Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of April 20, 1963
The Billboard Hot 100 for April 20, 1963 remained firmly in the grip of The Chiffons as “He’s So Fine” spent another week at #1. The catchy girl-group smash had become one of the defining records of the spring, combining a memorable melody with the youthful energy that was dominating pop radio.
Andy Williams held steady at #2 with “Can’t Get Used To Losing You,” while Little Peggy March continued her rapid rise with “I Will Follow Him.” Peter, Paul & Mary brought folk music into the Top 5 with “Puff (The Magic Dragon),” and Jackie Wilson kept rhythm and blues represented with “Baby Workout.”
The chart reflected the incredible diversity of early 1963. Girl groups, folk, traditional pop, rhythm and blues, and dance records all competed side by side for radio attention. Few weeks demonstrated the variety of American music better than this one.
Further down the Top 10, instrumental surf music was gaining momentum with “Pipeline,” while The Cookies added another strong girl-group hit. The sounds that would define much of 1963 were beginning to take shape.
Top 5 Songs
1. He’s So Fine – The Chiffons
The Chiffons remained at #1 with “He’s So Fine,” continuing one of the strongest chart runs of the year. Its playful vocals and unforgettable hook made it a favorite with listeners across the country.
The record perfectly captured the excitement of young romance. The simple arrangement allowed the melody and harmonies to shine, helping the song become one of the most recognizable hits of the girl-group era.
As the spring of 1963 continued, “He’s So Fine” showed no signs of slowing down. The song helped establish The Chiffons as one of the leading female groups of the decade.
2. Can’t Get Used To Losing You – Andy Williams
Andy Williams stayed at #2 with “Can’t Get Used To Losing You.” The song combined heartbreak lyrics with a surprisingly upbeat rhythm, creating one of the most distinctive pop records of the year.
Williams’ smooth vocal delivery gave the song a polished feel that appealed to a broad audience. While newer styles were emerging, traditional pop performers still held an important place on the charts.
The record’s continued success demonstrated Williams’ ability to remain relevant during a rapidly changing musical era.
3. I Will Follow Him – Little Peggy March
Little Peggy March surged to #3 with “I Will Follow Him.” At just fifteen years old, she was quickly becoming one of the biggest new stars in pop music.
The song featured a dramatic arrangement and a confident vocal performance that stood out on radio playlists. Its catchy melody helped it gain momentum week after week.
With its rapid climb continuing, the record appeared destined to challenge for the top spot in the weeks ahead.
4. Puff (The Magic Dragon) – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary reached #4 with “Puff (The Magic Dragon),” one of the most beloved folk songs of the decade. Its gentle melody and imaginative lyrics made it appealing to listeners of all ages.
The trio’s beautiful harmonies helped transform the song into a national favorite. It provided a softer alternative to many of the more energetic records climbing the charts.
The success of “Puff” highlighted the continued popularity of the folk revival movement in the early 1960s.
5. Baby Workout – Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson rounded out the Top 5 with “Baby Workout.” The energetic record showcased the charisma and vocal power that made Wilson one of the most exciting performers of his era.
The song’s driving rhythm and lively arrangement made it a natural fit for dancing, while Wilson’s performance elevated it beyond a typical dance record.
Its presence in the Top 5 demonstrated the growing influence of rhythm and blues on mainstream American pop music.
More Weeks at #1 for “He’s So Fine”
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 April 20, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 He’s So Fine by The Chiffons
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- He’s So Fine – The Chiffons
- Can’t Get Used To Losing You – Andy Williams
- I Will Follow Him – Little Peggy March
- Puff (The Magic Dragon) – Peter, Paul & Mary
- Baby Workout – Jackie Wilson
- Young Lovers – Paul and Paula
- South Street – The Orlons
- Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby) – The Cookies
- Pipeline – Chantay’s
- Do The Bird – Dee Dee Sharp
Chart Movers This Week
A Spring Chart Full Of Variety
The week of April 20, 1963 featured an impressive mix of musical styles. Girl groups remained dominant, but folk music, traditional pop, rhythm and blues, and surf instrumentals were all finding success on the Billboard Hot 100.
Artists like The Chiffons, Andy Williams, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Jackie Wilson represented very different approaches to popular music, yet all found places near the top of the same chart.
As 1963 continued, the music landscape was becoming increasingly diverse. The records climbing the charts this spring would help shape one of the most memorable years in pop music history.