Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of June 20, 1964
The Billboard Hot 100 for June 20, 1964 continued to showcase one of the most competitive summers in chart history. “Chapel Of Love” remained at #1 for a third consecutive week, but several fast-rising records were beginning to challenge its hold on the top spot.
Perhaps the biggest story this week was the rapid rise of The Beach Boys. “I Get Around” surged from #10 to #3 in just one week, signaling that California’s premier rock group was preparing to challenge both the British Invasion and the girl-group sound that had dominated much of the year.
British artists remained strong throughout the chart with Peter and Gordon holding at #2, The Beatles still in the Top 10, and Gerry and the Pacemakers making a major move into the upper tier of the Hot 100.
The week also highlighted the growing diversity of popular music. From Jamaican-born Millie Small’s ska-influenced “My Boy Lollipop” to Barbra Streisand’s sophisticated “People,” the American record-buying public embraced a remarkable variety of sounds.
Top 5 Songs
1. Chapel Of Love – The Dixie Cups
“Chapel Of Love” remained America’s favorite song for a third straight week. The record’s joyful spirit and unforgettable chorus made it one of the biggest hits of the summer.
The Dixie Cups continued to prove that girl-group music could thrive even as British acts dominated much of the music press. The song’s upbeat celebration of love connected with listeners of all ages.
With three weeks at #1 already secured, it had become one of the defining records of 1964.
2. A World Without Love – Peter And Gordon
Holding steady at #2, Peter and Gordon continued their impressive climb toward the top of the chart. The Lennon-McCartney composition offered a softer and more melodic side of the British Invasion.
The duo’s smooth harmonies and polished production helped separate the record from the harder-edged rock records competing for airplay.
Its continued momentum suggested that a run at #1 remained a real possibility.
3. I Get Around – The Beach Boys
The biggest mover in the Top 5 was “I Get Around,” which jumped seven spots to #3. The song captured the freedom, excitement, and car culture that had become central themes of the Beach Boys’ music.
Brian Wilson’s sophisticated production and the group’s trademark harmonies created one of the most energetic records of the year.
Its rapid rise made it one of the strongest contenders to become the next #1 song in America.
4. Love Me With All Your Heart (Cuando Calienta El Sol) – The Ray Charles Singers
Slipping one position to #4, this romantic ballad remained one of the year’s most successful easy-listening records. Its elegant arrangement and memorable melody continued to attract listeners who preferred traditional pop.
The song demonstrated that not every hit of 1964 needed guitars or driving rhythms to succeed.
Its long chart run reflected its broad appeal across multiple generations.
5. My Boy Lollipop – Millie Small
Millie Small cracked the Top 5 with “My Boy Lollipop,” one of the first international ska-influenced hits to reach mainstream American audiences.
The record’s infectious rhythm and playful vocal performance made it instantly recognizable and helped distinguish it from other pop hits of the period.
Its success introduced many American listeners to sounds that would later influence reggae and other Caribbean music styles.
More Weeks at #1 for “Chapel of Love”
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 June 20, 1964, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Chapel of Love by The Dixie Cups
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Chapel Of Love – The Dixie Cups
- A World Without Love – Peter And Gordon
- I Get Around – The Beach Boys
- Love Me With All Your Heart (Cuando Calienta El Sol) – The Ray Charles Singers
- My Boy Lollipop – Millie Small
- Walk On By – Dionne Warwick
- Love Me Do – The Beatles
- People – Barbra-streisand
- Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying – Gerry And The Pacemakers
- Diane – The Bachelors
Chart Movers This Week
The Soundtrack of Summer 1964
The week of June 20, 1964 captured a fascinating moment as several future classics converged near the top of the Billboard Hot 100. “I Get Around,” “A World Without Love,” and “My Boy Lollipop” were all rapidly gaining momentum while “Chapel Of Love” continued its reign.
The Beatles still maintained a strong presence, but the chart was no longer entirely centered around Beatlemania. American artists were adapting and responding with some of their strongest records of the decade.
Looking back, this chart serves as an excellent snapshot of mid-1964—a period when girl groups, British acts, California rock, Motown soul, Broadway-inspired pop, and international influences all competed side by side for the attention of music fans.