Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of August 10, 1963
The Billboard Hot 100 for August 10, 1963 delivered a historic moment as Little Stevie Wonder became the youngest artist ever to reach #1 on the chart. His electrifying live recording “Fingertips (Part II)” completed a remarkable climb to the top.
The Surfaris followed closely behind with the surf instrumental classic “Wipe Out,” while Elvis Presley continued his strong summer run with “(You’re The) Devil In Disguise.” Peter, Paul & Mary brought the growing folk movement into the Top 5 with “Blowin’ In The Wind,” and former chart-topper “So Much In Love” remained one of the year’s biggest records.
This week’s chart reflected the incredible variety of American music in 1963. Surf rock, folk music, soul, pop harmony, and rock and roll all shared space near the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Top 5 Songs
1. Fingertips (Part II) – Little Stevie Wonder
Little Stevie Wonder reached #1 this week with one of the most exciting records ever released. “Fingertips (Part II)” captured the energy of a live performance and introduced America to a young talent who would become one of music’s greatest artists.
The song stood apart from almost everything else on the radio. Instead of a polished studio production, listeners heard audience reactions, spontaneous moments, and Wonder’s remarkable harmonica playing. The result felt alive and unpredictable.
This historic achievement made Stevie Wonder the youngest artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100, launching a legendary career that would influence generations of musicians.
2. Wipe Out – The Surfaris
The Surfaris climbed to #2 with “Wipe Out,” one of the defining surf instrumentals of the decade. Driven by its famous drum solo and energetic guitar work, the record remained a favorite with teenagers across the country.
The song required no vocals to make an impact. Its driving rhythm and excitement captured the spirit of Southern California surf culture and helped make instrumental rock relevant during an era dominated by vocal groups.
More than sixty years later, “Wipe Out” remains one of the most recognizable instrumental hits ever recorded.
3. (You’re The) Devil In Disguise – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley moved up to #3 with “(You’re The) Devil In Disguise.” The record combined strong pop melodies with Elvis’s unmistakable vocal style, creating one of his biggest hits of the early 1960s.
The song told the story of a seemingly perfect woman whose true nature is gradually revealed. Elvis delivered the lyrics with confidence and charm, while The Jordanaires provided the familiar backing harmonies that fans loved.
Its continued rise showed that Elvis remained one of the most powerful chart performers of the era.
4. Blowin’ In The Wind – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary reached #4 with “Blowin’ In The Wind,” helping bring folk music into the mainstream. Written by Bob Dylan, the song asked powerful questions about peace, freedom, and social justice.
The trio’s smooth harmonies made the message accessible to a wide audience. As the country moved through a period of social change, the song became one of the defining musical statements of the decade.
Its presence in the Top 5 reflected the growing influence of folk music on popular culture.
5. So Much In Love – The Tymes
After reaching #1 the previous week, The Tymes slipped to #5 with “So Much In Love.” The song’s elegant vocal harmonies and romantic atmosphere continued to resonate with listeners.
Unlike the energetic surf and rock records surrounding it, “So Much In Love” relied on subtlety and emotion. Its polished performance helped it stand out during one of the most competitive summers in chart history.
The record remained one of the signature harmony-group hits of 1963.
▶ Watch and experience this song →
More Weeks at #1 for “Fingertips (Part II)”
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 August 10, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Fingertips (Part II) by Little Stevie Wonder
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
- Fingertips (Part II) – Little Stevie Wonder
- Wipe Out – The Surfaris
- (You’re The) Devil In Disguise – Elvis Presley
- Blowin’ In The Wind – Peter, Paul & Mary
- So Much In Love – The Tymes
- Judy’s Turn To Cry – Lesley Gore
- Surf City – Jan & Dean
- Candy Girl – The 4 Seasons
- Easier Said Than Done – The Essex
- More – Kai Winding & Orchestra
A New Star Takes Center Stage
The week of August 10, 1963 marked a turning point in popular music. Little Stevie Wonder’s rise to #1 signaled the arrival of a major new talent while surf rock, folk music, and classic pop all continued to thrive.
The Top 5 showcased the remarkable diversity of the era. A live soul performance, an instrumental surf classic, an Elvis hit, a folk anthem, and a harmony-group ballad all occupied the upper reaches of the chart at the same time.
Looking back, this chart captures a moment when American music was rapidly evolving, setting the stage for many of the changes that would define the rest of the decade.
