Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of May 1, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 for May 1, 1961 showed Del Shannon firmly holding onto the top spot with “Runaway.” The emotional smash had quickly become one of the defining records of the year, bringing a darker and more dramatic sound to pop radio.
But while “Runaway” stayed at #1, the rest of the chart continued shifting rapidly. Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-In-Law” climbed to #2, while Linda Scott’s “I’ve Told Every Little Star” surged into the Top 3 with one of the sweetest and most innocent-sounding hits of the spring.
This week’s chart perfectly reflected the musical diversity of early 1961. Teen heartbreak ballads, New Orleans rhythm and blues, polished pop vocals, doo-wop harmony groups, and instrumental hits all competed together inside the Top 10.
Top 5 Songs (May 1, 1961)
1. Runaway – Del Shannon
Del Shannon remained at #1 for a second straight week with “Runaway,” continuing one of the most impressive chart runs of 1961.
The song’s dramatic lyrics, emotional vocal performance, and haunting keyboard sound helped it stand apart from almost everything else on the radio. Shannon captured teenage heartbreak with an intensity that felt new and modern for the era.
Its continued success showed that pop audiences were embracing more emotional and personal storytelling as the sound of the sixties continued evolving.
2. Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
Ernie K-Doe climbed to #2 this week as “Mother-In-Law” became one of the hottest rhythm and blues records in America.
The song’s playful humor and unmistakable New Orleans groove gave it a personality unlike any other record near the top of the chart. It sounded fun, loose, and full of life.
Its rapid rise reflected the growing national popularity of regional R&B styles during the early sixties.
3. I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
Linda Scott made a major move this week as “I’ve Told Every Little Star” climbed from #7 to #3.
The soft vocal performance and dreamy production gave the song an innocent charm that connected strongly with teenage listeners. Scott’s gentle delivery helped the record stand out from the louder and more dramatic songs climbing the charts.
Its rise also continued the growing influence of female singers on the Billboard Hot 100.
4. A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
Gene McDaniels climbed into the Top 5 this week with “A Hundred Pounds Of Clay.”
The catchy melody and playful lyrics gave the song broad crossover appeal, helping it connect with both pop and rhythm and blues audiences. McDaniels brought a smooth vocal style that fit perfectly into the evolving sound of early sixties radio.
The song’s continued climb showed how quickly fresh new voices were emerging on the national charts.
5. Blue Moon – The Marcels
After three weeks at #1, The Marcels slipped to #5 this week with “Blue Moon,” though the record remained one of the most recognizable songs in America.
The group’s energetic doo-wop arrangement had transformed the classic standard into a modern rock and roll sensation. Its unforgettable vocal opening still made the song instantly recognizable on radio and jukeboxes everywhere.
Even as newer records climbed higher, “Blue Moon” continued representing the lasting strength of harmony-driven rock and roll.
More Weeks at #1 for “Runaway”
This song spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Explore each chart week below:
🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending May 6, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Runaway by Del Shannon
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of May 1, 1961
- Runaway – Del Shannon
- Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
- I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
- A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
- Blue Moon – The Marcels
- But I Do – Clarence Henry
- Take Good Care Of Her – Adam Wade
- One Mint Julep – Ray Charles
- You Can Depend On Me – Brenda Lee
- On The Rebound – Floyd Cramer
The Charts Continued Moving Toward The Future
The week of May 1, 1961 captured a fascinating blend of innocence, heartbreak, rhythm and blues, and teenage emotion. Del Shannon’s “Runaway” remained the dominant force on the chart, while newer artists and regional sounds continued rising quickly.
At the same time, the chart showed how many different styles could succeed together in early 1961. Doo-wop groups, female pop vocalists, New Orleans R&B performers, and crossover balladeers all shared space inside the Top 10.
Looking back today, this chart feels like a turning point between the clean pop sound of the late 1950s and the more emotional and diverse music that would soon define the rest of the 1960s.