🎵 #1 Song This Week
“Calcutta” – Lawrence Welk
- Weeks at #1: 1 (first week of 2)
- A lively instrumental featuring accordion
- A rare easy listening crossover to pop charts
👉 “Calcutta” reached #1, beginning a 2-week run at the top and showing the continued appeal of instrumental music in early 1961.
🔝 Top 5 Songs – February 13, 1961
- Calcutta – Lawrence Welk
- Will You Love Me Tomorrow – The Shirelles
- Exodus – Ferrante & Teicher
- Shop Around – The Miracles
- Wonderland by Night – Bert Kaempfert
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🎶 What Was Happening This Week
- Instrumentals made a strong return to #1
- Easy listening and orchestral sounds remained popular
- Motown artists continued climbing the charts
🧠Why This Chart Week Matters
This week represents:
- The return of instrumental music to the #1 spot
- A unique crossover from television variety shows to pop success
- The diversity of musical styles dominating early 1961
🎯 Snapshot of the Moment
By mid-February 1961:
- The charts featured a mix of instrumentals and vocal hits
- Traditional and modern sounds coexisted
- Television exposure played a growing role in music popularity
At the top was “Calcutta” by Lawrence Welk, beginning its upbeat run as the #1 song in America.