Timeline
Year | Month | Song Title | Artist | More |
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1959 ![]() |
September | Mack the Knife | Bobby Darin | |
Poison Ivy | The Coasters |
![]() Poison Ivy CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:42 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Mr. Blue | The Fleetwoods |
![]() Mr. Blue CD Source: Glory Days of R&R: Teen Ballads(1958-64)(2)Time: 2:18 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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October | Love Potion #9 | The Clovers |
![]() Love Potion #9 CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 1:51 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Shout, Parts 1 & 2 | The Isley Brothers |
![]() Shout, Parts 1 & 2 CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 4:33 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM ![]() ![]() |
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November | I Believe To My Soul | Ray Charles |
![]() I Believe To My Soul CD Source: Pure Genius-Complete Atlantic (52-59) (7) +DVDTime: 2:58 Sequenced by: B-side of I`m Moving On single Honored by: DM This song also appeared on the LP Genius Sings the Blues in December 1961 and on a few later compilations, but no one of these seemed to me a better choice for when to sequence it. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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December | El Paso | Marty Robbins |
![]() El Paso CD Source: The Essential 1951-1982 (2)Time: 4:39 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Stereo versions of "El Paso" omit four lines from the mono version that begin right after Our Hero shoots the handsome young stranger: "Just for a moment I stood there in silence, Shocked by the FOUL EVIL deed I had done. Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there; I had but one chance and that was to run." The 4:39 length is the mono single version. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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1960 | January | Handy Man | Jimmy Jones |
![]() Handy Man CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:00 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
February | Baby What You Want Me to Do | Jimmy Reed |
![]() Baby What You Want Me to Do CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:25 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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This Magic Moment | The Drifters |
![]() This Magic Moment CD Source: Rockin` & Driftin` (1953-66+) (3)Time: 2:31 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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March | Sweet Nothin`s | Brenda Lee |
![]() Sweet Nothin`s CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 2:21 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Money (That`s What I Want) | Barrett Strong |
![]() Money (That`s What I Want) CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:33 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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April | Doggin` Around | Jackie Wilson |
![]() Doggin` Around CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:45 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Mountain of Love | Harold Dorman |
![]() Mountain of Love CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v2 (1956-64)Time: 2:27 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Cathy`s Clown | The Everly Brothers | |||
May | Think | James Brown | ||
Wonderful World | Sam Cooke |
![]() Wonderful World CD Source: Portrait of a Legend (1951-64)Time: 2:05 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS Dave Marsh did not include "Wonderful World" in his 1989 book, "The Greatest 1001 Singles Ever Made," but later wrote that it was a "stupid oversight" not to have done so. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Reconsider Baby | Elvis Presley |
![]() Reconsider Baby CD Source: Elvis is Back!Time: 3:38 Sequenced by: Elvis is Back! album Honored by: The best of many good tracks on Elvis`s first studio album after his stint in the army. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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June | Alley-Oop | The Hollywood Argyles |
![]() Alley-Oop CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v2 (1956-64)Time: 2:42 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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I`m Sorry | Brenda Lee | |||
When Will I Be Loved | The Everly Brothers | |||
Only the Lonely | Roy Orbison |
![]() Only the Lonely CD Source: The Monument Singles Collection (1960-64) (2 CDs+1 DVD) Time: 2:23 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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July | Image of a Girl | The Safaris |
![]() Image of a Girl CD Source: The Doo Wop Box III (1951-98) (4)Time: 2:36 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Rank Stranger | The Stanley Brothers |
![]() Rank Stranger CD Source: Can`t You Hear Me...Bluegrass (1925-2002) (4)Time: 3:08 Sequenced by: recorded in May 1960 Honored by: DM "Rank Stranger" is a folk story in the form of a hymn sung by bluegrass legends. It`s in the Timeline because it`s such a great record I couldn`t leave it out. Never charted. It`s one of four songs in the Timeline that rank in the top 10 of country music`s 500 greatest singles in the book "Heartaches By The Number" by Cantwell and Friskics-Warren. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Finger Poppin` Time | Hank Ballard & The Midnighters |
