Billboard Hot 100 Chart – Week of May 1, 1961

🎵 #1 Song This Week

“Runaway” – Del Shannon

• Weeks at #1: 2 (second week of 4)
• A groundbreaking pop-rock hit
• Featuring the distinctive musitron keyboard solo

👉 “Runaway” held the #1 spot for a second consecutive week, continuing its strong run atop the Billboard Hot 100.

---

🔝 Top 5 Songs – May 1, 1961

1. Runaway – Del Shannon
2. Mother-in-Law – Ernie K-Doe
3. Blue Moon – The Marcels
4. Shop Around – The Miracles
5. Surrender – Elvis Presley

< Previous week | Next week >

---

🎶 What Was Happening This Week

• “Runaway” continued dominating with its unique sound
• “Mother-in-Law” climbed closer to the #1 position
• Doo-wop and Motown remained strong influences on the charts

---

🧠 Why This Chart Week Matters

This week represents:

• The second week of a 4-week #1 run
• Continued acceptance of innovative sounds in pop music
• A shift toward more modern rock-influenced hits

---

🎯 Snapshot of the Moment

By early May 1961:

• New sounds and production techniques were gaining traction
• Vocal-driven hits remained dominant
• Competition for the top spot was heating up

At the top was “Runaway” by Del Shannon, continuing its powerful run as the #1 song in America.