Timeline
Year | Month | Song Title | Artist | More |
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1961 ![]() |
September | 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 ![]() ![]() |
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 ![]() ![]() |
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March | Twistin` the Night Away | Sam Cooke |
![]() Twistin` the Night Away CD Source: Portrait of a Legend (1951-64)Time: 2:44 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DG ![]() ![]() |
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Dream Baby | Roy Orbison |
![]() Dream Baby CD Source: The Monument Singles Collection (1960-64) (2 CDs+1 DVD) Time: 2:33 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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You Better Move On | Arthur Alexander |
![]() You Better Move On CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:44 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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April | Soul Twist | King Curtis & The Noble Knights | ||
Soldier Boy | The Shirelles | |||
Uptown | The Crystals | |||
May | Night Train | James Brown |
![]() Night Train CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 3:30 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM One of the greatest R&B instrumentals, this song owes its basic riff to a Duke Ellington composition, "Happy-Go-Lucky Local," one of four parts of his Deep South Suite, first recorded in 1946. Jimmy Forrest was a member of Ellington`s band when it performed the song. Forrest`s 1952 adaptation to a slow, earthy arrangement was a huge R&B hit and has stood the test of time. So has James Brown`s 1962 re-conceptualization of Night Train into an upbeat dance number with vocal recitation of a train ride of cities, which hit the pop as well as the R&B charts again. Sample 2: Night Train - James Brown Sample 3: Night Train - Jimmy Forrest Link 1: Wikepedia "Night Train" ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Lovers Who Wander | Dion |
![]() Lovers Who Wander CD Source: King of the New York Streets (1958-2000)(3)Time: 2:29 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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The One Who Really Loves You | Mary Wells |
![]() The One Who Really Loves You CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 2: 1962 (4)Time: 2:27 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Palisades Park | Freddy Cannon |
![]() Palisades Park CD Source: Golden Age of American R&R v9 (1955-63)Time: 1:52 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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June | Having A Party | Sam Cooke |
![]() Having A Party CD Source: Portrait of a Legend (1951-64)Time: 2:33 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM Bring It On Home To Me and Having A Party were the A and B sides of RCA Victor 8036. One of the greatest two-sided singles in pop history! Although they both broke on the R&B charts at the same time, "Party" started its climb up the pop charts a full month before "Home." Essentially, "Party" hit first and "Home" became a hit as "Party" was waning. Apparently, the down home gospel vibe of "Home" delayed its acceptance at mainstream radio. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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The Wah Watusi | The Orlons |
![]() The Wah Watusi CD Source: Cameo Parkway Greatest Hits(1957-1966)Time: 2:29 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Sealed With A Kiss | Brian Hyland |
![]() Sealed With A Kiss CD Source: Vintage Music Volumes 9 & 10 (1962-69)Time: 2:42 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Twist and Shout | The Isley Brothers | |||
July | Breaking Up is Hard to Do | Neil Sedaka |
![]() Breaking Up is Hard to Do CD Source: Nipper`s Greatest Hits--The 60`s (2)Time: 2:20 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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The Loco-Motion | Little Eva |
![]() The Loco-Motion CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:26 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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You`ll Lose A Good Thing | Barbara Lynn | |||
Bring It On Home to Me | Sam Cooke |
![]() Bring It On Home to Me CD Source: Portrait of a Legend (1951-64)Time: 2:45 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG Bring It On Home To Me and Having A Party were the A and B sides of RCA Victor 8036. One of the greatest two-sided singles in pop history! Although they both broke on the R&B charts at the same time, "Party" started its climb up the pop charts a full month before "Home." Essentially, "Party" hit first and "Home" became a hit as "Party" was waning. Apparently, the down home gospel vibe of "Home" delayed its acceptance at mainstream radio. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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August | You Don`t Know Me | Ray Charles | ||
Party Lights | Claudine Clark |
![]() Party Lights CD Source: Girl Group Greats & More ... (1958-66)(2)Time: 2:21 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow | The Rivingtons |
![]() Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow CD Source: 24 Greatest Hits of All Time (1951-70)Time: 2:21 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Beechwood 4-5789 | The Marvelettes |
![]() Beechwood 4-5789 CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 2: 1962 (4)Time: 2:12 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Green Onions | Booker T. & The M.G.`s |
