Top 100 Songs of 1960: Founding Year for Modern Pop, Rock, and Beyond

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In 1960, the music industry got many of its gems. It was a transformative period that marked the transition between the raw energy of the 50s rock ‘n’ roll and more sophisticated songs with genre-expanding music. We can also call this period the beginning of the golden decade for music. Why so? Because many of the world’s iconic artists then were experimenting with new musical styles, and infusing one genre with another to create musical magic that built the music industry of that decade and beyond. The top 100 songs of 1960 that we are going to list are a reflection of the beginning of that era. 

These 1960 billboard hits are of a diverse musical landscape that would shape the entire industry for decades to come. From rock ‘n’ roll to doo-wop, rhythm to blues, country music to traditional pop songs, everything is there and coexisted and flourished beautifully.

The Iconic Artists Dominates the chart of Top 100 Songs of 1960

The 1960s was the year dominated by iconic artists like Elvis Presley. This was the year Elvis entered the music scene with his first recording and continued his legacy till his death. He was the true king of Rock ‘n’ roll. Among the 1960 billboard hits, Brenda Lee’s powerful vocal epitomized the era ahead with a mix of youthful exuberance and emotional depth. Among the 100 best songs of the 1960s ballads had a great position too. Singers like Frank Sinatra and Connie Francis enchanted the scene while Roy Orbison and Sam Cooke dominated with their fresh sounds that would later define the future generation.

Not only rock ‘n’ roll and ballads, but country music also entered the mainstream musical landscape in 1960 with crossover hits from legends like Patsy Cline and Johnny Horton. They broke the glass ceiling of the traditional trends in that period. Among the top hit songs of the 1960s the tracks such as “North to Alaska” and “I Fall to Pieces” had a great reverberation of the storytelling prowess of country music. Certainly, the country music of that time bridged the gap between genres and expanded its audience across the world.

The Top Trends of the Music in the 1960s

We already know that 1960 was a year of transition, so it developed certain trends in the industry which has shaped the music of the later generations. One of the most significant trends was the international influence on pop music. Artists like Cliff Richard and bands like The Shadows were the pioneers in bringing British pop into the limelight. They are the early trendsetters who paved the way for the British Invasion era later in the decade. We get to see the reflection of the trends among the top 100 songs of 1960 too.

Another trend in the top hit songs of 1960s was Latin music. It created waves, with hits like “Theme from A Summer Place” by Percy Faith. The song captured a dreamy, cinematic sound that resonated with listeners worldwide. It is also noticeable, that the cultural blend brought a significant influence on the industry enriching the music scene. It introduced the audiences to new rhythms and textures that people felt from their hearts.

As the music transformed, the innovation wasn’t only limited to vocals, instrumental music also gained significant traction. “Apache” and “Walk, Don’t Run” are the perfect example of that. Doo-wop developed in 1950 also had a strong presence in in the year and among the top 100 tracks of 1960.  The entry of socially conscious lyrics and the rise of female vocalists like Patsy Cline, and Brenda Lee are also two of the other trends that added some more flare into the 1960s music.

So, whether you’re feeling nostalgia about the hits of your youth or rediscovering music, this list offers a journey through the top 100 songs of 1960—a year of foundation for modern pop, rock, and beyond.

