Billboard Hot 100 Chart – Week of August 17, 1963

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

Fingertips (Part II)

1. Fingertips (Part II)Little Stevie Wonder

🏆 2nd Week at #1

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 WindPeter, Paul & Mary

⭐ Peaks at #2 This Week

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 DisguiseElvis 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.

Lesley Gore

5. Judy’s Turn To Cry – Lesley Gore

⭐ Peaks at #5 This Week

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:

Billboard Top 10 Journey

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 Week 1 - #6 - Jul 20, 1963 W1 Week 2 - #3 - Jul 27, 1963 W2 Week 3 - #2 - Aug 3, 1963 W3 Week 4 - #1 - Aug 10, 1963 W4 Week 5 - #1 - Aug 17, 1963 W5 Week 6 - #1 - Aug 24, 1963 W6 Week 7 - #3 - Aug 31, 1963 W7

Peak: #1

Weeks in Top 10: 7

Entered Top 10 At: #6

First Top 10 Week: July 20, 1963

Last Top 10 Week: August 31, 1963

Best Chart Week: August 10, 1963

Last Top 10 Position: #3

Chart Summary: Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

🎂 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 →

August 11, 1963
"Fingertips (Part II)" by Little Stevie Wonder
August 12, 1963
"Fingertips (Part II)" by Little Stevie Wonder
August 13, 1963
"Fingertips (Part II)" by Little Stevie Wonder
August 14, 1963
"Fingertips (Part II)" by Little Stevie Wonder
August 15, 1963
"Fingertips (Part II)" by Little Stevie Wonder
August 16, 1963
"Fingertips (Part II)" by Little Stevie Wonder
August 17, 1963
"Fingertips (Part II)" by Little Stevie Wonder

🎂 Try your own birthday:

/ /
  1. Fingertips (Part II)Little Stevie Wonder
  2. Blowin’ In The WindPeter, Paul & Mary
  3. (You’re The) Devil In DisguiseElvis Presley
  4. Wipe Out – The Surfaris
  5. Judy’s Turn To CryLesley Gore
  6. Candy Girl – The 4 Seasons
  7. Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) – Allan Sherman
  8. So Much In LoveThe Tymes
  9. More – Kai Winding & Orchestra
  10. My Boyfriend’s BackThe Angels

Chart Movers This Week

⬆ Biggest Climber
#31 → #10
⬇ Biggest Drop
#5 → #8
⭐ New To The Top 10
Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) – Allan Sherman
#17 → #7
#31 → #10
↘ Left The Top 10
#7 last week
#9 last 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.

Next: Check out our article for All #1 Songs on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 60’s

1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969

All #1, Top 5, and Top 10 chart information on this page has been verified using official Billboard Hot 100 chart archives and historical chart records.