Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 14, 1963
The Billboard Hot 100 for the week of December 14, 1963, continued to showcase one of the most unusual chart battles of the decade. The Singing Nun remained at #1 with “Dominique,” while The Kingsmen’s garage-rock classic “Louie Louie” surged to #2. It was a striking contrast: a French-language religious folk song holding off one of the rawest rock and roll records ever to reach the upper reaches of the Billboard Hot 100.
The Top 5 also reflected the tremendous diversity of late 1963. Tommy Roe continued his strong run with “Everybody,” Dale & Grace remained near the top after their recent stay at #1, and The Caravelles climbed into the Top 5 with the gentle British pop hit “You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry.”
Several future contenders were gathering momentum just outside the Top 5. Lenny Welch’s emotional ballad “Since I Fell For You” entered the Top 10, while Bobby Vinton’s “There! I’ve Said It Again” made an impressive jump and looked poised to become one of the major stories of the final weeks of the year.
As 1963 moved toward its conclusion, the chart remained a fascinating mix of styles and influences. Rock and roll, pop ballads, folk-inspired recordings, soul, and international hits all found room on the same countdown.
Top 5 Songs
1. Dominique – The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire)
“Dominique” remained at #1 for a second consecutive week, continuing one of the most unexpected chart runs of the 1960s. The song’s gentle melody and uplifting message resonated with listeners looking for something different from the typical pop and rock records of the era.
Performed by Belgian nun Jeannine Deckers, the recording stood apart because it was sung entirely in French and centered on the life of Saint Dominic. Few industry observers would have predicted that such a song would become America’s biggest hit.
Its continued success demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the Billboard Hot 100. Sometimes a simple, sincere performance could capture the public’s imagination in ways that even the largest record companies could not anticipate.
2. Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
The Kingsmen climbed to #2 with “Louie Louie,” giving the chart one of its most influential recordings. The song’s raw energy, rough production, and famously difficult-to-understand lyrics made it unlike almost anything else in the Top 10.
Rumors about the lyrics generated controversy and publicity, helping fuel the record’s rise. In many ways, the attention only increased its popularity among younger listeners.
Looking back, “Louie Louie” would become one of the foundational records of garage rock. Its influence can be heard in countless bands that followed throughout the 1960s and beyond.
3. Everybody – Tommy Roe
Tommy Roe held steady at #3 with “Everybody,” continuing a strong late-year chart run. The song’s upbeat melody and approachable style made it a favorite among pop music fans.
Roe had a knack for delivering catchy records that connected quickly with audiences, and “Everybody” was no exception. Its cheerful energy helped it stand out during a highly competitive period on the chart.
The song’s continued presence in the Top 5 reinforced Roe’s status as one of the more reliable hitmakers of the early 1960s.
4. I’m Leaving It Up To You – Dale & Grace
Dale & Grace slipped to #4, but “I’m Leaving It Up To You” remained one of the year’s most successful records. Its climb from #89 to #1 was one of the most impressive chart journeys of 1963.
The song’s strength came from its heartfelt performance and the natural chemistry between the two singers. Rather than relying on elaborate production, it succeeded through sincerity and emotion.
Even after leaving the top spot, the record continued to enjoy strong support from radio stations and listeners nationwide.
5. You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry – The Caravelles
The Caravelles climbed into the Top 5 with “You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry.” The British duo brought a soft and melodic style that contrasted sharply with the harder-edged sounds emerging elsewhere on the chart.
The song’s gentle harmonies and emotional lyrics helped it connect with listeners who appreciated traditional pop craftsmanship. Its smooth arrangement made it especially appealing on radio.
The success of the record also hinted at the growing popularity of British artists in America, just months before the British Invasion would transform the music industry.
More Weeks at #1 for “Dominique”
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 December 14, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Dominique by The Singing Nun
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- Dominique – The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire)
- Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
- Everybody – Tommy Roe
- I’m Leaving It Up To You – Dale & Grace
- You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry – The Caravelles
- Since I Fell For You – Lenny Welch
- Be True To Your School – The Beach Boys
- Drip Drop – Dion Di Muci
- There! I’ve Said It Again – Bobby Vinton
- Walking The Dog – Rufus Thomas
Chart Movers This Week
The week of December 14, 1963, featured one of the most unusual Top 5 combinations in Billboard history. A French-language religious song sat at #1 while a rough garage-rock anthem occupied the #2 position. Few charts better illustrate the diversity of American musical tastes during this period.
The continued rise of songs like “Louie Louie,” “Since I Fell For You,” and “There! I’ve Said It Again” showed that the chart remained highly competitive. Several records were positioning themselves for major runs as the year drew to a close.
Looking back, this chart captures the final weeks of an era. American artists still dominated the Billboard Hot 100, but major changes were just around the corner. Within months, popular music would begin a transformation that would define the remainder of the decade.