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1961

THE 61 GREATEST SONGS

MCMLXI

 

This was the year that saw Yuri Gagarin become the first man in space; the Bay Of Pigs botched invasion in Cuba; the Berlin Wall was built dividing East & West Germany; John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as U.S. President and the world enjoyed the film version of ‘West Side Story’.

Here are 61 examples of the music that was the soundtrack for the year 1961:

 6

 

SURRENDER

Elvis Presley

 

Although a re-invention of a Neapolitan song, the production on this thrilling track elevates it into the present (as far as 1961 goes).

 

7

 

I FALL TO PIECES

Patsy Cline

As if “Crazy” was not a significant enough release in 1961, the legendary country singer also tugged at our heartstrings with this moving ballad. Although sung from a female’s point of view, the country staple was composed by 2 men.

 

8

 

RUNAWAY

Del Shannon

The Clavioline solo ensures this early rock classic remains timeless. No wonder the disc topped the charts in America, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

 

9

 

RUNNING SCARED

Roy Orbison

 

The Big O knew how to inject drama to draw you in. This single recounts the story of a man who is convinced that his girlfriend will return to her ex. The song reaches its climax when the couple meet him.

 

10

 

CRAZY

Patsy Cline

This single remains one of the most influential country songs recorded by a female vocalist. The classic also raised the profile of rising star Willie Nelson, who penned the hit.

 

 

 

11 TRUST IN ME Etta James

12 UNCHAIN MY HEART Ray Charles

13 SPANISH HARLEM Ben E. King

14 WALK RIGHT BACK Everly Brothers

15 CRYING Roy Orbison

16 CALENDAR GIRL Neil Sedaka

17 AMOR Ben E. King

18 THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT The Tokens

19 IT’S GONNA WORK OUT FINE Ike & Tina Turner

20 DUKE OF EARL Gne Chandler

 

21 LANA Roy Orbison

22 LET’S TWIST AGAIN Chubby Checker

23 (I DON’T KNOW WHY) BUT I DO Clarence Henry

24 EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART Gladys Knight & The Pips

25 I’M COUNTING ON YOU Johnny O’Keefe

26 THE WANDERER Dion

27 SHOP AROUND The Miracles

28 WOODEN HEART Elvis Presley

29 TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY Bobby Vee

30 RUNAROUND SUE Dion

 

31 MAMA SAID The Shirelles

32 PEPPERMINT TWIST Joey Dee & The Starliters

33 I LOVE YOU Cliff Richard

34 TOSSIN’ AND TURNIN’ Bobby Lewis

35 DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE The Shirelles

36 DO YOU LOVE ME The Contours

37 SAILOR Petula Clark

38 LITTLE SISTER Elvis Presley

39 BLUE MOON The Marcels

40 CANDY MAN Roy Orbison

 

41 LITTLE DEVIL Neil Sedaka

42 GYPSY WOMAN The Impressions

43 PONY TIME Chubby Checker

44 I LOVE HOW YOU LOVE ME The Paris Sisters

45 (MARIE’S THE NAME) HIS LATEST FLAME Elvis Presley

46 WALKIN’ BACK TO HAPPINESS Helen Shapiro

47 ONE LAST KISS Crash Craddock

48 LOVE HURTS Roy Orbison

49 TEMPTATION Everly Brothers

50 I’M GONNA KNOCK ON YOUR DOOR Eddie Hodges

 

51 WELL I ASK YOU Eden Kane

52 MILORD Edith Piaf

53 HURT Tim Yuro

54 JOHNNY REMEMBER ME John Leyton   

55 TRAVELLIN’ MAN Ricky Nelson

56 FLAMING STAR Elvis Presley

57 THE FLY Chubby Checker

58 QUARTER TO THREE Gary U.S. Bonds   

59 GEE WHIZ (LOOK AT HIS EYES) Carla Thomas

    60 RAINDROPS Dee Clark

 

61 LET THERE BE DRUMS Sandy Nelson   

1961: The Greatest Songs. Today: #10-6. Continues tomorrow.