Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of August 17, 1963
The Billboard Hot 100 for August 17, 1963 remained under the control of Little Stevie Wonder, whose remarkable live recording “Fingertips (Part II)” held onto the #1 position for a second week. The young Motown star had quickly become one of the most talked-about artists in America.
Peter, Paul & Mary climbed to #2 with “Blowin’ In The Wind,” bringing the folk revival closer than ever to the top of the pop charts. Elvis Presley continued his strong run with “(You’re The) Devil In Disguise,” while surf music remained well represented through The Surfaris’ “Wipe Out.”
The Top 5 showcased the incredible diversity of 1963 radio. Folk music, soul, surf rock, teen pop, and classic rock and roll all shared the spotlight during one of the most exciting summers in Billboard history.
Top 5 Songs

1. Fingertips (Part II) – Little Stevie Wonder
Little Stevie Wonder remained at #1 with “Fingertips (Part II),” extending one of the most surprising chart runs of the year. The live recording continued to captivate listeners with its energy, spontaneity, and youthful excitement.
Unlike most hit records of the era, “Fingertips (Part II)” sounded completely unscripted. The crowd interaction, harmonica solos, and Wonder’s natural stage presence created an unforgettable listening experience.
Its continued success confirmed that Motown had discovered a once-in-a-generation talent whose influence would stretch far beyond 1963.
2. Blowin’ In The Wind – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary climbed to #2 with “Blowin’ In The Wind,” bringing Bob Dylan’s powerful songwriting to an even wider audience. The song had become one of the defining statements of the folk movement.
Its thoughtful lyrics asked timeless questions about peace, equality, and human understanding. The trio’s beautiful harmonies helped transform the composition into a mainstream pop hit.
The song’s rise reflected the growing cultural importance of folk music during the early 1960s.
3. (You’re The) Devil In Disguise – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley held steady at #3 with “(You’re The) Devil In Disguise.” The song combined catchy pop production with the unmistakable charisma that had made Presley a superstar.
Supported by The Jordanaires, Elvis delivered one of his strongest singles of the decade. The record blended humor, romance, and caution into a package that appealed to fans of all ages.
Its continued Top 5 presence demonstrated that Presley remained a dominant force on the Billboard Hot 100.
4. Wipe Out – The Surfaris
The Surfaris slipped to #4 but remained one of the summer’s biggest attractions with “Wipe Out.” The instrumental hit had become synonymous with surf culture and youthful energy.
Its famous drum break inspired countless young musicians and helped establish the song as one of the most recognizable instrumentals in rock history.
Even months after its debut, “Wipe Out” continued drawing listeners to beaches, dance floors, and transistor radios across America.

5. Judy’s Turn To Cry – Lesley Gore
Lesley Gore reached a new peak at #5 with “Judy’s Turn To Cry,” the answer-song sequel to her earlier #1 smash “It’s My Party.” The record continued the dramatic teenage storyline that fans had embraced.
While “It’s My Party” focused on heartbreak, this follow-up shifted the balance as Judy experienced a little revenge of her own. Gore’s confident performance helped make the sequel nearly as memorable as the original.
The song reinforced her status as one of the leading teen-pop stars of the early 1960s.
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 17, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Fingertips (Part II) by Little Stevie Wonder
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- Fingertips (Part II) – Little Stevie Wonder
- Blowin’ In The Wind – Peter, Paul & Mary
- (You’re The) Devil In Disguise – Elvis Presley
- Wipe Out – The Surfaris
- Judy’s Turn To Cry – Lesley Gore
- Candy Girl – The 4 Seasons
- Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) – Allan Sherman
- So Much In Love – The Tymes
- More – Kai Winding & Orchestra
- My Boyfriend’s Back – The Angels
Chart Movers This Week
A Summer Filled With Variety
The week of August 17, 1963 highlighted the remarkable variety of popular music. Motown soul, folk music, surf rock, teen pop, and Elvis Presley all occupied positions within the Top 5.
Little Stevie Wonder continued making history at #1, while Peter, Paul & Mary brought folk music to unprecedented chart heights. At the same time, surf music remained one of the defining sounds of the season.
Looking back, this chart captures a moment just months before the British Invasion would transform popular music forever. For now, American artists still completely controlled the Billboard Hot 100.