - Stuck On You - Elvis Presley (1960)
Another favorite by The King.
#13 - Running Bear - Johnny Preston (1960)
Nobody knew it at the time but two of Johnny's label-mates, The Big Bopper and George Jones, provided the Indian chants in the background.
#12 - Roses Are Red (My Love) - Bobby Vinton (1962)
Bobby's first big hit ... written by FH Regular Paul Evans!
#11 - Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean (1961)
At the top of the charts was this big, big song ... by The Sausage King!
#10 - Sugar Shack - Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs (1963)
#9 - Big Girls Don't Cry - The Four Seasons (1962)
#8 - I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee (1960)
#7 - Cathy's Clown - The Everly Brothers (1960)
Their first hit for the brand new Warner Brothers Record Label ... and one of their catchiest, too!
#6 - I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles (1962)
The Genius Of Ray Charles, blending country, soul and pop ... and riding the results to the top of the charts.
#5 - It's Now Or Never - Elvis Presley (1960)
The Italian Classic never sounded better ... "O Sole Mio", Elvis-style!
#4 - Are You Lonesome To-Night? - Elvis Presley (1960)
Elvis again ... three songs in The Top 20!
#3 - Tossin' And Turnin' - Bobby Lewis (1961)
#2 - Theme from "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith Orchestra (1960)
One of those hauntingly beautiful melodies that every generation since has discovered and fallen in love with.
And the #1 Song on the Charts, 1960 - 1963???
Why "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, of course!!! (#1)
The ONLY record in during The Rock Era to go to #1 TWICE!!!
First when the kids discovered it ... and then again when their parents hit the dance floor!
A REMARKABLE COUNTDOWN to be sure.
Yes, the music scene was rejuvenated when The British Invasion hit our shores ...
But some of the music on the radio BEFORE then wasn't too shabby either.