![]() Green Onions CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:50 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Sherry | The Four Seasons |
![]() Sherry CD Source: The Golden Era of Rock `N` Roll 1954-1963 (3)Time: 2:32 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DG ![]() ![]() |
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September | You Beat Me to the Punch | Mary Wells |
![]() You Beat Me to the Punch CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 2: 1962 (4)Time: 2:45 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Do You Love Me | The Contours |
![]() Do You Love Me CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 2: 1962 (4)Time: 2:54 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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October | He`s A Rebel | The Crystals |
![]() He`s A Rebel CD Source: Wall of Sound Retrospective (1961-66)Time: 2:27 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Return to Sender | Elvis Presley | |||
Big Girls Don`t Cry | The Four Seasons | |||
November | Stubborn Kind of Fellow | Marvin Gaye |
![]() Stubborn Kind of Fellow CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 2: 1962 (4)Time: 2:46 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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December | Tell Him | The Exciters |
![]() Tell Him CD Source: Girl Group Greats & More ... (1958-66)(2)Time: 2:36 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Don`t Make Me Over | Dionne Warwick |
![]() Don`t Make Me Over CD Source: Beg Scream & Shout! (1960-69)(6)Time: 2:48 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Miserlou | Dick Dale & The Del-Tones |
![]() Miserlou CD Source: Cowabunga! (The Surf Box) (1960-95) (4)Time: 2:13 Sequenced by: see Commentary Honored by: First released twice in 1958 under different numbers, then as Deltone 5019 in May 1962, Miserlou never charted nationally. It`s slotted here at the one and only week it charted in Los Angeles. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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1963 | January | Up On the Roof | The Drifters |
![]() Up On the Roof CD Source: Rockin` & Driftin` (1953-66+) (3)Time: 2:37 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
You`ve Really Got A Hold on Me | The Miracles |
![]() You`ve Really Got A Hold on Me CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:59 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG In Smokey`s own words, he wrote this song because "I wanted to write something like [Sam Cooke`s] `Bring It On Home To Me.`" ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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He`s Sure the Boy I Love | The Crystals |
![]() He`s Sure the Boy I Love CD Source: Wall of Sound Retrospective (1961-66)Time: 2:41 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Ruby Baby | Dion |
![]() Ruby Baby CD Source: King of the New York Streets (1958-2000)(3)Time: 2:34 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Walk Like A Man | The Four Seasons | |||
March | He`s So Fine | The Chiffons |
![]() He`s So Fine CD Source: Girl Group Greats & More ... (1958-66)(2)Time: 1:51 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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South Street | The Orlons |
![]() South Street CD Source: Cameo Parkway Greatest Hits(1957-1966)Time: 2:12 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Baby Workout | Jackie Wilson | |||
April | Pipeline | The Chantays |
![]() Pipeline CD Source: Cowabunga! (The Surf Box) (1960-95) (4)Time: 2:16 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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On Broadway | The Drifters | |||
(Today I Met) The Boy I`m Gonna Marry | Darlene Love |
![]() (Today I Met) The Boy I`m Gonna Marry CD Source: Wall of Sound Retrospective (1961-66)Time: 2:47 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Surfin` USA | The Beach Boys |
![]() Surfin` USA CD Source: Greatest Hits - Volumes 1 & 2 (1962-69+) (2)Time: 2:28 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG In this song, Brian Wilson put new "surfer" lyrics to the melody and arrangement of Chuck Berry`s "Sweet Little Sixteen." Berry`s name was soon added as the co-writer of "Surfin` USA." Sample 2: Surfin` U.S.A. - The Beach Boys ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Come And Get These Memories | Martha & The Vandellas |
![]() Come And Get These Memories CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 3: 1963 (5)Time: 2:24 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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If You Need Me | Solomon Burke | |||
May | These Arms of Mine | Otis Redding |
![]() These Arms of Mine CD Source: Take Me To The River - Southern Soul (1961-77) (3)Time: 2:31 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Prisoner of Love | James Brown |
![]() Prisoner of Love CD Source: 50th Anniversary Collection (1956-76+) (2)Time: 2:21 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Da Doo Ron Ron | The Crystals |
![]() Da Doo Ron Ron CD Source: Wall of Sound Retrospective (1961-66)Time: 2:12 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Hello Stranger | Barbara Lewis | |||
June | One Fine Day | The Chiffons |
![]() One Fine Day CD Source: Girl Group Greats & More ... (1958-66)(2)Time: 2:08 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Easier Said Than Done | The Essex |