List of the Top 100 Songs of 1960

  1. Theme from A Summer Place by Percy Faith (A Summer Place)
  2. He’ll Have to Go by Jim Reeves (He’ll Have to Go)
  3. Cathy’s Clown by The Everly Brothers (A Date with The Everly Brothers)
  4. Running Bear by Johnny Preston (Running Bear)
  5. Teen Angel by Mark Dinning (Teen Angel)
  6. I’m Sorry by Brenda Lee (Brenda Lee)
  7. It’s Now or Never by Elvis Presley (Elvis Is Back!)
  8. Handy Man by Jimmy Jones (Good Timin’)
  9. Stuck on You by Elvis Presley (Elvis’ Golden Records Volume 3)
  10. The Twist by Chubby Checker (Twist with Chubby Checker)
  11. Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool by Connie Francis (Connie Francis Sings “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool”)
  12. Wild One by Bobby Rydell (We Got Love)
  13. Greenfields by The Brothers Four (Greenfields)
  14. What in the World’s Come Over You by Jack Scott (What in the World’s Come Over You)
  15. El Paso by Marty Robbins (Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs)
  16. Alley Oop by The Hollywood Argyles (Alley Oop)
  17. My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own by Connie Francis (Connie’s Greatest Hits)
  18. Sweet Nothin’s by Brenda Lee (Brenda Lee)
  19. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini by Brian Hyland (The Bashful Blonde)
  20. Only the Lonely by Roy Orbison (Lonely and Blue)
  21. Where or When by Dion and the Belmonts (Wish Upon a Star with Dion and the Belmonts)
  22. Sixteen Reasons by Connie Stevens (As Cricket in “Hawaiian Eye”)
  23. Puppy Love by Paul Anka (Paul Anka Sings His Big 15)
  24. Why by Frankie Avalon (Swingin’ on a Rainbow)
  25. Walk, Don’t Run by The Ventures (Walk, Don’t Run)
  26. Save the Last Dance for Me by The Drifters (Save the Last Dance for Me)
  27. Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes) by Dinah Washington & Brook Benton (The Two of Us)
  28. Sink the Bismarck by Johnny Horton (Johnny Horton Makes History)
  29. Chain Gang by Sam Cooke (Swing Low)
  30. Let It Be Me by The Everly Brothers (It’s Everly Time)
  31. Good Timin’ by Jimmy Jones (Good Timin’)
  32. Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin (That’s All)
  33. Go, Jimmy, Go by Jimmy Clanton (Go, Jimmy, Go)
  34. Night by Jackie Wilson (So Much)
  35. Burning Bridges by Jack Scott (What Am I Living For)
  36. The Big Hurt by Toni Fisher (The Big Hurt)
  37. Because They’re Young by Duane Eddy (Songs of Our Heritage)
  38. Lonely Blue Boy by Conway Twitty (Lonely Blue Boy)
  39. Pretty Blue Eyes by Steve Lawrence (Pretty Blue Eyes)
  40. Way Down Yonder in New Orleans by Freddy Cannon (The Explosive Freddy Cannon)
  41. Paper Roses by Anita Bryant (Hear Anita Bryant in Your Home Tonight!)
  42. Mr. Custer by Larry Verne (Mr. Custer)
  43. I Want to Be Wanted by Brenda Lee (Brenda Lee)
  44. Mule Skinner Blues by The Fendermen (Mule Skinner Blues)
  45. Cradle of Love by Johnny Preston (Running Bear)
  46. You Got What It Takes by Marv Johnson (More Marv Johnson)
  47. Please Help Me, I’m Falling by Hank Locklin (Please Help Me, I’m Falling)
  48. Love You So by Ron Holden (Love You So)
  49. Finger Poppin’ Time by Hank Ballard & The Midnighters (Finger Poppin’ Time)
  50. Harbor Lights by The Platters (Harbor Lights)
  51. Let the Little Girl Dance by Billy Bland (Let the Little Girl Dance)
  52. He’ll Have to Stay by Jeanne Black (He’ll Have to Stay)
  53. Theme from The Apartment by Ferrante & Teicher (The Apartment Soundtrack)
  54. Volare by Bobby Rydell (Rydell at the Copa)
  55. A Million to One by Jimmy Charles (A Million to One)
  56. The Village of St. Bernadette by Andy Williams (The Village of St. Bernadette)
  57. White Silver Sands by Bill Black’s Combo (White Silver Sands)
  58. The Old Lamp-Lighter by The Browns (Town and Country)
  59. Devil or Angel by Bobby Vee (Bobby Vee Sings Your Favorites)
  60. Down by the Station by The Four Preps (Down by the Station)
  61. Forever by The Little Dippers (Forever)
  62. Image of a Girl by The Safaris & The Phantom’s Band (Image of a Girl)
  63. Kiddio by Brook Benton (Songs I Love to Sing)
  64. Mission Bell by Donnie Brooks (Mission Bell)
  65. I Love the Way You Love by Marv Johnson (More Marv Johnson)
  66. It’s Time to Cry by Paul Anka (Paul Anka Sings His Big 15)
  67. Tell Laura I Love Her by Ray Peterson (Tell Laura I Love Her)
  68. Mama by Connie Francis (Connie’s Greatest Hits)
  69. Footsteps by Steve Lawrence (Pretty Blue Eyes)
  70. So Sad by The Everly Brothers (It’s Everly Time)
  71. That’s All You Gotta Do by Brenda Lee (Brenda Lee)
  72. Walking to New Orleans by Fats Domino (Fats Domino Sings Million Record Hits)
  73. Among My Souvenirs by Connie Francis (Connie’s Greatest Hits)
  74. Swingin’ School by Bobby Rydell (We Got Love)
  75. A Rockin’ Good Way (to Mess Around and Fall in Love) by Dinah Washington & Brook Benton (The Two of Us)
  76. Stairway to Heaven by Neil Sedaka (Neil Sedaka Sings Little Devil and His Other Hits)
  77. My Home Town by Paul Anka (Paul Anka Sings His Big 15)
  78. Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles (The Genius Hits the Road)
  79. Cherry Pie by Skip & Flip (Cherry Pie)
  80. Wonderful World by Sam Cooke (The Wonderful World of Sam Cooke)
  81. Tracy’s Theme by Spencer Ross (Tracy’s Theme)
  82. Lady Luck by Lloyd Price (Mr. Personality)
  83. Step by Step by The Crests (Step by Step)
  84. Happy-Go-Lucky Me by Paul Evans (Happy-Go-Lucky Me)
  85. Young Emotions by Ricky Nelson (More Songs by Ricky)
  86. Dreamin’ by Johnny Burnette (Dreamin’)
  87. Poetry in Motion by Johnny Tillotson (Poetry in Motion)
  88. O Dio Mio by Annette Funicello (Annette Sings Anka)
  89. You Talk Too Much by Joe Jones (Joe Jones You Talk Too Much)
  90. Beatnik Fly by Johnny and the Hurricanes (Beatnik Fly)
  91. When Will I Be Loved by The Everly Brothers (It’s Everly Time)
  92. Let’s Think About Living by Bob Luman (Let’s Think About Living)
  93. Heartaches by the Number by Guy Mitchell (Heartaches by the Number)
  94. My Little Corner of the World by Anita Bryant (Hear Anita Bryant in Your Home Tonight!)
  95. Doggin’ Around by Jackie Wilson (Jackie Sings the Blues)
  96. Little Bitty Girl by Bobby Rydell (We Got Love)
  97. Money (That’s What I Want) by Barrett Strong (Money (That’s What I Want))
  98. Stay by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs (Stay)
  99. Lonely Weekends by Charlie Rich (Lonely Weekends)
  100. Sandy by Larry Hall (Sandy)

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