Welcome to toptunetales.com! We’re taking a nostalgic trip back in time to relive every chart-topping moment of 1962. This year was a whirlwind of catchy dance crazes, heartfelt ballads, and even a few novelty tunes that had everyone humming along. Each week brought a new number-one hit (or sometimes a familiar favorite holding steady), and each song tells a story about the music and culture of the early 60s. From January’s joyful doo-wop tunes to December’s space-age instrumentals, join us as we revisit the songs that made 1962 unforgettable.
| Week (Issue Date) | Song Title | Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 1962 | The Lion Sleeps Tonight | The Tokens |
| January 13, 1962 | The Twist | Chubby Checker |
| January 20, 1962 | The Twist | Chubby Checker |
| January 27, 1962 | Peppermint Twist | Joey Dee and the Starliters |
| February 3, 1962 | Peppermint Twist | Joey Dee and the Starliters |
| February 10, 1962 | Peppermint Twist | Joey Dee and the Starliters |
| February 17, 1962 | Duke of Earl | Gene Chandler |
| February 24, 1962 | Duke of Earl | Gene Chandler |
| March 3, 1962 | Duke of Earl | Gene Chandler |
| March 10, 1962 | Hey! Baby | Bruce Channel |
| March 17, 1962 | Hey! Baby | Bruce Channel |
| March 24, 1962 | Hey! Baby | Bruce Channel |
| March 31, 1962 | Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You | Connie Francis |
| April 7, 1962 | Johnny Angel | Shelley Fabares |
| April 14, 1962 | Johnny Angel | Shelley Fabares |
| April 21, 1962 | Good Luck Charm | Elvis Presley |
| April 28, 1962 | Good Luck Charm | Elvis Presley |
| May 5, 1962 | Soldier Boy | The Shirelles |
| May 12, 1962 | Soldier Boy | The Shirelles |
| May 19, 1962 | Soldier Boy | The Shirelles |
| May 26, 1962 | Stranger on the Shore | Mr. Acker Bilk |
| June 2, 1962 | I Can’t Stop Loving You | Ray Charles |
| June 9, 1962 | I Can’t Stop Loving You | Ray Charles |
| June 16, 1962 | I Can’t Stop Loving You | Ray Charles |
| June 23, 1962 | I Can’t Stop Loving You | Ray Charles |
| June 30, 1962 | I Can’t Stop Loving You | Ray Charles |
| July 7, 1962 | The Stripper | David Rose |
| July 14, 1962 | Roses Are Red (My Love) | Bobby Vinton |
| July 21, 1962 | Roses Are Red (My Love) | Bobby Vinton |
| July 28, 1962 | Roses Are Red (My Love) | Bobby Vinton |
| August 4, 1962 | Roses Are Red (My Love) | Bobby Vinton |
| August 11, 1962 | Breaking Up Is Hard to Do | Neil Sedaka |
| August 18, 1962 | Breaking Up Is Hard to Do | Neil Sedaka |
| August 25, 1962 | The Loco-Motion | Little Eva |
| September 1, 1962 | Sheila | Tommy Roe |
| September 8, 1962 | Sheila | Tommy Roe |
| September 15, 1962 | Sherry | The Four Seasons |
| September 22, 1962 | Sherry | The Four Seasons |
| September 29, 1962 | Sherry | The Four Seasons |
| October 6, 1962 | Sherry | The Four Seasons |
| October 13, 1962 | Sherry | The Four Seasons |
| October 20, 1962 | Monster Mash | Bobby “Boris” Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers |
| October 27, 1962 | Monster Mash | Bobby “Boris” Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers |
| November 3, 1962 | He’s a Rebel | The Crystals |
| November 10, 1962 | He’s a Rebel | The Crystals |
| November 17, 1962 | Big Girls Don’t Cry | The Four Seasons |
| November 24, 1962 | Big Girls Don’t Cry | The Four Seasons |
| December 1, 1962 | Big Girls Don’t Cry | The Four Seasons |
| December 8, 1962 | Big Girls Don’t Cry | The Four Seasons |
| December 15, 1962 | Big Girls Don’t Cry | The Four Seasons |
| December 22, 1962 | Telstar | The Tornados |
| December 29, 1962 | Telstar | The Tornados |
Contents
January 1962
January 6, 1962 – “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens: This cheerful doo-wop tune kicked off the year with its infectious “a-weema-weh” melody. The Tokens, a New York vocal group, took a South African folk song and turned it into a pop hit that listeners couldn’t help but smile at. It was a delightful and surprising way to ring in 1962, setting a fun, upbeat tone right out of the gate.