![]() Finger Poppin` Time CD Source: Loud, Fast & Out of Control(+1954-60+)(4)Time: 2:34 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Walking to New Orleans | Fats Domino |
![]() Walking to New Orleans CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 1:59 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Walk--Don`t Run | The Ventures |
![]() Walk--Don`t Run CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 2:02 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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August | The Twist | Hank Ballard & The Midnighters |
![]() The Twist CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:34 Sequenced by: single Honored by: This song is based on the melody and arrangement of "What`cha Gonna Do," written by Atlantic Records` president Ahmet Ertegun, which was recorded by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters and peaked at #2 on the R&B chart in spring 1955. Hank Ballard added new lyrics and recorded it as "The Twist," which barely made the top 20 on the R&B chart when first released as a B-side early in 1959. Re-released in July 1960, Ballard`s "Twist" began climbing the pop chart but soon became an historical footnote when Chubby Checker released a competing cover version with the promotional support of Dick Clark and American Bandstand. That version was a massive pop hit, the only song ever to attain the #1 position on the Hot 100 on two separate occasions more than a year apart. Musically, Hank Ballard`s version is far superior. Note that the CD source is the *1959* disc in the "Blowing The Fuse" series. Sample 2: The Twist - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Let`s Have A Party | Wanda Jackson |
![]() Let`s Have A Party CD Source: All We Wanna Do Is Rock (1953-60)Time: 2:05 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Recorded in 1958, this record was a cover of Elvis Presley`s "Party" from the 1957 movie, Loving You. It appeared only on an LP at that time, and was not released as a single until the summer of 1960. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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September | A Million to One | Jimmy Charles |
![]() A Million to One CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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A Fool in Love | Ike & Tina Turner |
![]() A Fool in Love CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:51 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Save the Last Dance for Me | The Drifters |
![]() Save the Last Dance for Me CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:27 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM ![]() ![]() |
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October | Tonight`s the Night | The Shirelles |
![]() Tonight`s the Night CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 1:56 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS ![]() ![]() |
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Georgia On My Mind | Ray Charles |
![]() Georgia On My Mind CD Source: Genius & Soul (1949-93) (5)Time: 3:37 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Let`s Go, Let`s Go, Let`s Go | Hank Ballard & The Midnighters |
![]() Let`s Go, Let`s Go, Let`s Go CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:25 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Stay | Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs |
![]() Stay CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 1:35 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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November | New Orleans | Gary U.S. Bonds |
![]() New Orleans CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:48 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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A Thousand Stars | Kathy Young with The Innocents | |||
Are You Lonesome Tonight | Elvis Presley |
![]() Are You Lonesome Tonight CD Source: Elv1s - 30 #1 Hits (1956-77+)Time: 3:06 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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He Will Break Your Heart | Jerry Butler |
![]() He Will Break Your Heart CD Source: Blowing the Fuse/R&B Classics(1945-60)(16)Time: 2:46 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Lonely Teenager | Dion |
![]() Lonely Teenager CD Source: King of the New York Streets (1958-2000)(3)Time: 2:17 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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December | Angel Baby | Rosie & The Originals |
![]() Angel Baby CD Source: 25 More All-Time Doo Wop Hits (1954-63+)Time: 3:43 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Will You Love Me Tomorrow | The Shirelles |
![]() Will You Love Me Tomorrow CD Source: The Scepter Records Story (1959-72) (3)Time: 2:39 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG This is the only CD source I know for the mono version. Although the stereo mix sounds OK by itself, it does not preserve the depth, resonance, and very special timbre of the lead vocal that I treasure. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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1961 | January | I Count the Tears | The Drifters |
![]() I Count the Tears CD Source: Rockin` & Driftin` (1953-66+) (3)Time: 2:09 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
Shop Around | The Miracles |
![]() Shop Around CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 1: 1959-61 (6)Time: 2:47 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DG ![]() ![]() |
