1960s Timeline

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Apr 1, 2022

Sam Cooke's Latest LP: "Twistin' the Night Away"

Apr. 1, 1962 - RCA Victor today released Sam Cooke’s latest album, “Twistin’ the Night Away,” the 31-year-old singer’s eighth studio...

Mar 31, 2022

“Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” by Connie Francis Tops Charts

Mar. 31, 1962 - Taking the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” by Connie Francis. Miss...

Mar 26, 2022

"Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes" by Andy Williams Hits Record Stores

Mar. 26, 1962 - For sale in your local record store today is “Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes” by Andy Williams, the singer’s...

Mar 19, 2022

Bob Dylan's Debut Album Hits Stores Today

Mar. 19, 1962 - For sale in local record stores today is “Bob Dylan,” the debut album by the folk singer-songwriter. The album was...

Mar 10, 2022

"Hey! Baby" Hits the Top of the Charts

Mar. 10, 1962 - Hitting the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Hey! Baby” by Bruce Channel. The song features well-known...

Mar 6, 2022

Singer Andy Williams Will Headline NBC Show Next Season

Mar. 6, 1962 - Andy Williams will have his own show on NBC-TV next season. The singer will be host and star of a series that will appear...

Feb 27, 2022

🎙 OTD in 1961, Aretha Franklin's debut album was released

Check out our podcast on Aretha's electrifying debut album and other high points of 1961. #podcast #1960s #music

Feb 20, 2022

Funeral in Beverly Hills for Conductor Bruno Walter

Feb. 20, 1962 - A funeral service was held in Beverly Hills, Calif., today for Bruno Walter (pictured in 1935), the noted conductor who...

Feb 17, 2022

"Duke of Earl" Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

Feb. 17, 1962 - Hitting the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler (top). The song originated from...

Feb 12, 2022

Sinatra Marathon on New York's WINS Radio

Feb. 12, 1962 - Frank Sinatra appears to be a big hit on New York’s WINS radio station. Last night, the station passed the 48-hour mark...

Jan 30, 2022

Narcotics Case Against Ray Charles Thrown Out

Jan. 30, 1962 - A criminal case against Ray Charles (pictured in court today), the blind singer-pianist, was dismissed in Indianapolis...

Jan 28, 2022

Movies: "Don't Knock the Twist"

Jan. 28, 1962 - The Twist dance craze appears to have taken firm hold at Columbia Pictures. Producer Sam Katzman, responsible for the...

Jan 27, 2022

"Peppermint Twist" Hits Top of the Charts

Jan. 27, 1962 - Replacing Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” today as No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 is “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and...

Jan 19, 2022

President Kennedy Welcomes Composer Igor Stravinsky to White House

Jan. 19, 1962 - President Kennedy entertained composer Igor Stravinsky (right) at a small White House dinner last night. Mr. Stravinsky,...

Jan 13, 2022

Chubby Checker's "The Twist" Retakes Top Spot on Billboard Hot 100

Jan. 13, 1962 - Taking the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and setting a new record today is “The Twist” by Chubby Checker. Last year,...

Jan 9, 2022

Vienna Boys Choir Serenades President Kennedy at the White House

Jan. 9, 1962 - The White House rose garden rang with clear alto and soprano voices today as the Vienna Boys Choir serenaded President...

Jan 8, 2022

Leonard Bernstein Honors Father Samuel with Original Composition

Jan. 8, 1962 - Leonard Bernstein (pictured left), conductor of the New York Philharmonic, played an original composition on the piano...

Dec 18, 2021

Billboard Hot 100: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" Hits No. 1

Dec. 18, 1961 - Reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” by the Tokens. The doo-wop-style group was...

Dec 11, 2021

Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" Hits No. 1

Dec. 11, 1961 - Reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Please Mr. Postman,” by the Marvelettes. The recording features lead...

Nov 24, 2021

Carnegie Recital Hall Presents Music of Yoko Ono, 28

Nov. 24, 1961 - Here are some of the things that happened in almost total darkness at Carnegie Recital Hall today, all in the name of...