January 13, 1962 – “The Twist” by Chubby Checker: Chubby Checker revived the dance craze with this classic anthem. By now, the Twist dance was already sweeping the nation, and Checker’s upbeat tune had everyone on their feet. It’s hard not to picture families and teens twisting their hips the first time this hit the airwaves, making it a perfect dancefloor moment for early 1962.
January 20, 1962 – “The Twist” by Chubby Checker (2nd week): The Twist kept its hold on the charts as the nation continued to shake it. It’s easy to see why: the song’s simple instructions (“twist, twist!”) and catchy beat made it irresistible. Chubby Checker’s tune still had the whole country doing the twist, proving that some dance crazes are hard to let go of.
January 27, 1962 – “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and the Starliters: After Chubby Checker’s Twist, a fresh twist tune took over: Joey Dee’s “Peppermint Twist.” Inspired by the famous Peppermint Lounge in New York City, this high-energy track kept the dance craze alive with even more excitement. It’s got a sugary name and a fizzy beat, a perfect follow-up that had everyone doing the Peppermint Twist right along with Joey Dee and his crew.
February 1962
February 3, 1962 – “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and the Starliters (2nd week): The Peppermint Twist continued to dominate. Even after its first week at the top, the party just kept going. With its pulsing beat and shout-along chorus, the song was a delightful, candy-colored thrill that really stuck around.
February 10, 1962 – “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and the Starliters (3rd week): Three weeks and still counting—the Peppermint Twist proved it had staying power. The song’s fun, celebratory vibe meant DJs kept spinning it and dancers kept twisting well into the month. It’s a sign of how big the Twist craze was that even a second twist-themed song could hang at #1 this long.
February 17, 1962 – “Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler: The charts took a regal turn as Gene Chandler became the “Duke of Earl.” This smooth doo-wop ballad has a classic old-school vibe, with Chandler sweetly crooning lines like “Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl” at the top of his lungs. It’s the kind of song that made listeners want to imagine themselves as royalty, if only for a few minutes, and it definitely struck a chord in early ’62.
February 24, 1962 – “Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler (2nd week): The Duke was still reigning at number one. Even after a week on top, Gene Chandler’s charming performance kept fans hooked. Its slow and dreamy rhythm provided a nice change of pace from the dance tunes earlier in the year, proving that a heartfelt doo-wop croon could hold the spotlight just as long as any party song.
March 1962
March 3, 1962 – “Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler (3rd week): Three weeks strong at the summit—Gene Chandler really lived up to his Duke title. The song’s catchy melody and memorable chant had proven unbeatable. For a few more weeks in early ’62, it felt like the Duke and his loyal subjects would never let this royal anthem fade away.
March 10, 1962 – “Hey! Baby” by Bruce Channel: Time for a change of pace with Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby.” This lively track, featuring a catchy harmonica riff, felt like a fun road trip or a sunny day at the beach. Its lyrics about young love and that signature “hey, hey, hey” hook made it an instant singalong hit. By March, Americans were ready to dance to a slightly different beat, and Bruce Channel delivered just that.
March 17, 1962 – “Hey! Baby” by Bruce Channel (2nd week): The sunny vibe of “Hey! Baby” held strong for another week. Listeners kept charmed by the rolling beat and spirit-lifting chorus. Even as spring approached, this breezy tune was the perfect soundtrack for cruising with the car windows down.
