1960s Timeline

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

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, 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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...