1960s Timeline

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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...

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...