Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of July 24, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 for July 24, 1961 remained firmly under the control of Bobby Lewis as “Tossin’ And Turnin’” continued its powerful run at #1. The energetic rock and roll smash had quickly become one of the biggest songs of the summer.
This week’s chart reflected the incredible variety of music popular in America during 1961. Dance records, rhythm and blues crossover hits, tropical instrumentals, and emotional pop ballads all battled together inside the Top 10.
Several new songs also continued climbing quickly, showing that the summer music race was far from over as radio stations across the country searched for the next major hit.
Top 5 Songs (July 24, 1961)
1. Tossin’ And Turnin’ – Bobby Lewis
Bobby Lewis held onto the #1 spot for another week with the explosive “Tossin’ And Turnin’.”
The song’s nonstop energy and pounding rhythm continued making it one of the most exciting records on American radio. Lewis delivered the vocal with urgency and power that perfectly captured the spirit of summer rock and roll.
Its massive popularity showed that audiences were embracing louder and faster dance-driven hits more than ever before.
2. The Boll Weevil Song – Brook Benton
Brook Benton remained at #2 this week with the playful and highly memorable “The Boll Weevil Song.”
The song mixed humor and storytelling with Benton’s smooth vocal style, helping it stand apart from many of the more emotional or energetic records surrounding it on the charts.
Its continued success proved that novelty-style songs still had tremendous appeal with mainstream pop audiences.
3. Quarter To Three – U.S. Bonds
Gary U.S. Bonds stayed inside the Top 3 this week with the rock and roll party anthem “Quarter To Three.”
Even after leaving the #1 position, the song still sounded fresh and exciting thanks to its rough vocal delivery and pounding beat. It remained one of the wildest records on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s long run near the top helped cement it as one of the signature hits of 1961.
4. Yellow Bird – Arthur Lyman Group
The Arthur Lyman Group climbed to #4 this week with the tropical instrumental favorite “Yellow Bird.”
The song’s relaxing island-inspired melody provided a calm contrast to many of the louder rock and rhythm-driven records dominating the charts during the summer.
Its popularity showed that easy-listening instrumentals still held a strong place on American radio in 1961.
5. I Like It Like That, Part 1 – Chris Kenner
Chris Kenner climbed into the Top 5 this week with the energetic rhythm and blues hit “I Like It Like That.”
The song’s catchy beat and party atmosphere helped it become a major summertime favorite. Its lively sound reflected the growing influence of New Orleans rhythm and blues on mainstream pop music.
The record’s success added even more energy and excitement to an already fast-moving summer chart.
More Weeks at #1 for “Tossin’ and Turnin’”
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 July 29, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Tossin’ and Turnin’ by Bobby Lewis
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🎂 Try your own birthday:
Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of July 24, 1961
- Tossin’ And Turnin’ – Bobby Lewis
- The Boll Weevil Song – Brook Benton
- Quarter To Three – U.S. Bonds
- Yellow Bird – Arthur Lyman Group
- I Like It Like That, Part 1 – Chris Kenner
- Hats Off To Larry – Del Shannon
- Raindrops – Dee Clark
- Dum Dum – Brenda Lee
- Together – Connie Francis
- Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker
Summer Music Was Full Of Energy
The week of July 24, 1961 captured the growing excitement and diversity of early-sixties pop music. Bobby Lewis continued leading the charts with one of the year’s most energetic rock and roll hits while artists from many different musical styles competed closely behind him.
Instrumentals like “Yellow Bird,” rhythm and blues crossover hits like “I Like It Like That,” and emotional ballads all shared space together on the Billboard Hot 100, showing how broad American musical tastes had become.
Looking back today, this chart perfectly reflects the changing sound of 1961 as rock and rhythm-driven music continued pushing popular music toward a faster and more energetic future.