1960s Timeline

Latest Podcasts

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 6, 2021

"Big Bad John" Hits No. 1 on Billboard Charts

Nov. 6, 1961 - “Big Bad John," a recording by Jimmy Dean (pictured), hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart today. The song is about...

Oct 24, 2021

“The Twist” Banned at New York’s Roseland

Oct. 24, 1961 - The new dance called the Twist has been banned at New York’s Roseland Dance City, 239 West 52nd Street. “It is not a...

Oct 23, 2021

Music: Dion’s “Runaround Sue” Hits Top of the Charts

Oct. 23, 1961 - Reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 today is “Runaround Sue,” a rock and roll song in a modified doo-wop style,...

Oct 19, 2021

Café Society Embraces “The Twist”

Oct. 19, 1961 - Café society, having ignored rock ’n’ roll for years, has suddenly embraced the teenage craze. The elite of the social...

Oct 9, 2021

Music: “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles Hits #1

Oct. 9, 1961 - "Hit the Road Jack," a recording by Ray Charles, has hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, written by...

Oct 3, 2021

Keely Smith and Louis Prima Divorce

Oct. 3, 1961 - Keely Smith (right), the singer, today divorced Louis Prima (left) in the breakup of one of the best-known teams of...