Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of August 31, 1963
The final Billboard Hot 100 chart of August 1963 delivered another surprise as The Angels soared to the top with “My Boyfriend’s Back.” The song’s jump from #4 to #1 demonstrated the continued strength of girl-group music during one of the most competitive summers of the decade.
While The Angels celebrated their first week at the summit, Allan Sherman’s novelty smash remained near the top, and Little Stevie Wonder’s remarkable run with “Fingertips (Part II)” continued to influence the charts. The Top 5 reflected the incredible variety of music that American listeners were embracing in 1963.
Folk music, Motown, pop harmony groups, novelty records, and girl-group classics all shared space on the same chart. Just months before Beatlemania would reshape popular music, the Billboard Hot 100 remained wonderfully diverse.
Top 5 Songs
1. My Boyfriend’s Back – The Angels
The Angels reached #1 with “My Boyfriend’s Back,” one of the most memorable girl-group records of the early 1960s. Built around a confident vocal performance and a catchy hook, the song became an anthem of teenage independence.
Its playful storyline about a returning boyfriend resonated with young listeners and helped distinguish it from many of the romantic ballads that dominated the era. The group’s energetic delivery gave the record an attitude that felt fresh and modern.
The song’s climb to the top spot highlighted the continued popularity of girl groups just before the British Invasion would transform the musical landscape.
2. Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) – Allan Sherman
Allan Sherman remained at #2 with his wildly successful novelty record about an unhappy camper writing letters home. The song had become a national sensation thanks to its humor and instantly recognizable lyrics.
Families across America found the song relatable, and radio stations played it constantly throughout the summer. Its success proved that comedy records could still become major chart contenders.
Few novelty songs have remained as culturally recognizable as this summer classic.
3. Fingertips (Part II) – Little Stevie Wonder
After three weeks at #1, Little Stevie Wonder slipped to #3, but “Fingertips (Part II)” remained one of the defining records of 1963. The live recording captured an excitement rarely heard on popular records of the era.
The song introduced millions of listeners to Wonder’s extraordinary musical gifts and helped establish Motown as a dominant force in American popular music.
Its influence would continue long after its chart run ended, serving as an early glimpse of one of music’s greatest careers.
4. Candy Girl – The 4 Seasons
The 4 Seasons held the #4 position with “Candy Girl,” continuing another successful chart run for the group. Frankie Valli’s unmistakable falsetto remained one of the most distinctive sounds on radio.
The song’s upbeat melody and polished harmonies fit perfectly into the group’s growing catalog of hits. Audiences continued to embrace their unique blend of pop and doo-wop influences.
By late summer 1963, The 4 Seasons had firmly established themselves among America’s biggest recording acts.
5. Blowin’ In The Wind – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary rounded out the Top 5 with “Blowin’ In The Wind,” bringing folk music into the mainstream. The song’s thoughtful lyrics and simple arrangement connected deeply with listeners during a period of social change.
Written by Bob Dylan, the record helped introduce his songwriting to a much wider audience. Peter, Paul & Mary’s polished interpretation made the song accessible while preserving its powerful message.
Its lasting impact would extend far beyond the charts, making it one of the most influential songs of the decade.
More Weeks at #1 for “My Boyfriend’s Back”
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 31, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 My Boyfriend’s Back by The Angels
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- My Boyfriend’s Back – The Angels
- Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) – Allan Sherman
- Fingertips (Part II) – Little Stevie Wonder
- Candy Girl – The 4 Seasons
- Blowin’ In The Wind – Peter, Paul & Mary
- If I Had A Hammer – Trini Lopez
- Judy’s Turn To Cry – Lesley Gore
- Mockingbird – Inez Foxx with Charlie Foxx
- More – Kai Winding & Orchestra
- Denise – Randy & The Rainbows
A Summer Nearing Its End
The week of August 31, 1963 captured a fascinating moment in music history. Girl groups, folk music, novelty records, and Motown all occupied the upper reaches of the chart simultaneously.
The Angels’ rise to #1 marked yet another shift at the top during a summer filled with fast-moving hits. Several future classics continued climbing, while established favorites began to fade.
Only a few months remained before the arrival of The Beatles would change popular music forever. Looking back, this chart represents one of the final snapshots of the pre-Beatles American pop landscape at its creative peak.