![]() Easier Said Than Done CD Source: Sweet Soul Music (1961-75)(15)Time: 2:09 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Surf City | Jan & Dean |
![]() Surf City CD Source: Cowabunga! (The Surf Box) (1960-95) (4)Time: 2:25 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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So Much in Love | The Tymes |
![]() So Much in Love CD Source: Cameo Parkway Greatest Hits(1957-1966)Time: 2:10 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Wipe Out | The Surfaris |
![]() Wipe Out CD Source: Cowabunga! (The Surf Box) (1960-95) (4)Time: 2:37 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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July | Pride and Joy | Marvin Gaye | ||
Just One Look | Doris Troy | |||
Fingertips (Pt. 2) | Little Stevie Wonder |
![]() Fingertips (Pt. 2) CD Source: Hitsville U.S.A. 1959-1971 (4)Time: 3:10 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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I Don`t Mind (Live) | James Brown & Famous Flames |
![]() I Don`t Mind (Live) CD Source: Star Time (1956-76+) (4)Time: 2:30 Sequenced by: The James Brown Show (Live At the Apollo) album Honored by: James Brown had to record his live show on his own dime, but was sweetly vindicated when the album climbed the pop charts all the way to #2 this summer. Whole sides of the album were played on black radio stations but it was the rare mainstream (white audience) station that played any of it. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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August | My Boyfriend`s Back | The Angels |
![]() My Boyfriend`s Back CD Source: Girl Group Greats & More ... (1958-66)(2)Time: 2:10 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Mockingbird | Inez & Charlie Foxx | |||
Heat Wave | Martha & The Vandellas |
![]() Heat Wave CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 3: 1963 (5)Time: 2:48 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Surfer Girl | The Beach Boys |
![]() Surfer Girl CD Source: Greatest Hits - Volumes 1 & 2 (1962-69+) (2)Time: 2:25 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Then He Kissed Me | The Crystals |
![]() Then He Kissed Me CD Source: Wall of Sound Retrospective (1961-66)Time: 2:34 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Sally Go `Round the Roses | The Jaynettes |
![]() Sally Go `Round the Roses CD Source: Girl Group Greats & More ... (1958-66)(2)Time: 2:58 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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September | Mickey`s Monkey | The Miracles |
![]() Mickey`s Monkey CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 3: 1963 (5)Time: 2:46 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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Cry Baby | Garnett Mimms | |||
Be My Baby | The Ronettes |
![]() Be My Baby CD Source: Wall of Sound Retrospective (1961-66)Time: 2:40 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS DM DG ![]() ![]() |
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Blowin` in the Wind | Bob Dylan |
![]() Blowin` in the Wind CD Source: The Freewheelin` Bob Dylan (mono)Time: 2:46 Sequenced by: The Freewheelin` Bob Dylan album Honored by: RS DG Although "Freewheelin`" was released at the end of May 1963, it didn`t begin selling enough to register on the national pop LP chart until Peter, Paul & Mary`s version of "Blowin` in the Wind" crested in August. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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A Hard Rain`s A-Gonna Fall | Bob Dylan |
![]() A Hard Rain`s A-Gonna Fall CD Source: The Freewheelin` Bob Dylan (mono)Time: 6:53 Sequenced by: The Freewheelin` Bob Dylan album Honored by: Although "Freewheelin`" was released at the end of May 1963, it didn`t begin selling enough to register on the national pop LP chart until Peter, Paul & Mary`s version of "Blowin` in the Wind" crested in August. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Don`t Think Twice, It`s Alright | Bob Dylan |
![]() Don`t Think Twice, It`s Alright CD Source: The Freewheelin` Bob Dylan (mono)Time: 3:38 Sequenced by: The Freewheelin` Bob Dylan album Honored by: Although "Freewheelin`" was released at the end of May 1963, it didn`t begin selling enough to register on the national pop LP chart until Peter, Paul & Mary`s version of "Blowin` in the Wind" crested in August. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Mean Woman Blues | Roy Orbison |
![]() Mean Woman Blues CD Source: The Monument Singles Collection (1960-64) (2 CDs+1 DVD) Time: 2:25 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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October | It`s All Right | The Impressions | ||
November | Can I Get A Witness | Marvin Gaye |
![]() Can I Get A Witness CD Source: Complete Motown Singles Vol. 3: 1963 (5)Time: 2:47 Sequenced by: single Honored by: DM ![]() ![]() |
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Walking the Dog | Rufus Thomas | |||
Be True to Your School | The Beach Boys |
![]() Be True to Your School CD Source: Greatest Hits - Volumes 1 & 2 (1962-69+) (2)Time: 2:05 Sequenced by: single Honored by: ![]() ![]() |
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In My Room | The Beach Boys |
![]() In My Room CD Source: Greatest Hits - Volumes 1 & 2 (1962-69+) (2)Time: 2:11 Sequenced by: single Honored by: RS ![]() ![]() |