Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of August 7, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 for August 7, 1961 continued to be ruled by Bobby Lewis and the unstoppable “Tossin’ And Turnin’.” The energetic dance smash remained locked at #1 and had become one of the biggest records of the entire year.
This week’s chart showed the growing dominance of rhythm-driven rock and roll and dance-oriented music. Songs filled with excitement, strong beats, and youthful energy were increasingly taking over American radio.
At the same time, the Top 10 still featured a wide mix of sounds including emotional pop ballads, instrumentals, folk-inspired harmonies, and New Orleans rhythm and blues, creating one of the most varied charts of the summer.
Top 5 Songs (August 7, 1961)
1. Tossin’ And Turnin’ – Bobby Lewis
Bobby Lewis remained firmly at #1 this week with the explosive “Tossin’ And Turnin’.”
The song’s pounding rhythm and frantic vocal performance continued making it one of the most exciting and energetic records on the radio. Its dance-floor energy perfectly matched the spirit of summer 1961.
By August, “Tossin’ And Turnin’” had become one of the defining rock and roll hits of the early sixties.
2. I Like It Like That, Part 1 – Chris Kenner
Chris Kenner held onto the #2 position this week with the lively rhythm and blues favorite “I Like It Like That.”
The song’s catchy beat and party-style atmosphere continued making it one of the hottest dance records in America. Its New Orleans rhythm and blues influence gave it a distinctive sound compared to many mainstream pop hits.
The continued success of the record showed how strongly rhythm and blues was shaping the future of popular music.
3. Last Night – Mar-Keys
The Mar-Keys climbed to #3 this week with the instrumental hit “Last Night.”
The song’s driving saxophone melody and strong rhythm helped make it one of the most exciting instrumentals on the charts. Its soulful Memphis sound stood apart from many of the vocal hits dominating radio.
The record’s success also helped introduce the growing influence of Southern soul and instrumental rhythm sections on mainstream pop music.
4. Dum Dum – Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee remained inside the Top 5 this week with the upbeat pop hit “Dum Dum.”
Lee’s powerful voice and polished delivery continued making her one of the most dependable hitmakers of the era. The song blended youthful energy with polished early-sixties pop production.
Its continued climb helped strengthen Brenda Lee’s remarkable chart success during this period.
5. Hats Off To Larry – Del Shannon
Del Shannon held steady in the Top 5 with “Hats Off To Larry.”
The emotional pop-rock song followed the huge success of “Runaway” and once again showcased Shannon’s dramatic vocal delivery and unforgettable style.
The song’s strong chart performance confirmed that Del Shannon remained one of the most exciting young stars in popular music during 1961.
More Weeks at #1 for “Tossin’ and Turnin’”
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 12, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Tossin’ and Turnin’ by Bobby Lewis
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of August 7, 1961
- Tossin’ And Turnin’ – Bobby Lewis
- I Like It Like That, Part 1 – Chris Kenner
- Last Night – Mar-Keys
- Dum Dum – Brenda Lee
- Hats Off To Larry – Del Shannon
- Together – Connie Francis
- Pretty Little Angel Eyes – Curtis Lee
- Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker
- Wooden Heart – Joe Dowell
- Michael – The Highwaymen
Summer 1961 Was Filled With Energy And Variety
The week of August 7, 1961 captured the incredible diversity of early-sixties pop music. Bobby Lewis continued dominating the charts with a high-energy rock and roll smash while rhythm and blues, instrumentals, folk harmonies, and polished pop ballads all competed for radio attention.
The growing success of songs like “Last Night” and “I Like It Like That” showed how deeply rhythm and blues and Southern musical styles were beginning to influence mainstream American pop music.
Looking back today, this chart reflects a fascinating transition period in music history as rock and roll continued evolving into a louder, more rhythm-driven sound that would shape the rest of the decade.