The year 1960 kicked off one of the most exciting decades in pop music history. The Billboard Hot 100 chart was still relatively new, yet it quickly became the main way to measure America’s biggest hits each week. In 1960, fans danced to teen idols, heartfelt ballads, smooth instrumentals, and the first sparks of the twist craze that would soon sweep the nation.
This was a golden year for romantic songs and catchy dance tracks. Artists like Elvis Presley, Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, and Percy Faith dominated the charts. Many songs told stories of young love, heartbreak, and summer fun. One instrumental even held the number one spot for a record nine weeks.
It was a simpler time in pop music — right before the British Invasion and the Motown explosion would completely change the sound of the 1960s.
Here is the complete list of every song that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960.
- Click on the song title to listen to the song
- Click on any artist name to read their full artist bio.
- Click “See the Top 5 Songs for the week” to explore the chart toppers for that specific week on our site.
Every #1 Hit of 1960
What Made 1960 Special?
- Percy Faith’s “Theme from A Summer Place” was the longest-running #1 of the year with 9 weeks at the top.
- Elvis Presley had three different #1 hits.
- Connie Francis scored two number ones and became one of the top female artists of the early 1960s.
- “The Twist” by Chubby Checker started a nationwide dance craze that would return even stronger in 1962.
Many of these songs were sweet, emotional, or fun dance tracks. They showed a simpler time in pop music just before the British Invasion changed everything in 1964.
Explore More from 1960
- Read the full Marty Robbins bio
- Read the full Connie Francis bio
- Read the full Brian Hyland bio
- Read the full Elvis Presley stories from the early 1960s
Which 1960 #1 song is your favorite?
Leave a comment below and tell us why!
Next: Check out our article for All #1 Songs on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961