1960s Timeline

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May 31, 2022

"Peter, Paul and Mary" Hits Record Stores

May 31, 1962 - On sale in record stores now is “Peter, Paul and Mary,” the debut long-playing album by the eponymous folk music trio. The...

May 26, 2022

"Stranger on the Shore" Tops the Billboard Hot 100

May 26, 1962 - Hitting the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Stranger on the Shore,” a piece for clarinet written by Acker Bilk...

May 5, 2022

Shirelles' "Soldier Boy" Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

May 5, 1962 - Hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Soldier Boy,” by The Shirelles. The song’s lyrics are a profession of love...

Apr 30, 2022

New Ray Charles LP, "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music," On Sale Now

Apr. 30, 1962 - On sale in local record stores today is “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” by pianist and singer Ray Charles....

Apr 21, 2022

Billboard Hot 100: "Good Luck Charm" by Elvis Presley Hits No. 1

Apr. 21, 1962 - Hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Good Luck Charm” by Elvis Presley. The song was written by Aaron...

Apr 7, 2022

Billboard Hot 100: "Johnny Angel" by Shelley Fabares is No. 1

Apr. 7, 1962 - Hitting the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Johnny Angel,” by Shelley Fabares (right). Miss Fabares appears on...

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 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...

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...

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 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 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...

Nov 14, 2021

Ray Charles Arrested on Narcotics Charge

Nov. 14, 1961 - Ray Charles, one of the country’s leading popular singers and pianists, was arrested on a narcotics charge today in his...