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Who`s Lovin` You | The Miracles |
![]() Who`s Lovin` You CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 1: 1959-61 (6)Time: 3:02 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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At Last | Etta James |
![]() At Last CD Source: The Essential (1960-75) (2)Time: 3:01 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Covered by Beyoncé, who played Etta in film about Chess Records. Famously sung live by Beyoncé as first couple danced at Obama`s first inaugural ball, January 2005. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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There`s A Moon Out Tonight | The Capris |
![]() There`s A Moon Out Tonight CD Source: The Doo Wop Box (+1953-63+) (4)Time: 2:11 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM There was a strong element of a doo-wop "revival" in 1961. Three significant Timeline hits had been recorded years earlier. "Moon Out Tonight" was recorded and first released in 1958. "Dedicated" was recorded and first released in spring 1959. And "Barbara-Ann" was recorded in 1958 but not released until 1961. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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February | Dedicated to the One I Love | The Shirelles |
![]() Dedicated to the One I Love CD Source: The Doo Wop Box II (+1953-63) (4)Time: 1:59 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM There was a strong element of doo-wop "revival" in 1961. Three significant Timeline hits had been recorded years earlier. "Moon Out" was recorded and first released in 1958. "Dedicated" was recorded and first released in spring 1959. And "Barbara-Ann" was recorded in 1958 but not released until 1961. In the case of "Dedicated," the huge success of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" was the obvious impetus for an immediate follow-up. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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I Pity The Fool | Bobby Bland |
![]() I Pity The Fool CD Source: The Anthology (1952-77+) (2)Time: 2:42 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Bobby Bland was better known as Bobby "Blue" Bland throughout his career. After 1960, however, "Blue" was usually omitted from his name on singles releases but not from his albums. I decided to omit "Blue" in the Timeline to make searching more consistent. See this discography for details. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Spanish Harlem | Ben E. King |
![]() Spanish Harlem CD Source: Rockin` & Driftin` (1953-66+) (3)Time: 2:52 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM ![]() ![]() |
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March | Apache | Jorgen Ingmann & His Guitar | ||
Blue Moon | The Marcels | |||
Runaway | Del Shannon |
![]() Runaway CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 2:17 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Mother-in-Law | Ernie K-Doe | |||
April | One Mint Julep | Ray Charles | ||
May | Daddy`s Home | Shep and the Limelites | ||
Mama Said | The Shirelles | |||
Travelin` Man | Ricky Nelson | |||
Hello Mary Lou | Ricky Nelson | |||
Running Scared | Roy Orbison |
![]() Running Scared CD Source: The Monument Singles Collection (1960-64) (2 CDs+1 DVD) Time: 2:11 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Barbara-Ann | The Regents |
![]() Barbara-Ann CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v4 (1955-63)Time: 2:13 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM There was a strong element of doo-wop "revival" in 1961. Three significant Timeline hits had been recorded years earlier. "Moon Out" was recorded and first released in 1958. "Dedicated" was recorded and first released in spring 1959. And "Barbara-Ann" was recorded in 1958 but not released until 1961. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Stand By Me | Ben E. King |
![]() Stand By Me CD Source: Rockin` & Driftin` (1953-66+) (3)Time: 2:51 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Quarter to Three | Gary U.S. Bonds |
![]() Quarter to Three CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 2:26 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Every Beat of My Heart | The Pips |
![]() Every Beat of My Heart CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:02 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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June | Tossin` and Turnin` | Bobby Lewis |
![]() Tossin` and Turnin` CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:19 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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July | I Like It Like That, Part 1 | Chris Kenner |
![]() I Like It Like That, Part 1 CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 1:53 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Cupid | Sam Cooke | |||
Let`s Twist Again | Chubby Checker |
![]() Let`s Twist Again CD Source: Cameo Parkway Greatest Hits(1957-1966)Time: 2:18 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Last Night | The Mar-Keys |
![]() Last Night CD Source: Complete Stax/Volt Singles:1959-1968(9)Time: 2:36 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Pretty Little Angel Eyes | Curtis Lee |
![]() Pretty Little Angel Eyes CD Source: The Doo Wop Box II (+1953-63) (4)Time: 2:43 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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August | I Fall to Pieces | Patsy Cline |