March 24, 1962 – “Hey! Baby” by Bruce Channel (3rd week): And it wasn’t going anywhere just yet—“Hey! Baby” stayed on top for a third week. The harmonica-driven melody seemed to capture the joy of young romance perfectly, and it just felt good. You can almost picture couples on the porch or teenagers dancing, singing the “hey baby” refrain as the song kept on ringing on the radio.
March 31, 1962 – “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” by Connie Francis: Now here’s a classic Connie Francis ballad. After all the dancing hits, Connie slowed things down with a heartfelt plea not to break a faithful heart. Her gentle voice and the song’s tender lyrics made it a go-to slow song for listeners pouring their emotions into the radio. It’s the kind of song where you might hear a teen voice inside say, “That’s exactly what I feel!”
April 1962
April 7, 1962 – “Johnny Angel” by Shelley Fabares: TV star Shelley Fabares took center stage with this teenage crush anthem. You might remember Shelley as the wholesome girl from The Donna Reed Show, and “Johnny Angel” had the same sweet, innocent vibe. The song tells of longing and hope, and it felt authentic – after all, Shelley was a real-life teen herself. April 1962 had its own dreamy hit with Shelley’s soft vocals leading the way.
April 14, 1962 – “Johnny Angel” by Shelley Fabares (2nd week): The sweet sounds of “Johnny Angel” stayed in the airwaves for another week. Fans just couldn’t get enough of Shelley’s wishful lyrics and gentle melody. By mid-April, it was clear that “Johnny Angel” had become the song of the moment for anyone longing for their own crush.
April 21, 1962 – “Good Luck Charm” by Elvis Presley: Elvis was back at number one, as classic as ever. With “Good Luck Charm,” he offered a smooth, romantic serenade. The song is full of Elvis’s signature style – strong vocals, a little swagger, and that magical feeling of having a love that brings good luck. Even though rock ’n’ roll was evolving, early ’62 fans knew they could always count on the King for a top hit.
April 28, 1962 – “Good Luck Charm” by Elvis Presley (2nd week): Elvis held onto the throne for yet another week. His charm had not worn off, and listeners were humming along to every line. It was a testament to his enduring appeal: even with new songs popping up, Elvis’s smooth hit remained a lucky charm on the charts.
May 1962
May 5, 1962 – “Soldier Boy” by The Shirelles: Enter The Shirelles, one of the biggest girl groups of the era, with a heartfelt ode to love and duty. “Soldier Boy” is a sweet promise from a loyal girlfriend to her boyfriend in the Army, and it resonated with many listeners. The song’s simple, earnest melody and the Shirelles’ harmonious vocals made it feel genuine. As May rolled in, Americans were touched by this message of standing by someone through thick and thin.
May 12, 1962 – “Soldier Boy” by The Shirelles (2nd week): The patriotic promise of “Soldier Boy” held strong. It seemed that Americans couldn’t get enough of The Shirelles’ pure harmonies and comforting words. On the radio, people were singing along to lines about devotion and loyalty, and the song continued to strike a chord in the spring of 1962.
May 19, 1962 – “Soldier Boy” by The Shirelles (3rd week): Even three weeks in, “Soldier Boy” was still chart-topping. The Shirelles had created a timeless sound of devotion that kept fans listening. By now, it was clear that this simple tune about love and duty was one of the year’s emotional standouts.
May 26, 1962 – “Stranger on the Shore” by Mr. Acker Bilk: In a change of pace, 1962 welcomed an instrumental. “Stranger on the Shore” is a hauntingly beautiful clarinet melody by British jazzman Acker Bilk. Its gentle, flowing tune felt soothing, almost like a lullaby. It’s easy to see why people fell in love with it – it’s wistful and peaceful, evoking images of quiet seaside days or distant memories. This week in ’62, listeners took a calm moment away from the dance crazes and heartbreak ballads.
June 1962
June 2, 1962 – “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles: Ray Charles took over with soul and heart. His powerful voice and a gospel-influenced sound made this love song unforgettable. Originally a country tune, Ray infused it with soul, proving music could cross boundaries. Listeners in June embraced the raw emotion in his performance; lines like “tell me no matter what you do, I can’t stop loving you” felt deeply sincere. Ray’s version became iconic, holding onto the top spot as fans swayed to his heartfelt delivery.
June 9, 1962 – “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles (2nd week): Ray’s heartfelt declaration of love continued to dominate. With each play, the song’s rich strings and Ray’s raspy yet tender vocals drew listeners in. It was the kind of song you could imagine being played at a slow dance or on a dim jukebox – timeless and full of feeling. By now, one could tell this was more than just a hit; it was a classic in the making.
June 16, 1962 – “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles (3rd week): Three weeks at number one and Ray Charles still ruled the airwaves. The smooth rhythms and emotional intensity meant nobody was pushing this tune out of their record players. It was summer time but Ray made it feel like a heartfelt confession lit by moonlight. Audiences continued to connect with Ray’s soulful take on love, and the song simply would not be unseated.
June 23, 1962 – “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles (4th week): As June ended, Ray’s beautiful ballad was still going strong. Listeners were wrapped up in the song’s sweeping orchestra and Ray’s passionate emotion. It’s the kind of powerful track that feels like it could keep a number-one spot indefinitely, with every note hitting the heart just right.
June 30, 1962 – “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles (5th week): Five weeks on top—Ray Charles made June all about true devotion. By this point, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was almost everybody’s slow-dance favorite. Even as a new month approached, Ray’s soulful masterpiece had stamped its mark on 1962, proving how a heartfelt performance can truly captivate the nation.
July 1962
July 7, 1962 – “The Stripper” by David Rose: Now for something completely different: a comedic instrumental! “The Stripper” by David Rose is a playful trombone-driven piece, instantly recognizable for its cheeky melody that sounds straight out of a burlesque show. It feels like the soundtrack to a mischievous cartoon or a cabaret stage. It’s surprising and fun to hear it at number one, a reminder that even an instrumental novelty could take over the charts in 1962. Listeners got a kick out of its whimsical vibe.
July 14, 1962 – “Roses Are Red (My Love)” by Bobby Vinton: Bobby Vinton brought things back to romance with this sweet ballad. The singer crooned about sending roses to a lover, and his earnest, melodramatic style made hearts flutter. It’s the quintessential early-60s love song—simple and heartfelt. For mid-July, listeners happily traded comedic tunes for this gentle love anthem, and Bobby Vinton’s heartfelt sentiment had everyone swooning.
July 21, 1962 – “Roses Are Red (My Love)” by Bobby Vinton (2nd week): The love-filled mood continued as Vinton’s hit stayed on top. Its lush strings and Vinton’s pure vocals kept fans glued. Even after its initial debut, nobody was tired of hearing promises of “roses are red.” This song was just the romantic mood-lifter summertime crowds needed.
July 28, 1962 – “Roses Are Red (My Love)” by Bobby Vinton (3rd week): Three weeks in and this Valentine-esque tune was still blooming on the charts. The sincerity of Vinton’s declaration (he literally sings “I love you, yes I do”) was so convincing that listeners kept playing it on repeat. It was the kind of song that made you want to send flowers, and for those warm July days, America was happy to do just that.
August 1962
August 4, 1962 – “Roses Are Red (My Love)” by Bobby Vinton (4th week): Four weeks at number one! Even as summer days wore on, Vinton’s romantic hit wasn’t cooling off. The song had become a soundtrack for summer love, as sticky and sweet as melting popsicles in the sun. By early August, everyone was well into the swing of this heartwarming ballad, and it was clear Bobby Vinton had captured the moment perfectly.
August 11, 1962 – “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” by Neil Sedaka: Time for a change of mood: Neil Sedaka brought back some rockin’ pop to the top spot. This catchy tune, with Sedaka’s lively vocals and an uptempo beat, made light of a breakup in a surprisingly upbeat way. It’s a clever song that almost makes you want to dance in the face of heartache. Listeners loved singing along to that unforgettable chorus, so it was no surprise when it took over the charts in mid-August.
August 18, 1962 – “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” by Neil Sedaka (2nd week): The bouncy plea of “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” stayed strong for another week. Audiences in late summer kept tapping their feet and clapping hands to Sedaka’s energetic piano and cheerful delivery. Even as the beach bonfires dimmed, this tune kept spirits high with its catchy message: heartbreak might be hard, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bop along to it.
August 25, 1962 – “The Loco-Motion” by Little Eva: Speaking of dance songs, Little Eva arrived with “The Loco-Motion,” a song literally about doing a new dance. This bubblegum pop tune is catchy from the first note, and its simple dance instructions made everyone feel like they knew the moves. Originally written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, it turned Eva, a 16-year-old babysitter, into a star overnight. By late August, families and teens everywhere were doing the Loco-Motion.
September 1962
September 1, 1962 – “Sheila” by Tommy Roe: The fall chart-topper shifted back to guitar-driven rock. Tommy Roe’s “Sheila” was a rollicking, upbeat tune named after the real name of Roe’s girlfriend. Its happy-go-lucky sound, combined with clever lyrics (including a shout-out to his own name!), made it feel like a friendly buddy-song. By September, this catchy rock ’n’ roller proved Americans still loved a fun, feel-good tune on their radios.
September 8, 1962 – “Sheila” by Tommy Roe (2nd week): “Sheila” didn’t budge, staying at number one. With its singalong chorus (“Sheila! Sheila! Sheila!”), fans kept belting it out. The country-rock vibe continued to please listeners everywhere. Tommy Roe had pulled off the rare feat of keeping a non-dance, non-ballad tune at the top, and it showed that rock ’n’ roll still had plenty of fans in ’62.
September 15, 1962 – “Sherry” by The Four Seasons: Here comes one of the biggest hits of the year: “Sherry” by The Four Seasons. This was actually Frankie Valli and his group’s very first hit, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. With Frankie’s swooping falsetto and an irresistible melody, “Sherry” captured the feeling of falling in love with a girl named, well, Sherry. The song was pure 1962 teen pop brilliance, and it blew everyone away, rocketing straight to number one.
September 22, 1962 – “Sherry” by The Four Seasons (2nd week): “Sherry” hung on to the top spot, much like Frankie Valli’s high notes. Its upbeat tempo and joyful vibe meant radio stations kept it spinning. Every time you heard “Sherry,” it was like a burst of sunshine, and as more people fell for it, the song refused to let go of number one.
September 29, 1962 – “Sherry” by The Four Seasons (3rd week): Three weeks in, and “Sherry” was still making fans dance and smile. The harmonies and Frankie’s voice were just too irresistible. In those early fall days, it felt like “Sherry” was on every jukebox and record player. The Four Seasons had us all calling out “Sherry!” and it paid off by staying on top longer than almost any other song of the year.
October 1962
October 6, 1962 – “Sherry” by The Four Seasons (4th week): Sherry’s reign continued for a fourth week—an impressive run for any single. By now, Frankie Valli and company were on fire. Each spin of that record was like a little party of handclaps and doo-wops. People just couldn’t get enough of the infectious joy in that song, even as Halloween approached.
October 13, 1962 – “Sherry” by The Four Seasons (5th week): A full five weeks at number one! “Sherry” had become practically synonymous with the sound of 1962. It’s a rare achievement, and it shows how much America fell in love with the Four Seasons’ debut smash. Even as autumn leaves fell outside, the energy of “Sherry” was bright and colorful inside every record player’s needle drop.
October 20, 1962 – “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers: Just in time for spooky season, “Monster Mash” took over the charts. This novelty song is sung in a playful, monster-voiced style (complete with a Boris Karloff impersonation!), and it parodies the twist dance craze by having creatures like vampires and werewolves do a new dance, the Monster Mash. Its goofy, fun vibe made it an instant party favorite. October ’62 became a perfect time to unleash this Halloween-themed classic.
October 27, 1962 – “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers (2nd week): The Monster Mash lingered on top for a second week, proving that nobody could resist a good zombie dance. Kids and adults alike got a kick out of the catchy “I was working in the lab” story, and it was basically a Halloween smash for the whole country. Even if the vampires and ghouls were fictional, the crowd-pleasing fun of this song was very real.
November 1962
November 3, 1962 – “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals: Kicking off November was a spicy little girl-group hit produced by Phil Spector. “He’s a Rebel” has a rebellious attitude (as the title suggests!) sung by lead singer Darlene Love. The song actually tells the story of a boy who’s well known around town, and all the girls want him—even though he’s called a rebel. With its driving beat and that famous Wall of Sound production, “He’s a Rebel” had a sassy energy that listeners loved.
November 10, 1962 – “He’s a Rebel” by The Crystals (2nd week): “He’s a Rebel” held its place at the top for another week. Fans were still swaying to its confident beat and clever lyrics. It felt like a grown-up sort of teenage anthem, and the polished sound of the record made it a staple on radios everywhere. The Crystals and Phil Spector had crafted something both edgy and irresistibly catchy, and America kept playing it.
November 17, 1962 – “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons: Back to Frankie Valli and company with another hit. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is another doo-wop masterpiece from The Four Seasons that followed their earlier success. This tune reassured listeners that “big girls don’t cry,” even if they’re breaking up with their boyfriend. Its polished harmonies and confident message struck a chord—people loved the swagger and heart of the song. The chart was ready for more high notes, and the Four Seasons delivered yet again.
November 24, 1962 – “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons (2nd week): The breezy, confident vibe of “Big Girls Don’t Cry” lingered. It felt like everyone secretly agreed with the song’s message. Even as the holiday season neared, listeners kept returning to Frankie’s smooth lead vocals and those lush background harmonies. It was clear that this song had become a seasonal favorite long before December.
December 1962
December 1, 1962 – “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons (3rd week): Sure enough, another week at the top! The song was still charming listeners young and old. Frankie Valli’s unmistakable falsetto and those timeless harmonies were as appealing as ever, making it a perfect backdrop for a cozy late-autumn night.
December 8, 1962 – “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons (4th week): Four weeks straight, and the Four Seasons weren’t stopping anytime soon. By now, it felt like a tradition: at the end of the year, you put on Frankie and the gang, and everything felt all right. People hummed along while wrapping presents or watching early TV holiday specials, and this song was right there with them.
December 15, 1962 – “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons (5th week): Five weeks running—that’s a remarkable feat! The excitement of “Big Girls Don’t Cry” showed no signs of slowing down. As people started getting into holiday mode, this feel-good tune remained a reliable favorite on the airwaves. The Four Seasons clearly ended the pre-Christmas season with a crowd roaring.
December 22, 1962 – “Telstar” by The Tornados: Ending the year on a futuristic note, “Telstar” took flight to #1. Named after the space-age satellite, this instrumental by British band The Tornados had a modern, otherworldly sound thanks to its spacey electronic tones. It sounded unlike anything American listeners had heard before, evoking the mystery of space exploration. Late December ’62 meant holiday music in other venues, but for the charts, it was all about this cool, cosmic instrumental. Interestingly, it was also the first U.K. band to top the U.S. chart, a sign that the British Invasion was on its way in just a few years.
December 29, 1962 – “Telstar” by The Tornados (2nd week): “Telstar” stayed up top for one more week as the year closed out. Its haunting melody and vintage synth effects still felt fresh, and listeners were happy to take one more ride on that space-age wave before 1963 arrived. It was a fitting finale to a year of wildly varied number-one hits, from the doo-wop and dance crazes of early ’62 to a spaceship soundtrack in December.