![]() I Fall to Pieces CD Source: 12 Greatest Hits (1961-63)Time: 2:50 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM ![]() ![]() |
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My True Story | The Jive Five |
![]() My True Story CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R (1954-63)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Take Good Care of My Baby | Bobby Vee |
![]() Take Good Care of My Baby CD Source: 24 Greatest Hits of All Time (1951-70)Time: 2:28 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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A Little Bit of Soap | The Jarmels |
![]() A Little Bit of Soap CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:09 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Little Sister | Elvis Presley | |||
September | Crying | Roy Orbison |
![]() Crying CD Source: The Monument Singles Collection (1960-64) (2 CDs+1 DVD) Time: 2:50 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM ![]() ![]() |
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The Mountain`s High | Dick and Dee Dee |
![]() The Mountain`s High CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v8 (1953-63)Time: 2:13 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Hit the Road, Jack | Ray Charles |
![]() Hit the Road, Jack CD Source: Genius & Soul (1949-93) (5)Time: 1:58 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Bristol Stomp | The Dovells |
![]() Bristol Stomp CD Source: Cameo Parkway Greatest Hits(1957-1966)Time: 2:18 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Runaround Sue | Dion |
![]() Runaround Sue CD Source: King of the New York Streets (1958-2000)(3)Time: 2:41 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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October | Ya Ya | Lee Dorsey | ||
Please Mr. Postman | The Marvelettes |
![]() Please Mr. Postman CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 1: 1959-61 (6)Time: 2:28 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG Some songs take a lot longer than others to climb the national charts. "Please Mr. Postman" was released in August 1961 and finally reached #1 on the pop charts - the first Motown song to do so - the last week in November (chart date December 11). The song was so popular and influential that its basic arrangement was copied by two of the biggest hits of 1962, "Mashed Potato Time" and "Monster Mash." ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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November | Crazy | Patsy Cline | ||
Gypsy Woman | The Impressions | |||
The Lion Sleeps Tonight | The Tokens |
![]() The Lion Sleeps Tonight CD Source: Nipper`s Greatest Hits--The 60`s (2)Time: 2:40 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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December | Peppermint Twist | Joey Dee & The Starliters |
![]() Peppermint Twist CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 1:58 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Can`t Help Falling in Love | Elvis Presley |
![]() Can`t Help Falling in Love CD Source: Elv1s - 30 #1 Hits (1956-77+)Time: 2:57 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Unchain My Heart | Ray Charles | |||
Let`s Go Trippin` | Dick Dale & The Del-Tones |
![]() Let`s Go Trippin` CD Source: The Anthology (1959-96) (2)Time: 2:10 Sequenced by: single Honored by: If not literally the first rock instrumental to have something of a "surf" sound to it, "Let`s Go Trippin`" is nevertheless regarded as the first clearly distinguishable surf music record. And no one questions Dick Dale`s claim to be "King of the Surf Guitar." ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Turn On Your Lovelight | Bobby Bland |
![]() Turn On Your Lovelight CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:36 Sequenced by: single Honored by: Bobby Bland was better known as Bobby "Blue" Bland throughout his career. After 1960, however, "Blue" was usually omitted from his name on singles releases but not from his albums. I decided to omit "Blue" in the Timeline to make searching more consistent. See this discography for details. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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It Will Stand | The Showmen |
![]() It Will Stand CD Source: Crescent City Soul (1947-62+) (4)Time: 2:20 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM This New Orleans classic featuring General Johnson`s lead vocal spent 12 weeks in the lower half of the Hot 100 this time and then returned for another 3 weeks of national chart action in June 1964. General Johnson later attained fame as the lead singer of Chairmen of the Board ("Give Me Just A Little More Time") in 1970. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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I Know | Barbara George | |||
1962 | January | Baby It`s You | The Shirelles |
![]() Baby It`s You CD Source: 25 All-Time Greatest Hits (1958-64)Time: 2:40 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
The Wanderer | Dion |
![]() The Wanderer CD Source: King of the New York Streets (1958-2000)(3)Time: 2:48 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Duke of Earl | Gene Chandler | |||
Cry to Me | Solomon Burke | |||
February | Hey! Baby | Bruce Channel | ||
Let Me In | The Sensations | |||
What`s Your Name | Don & Juan |
![]() What`s Your Name CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v5 (1954-63)Time: 2:14 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |