Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 21, 1963
The Billboard Hot 100 for the week of December 21, 1963, found an unlikely champion still holding firm at the top. “Dominique” by The Singing Nun remained America’s #1 song, extending one of the most unusual chart runs of the decade. While the French-language recording continued to surprise industry observers, several powerful challengers were rapidly moving up behind it.
The Kingsmen held onto the #2 position with “Louie Louie,” a song that sounded completely different from the polished pop records that had dominated much of the early 1960s. Meanwhile, The Caravelles climbed into the Top 3 with “You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry,” giving British artists another notable success just weeks before Beatlemania would arrive in America.
Bobby Vinton’s “There! I’ve Said It Again” continued its rapid ascent, jumping into the Top 5 only four weeks after debuting. The ballad appeared poised to become one of the biggest stories of the new year. Lenny Welch also continued his climb with the emotional “Since I Fell For You,” one of the most powerful vocal performances currently on the chart.
As Christmas approached, the Billboard Hot 100 remained a fascinating mixture of styles. Garage rock, traditional pop, British harmony groups, soul influences, and novelty records all shared space on one of the most diverse charts of the era.
Top 5 Songs
1. Dominique – The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire)
“Dominique” remained at #1 for a third consecutive week, continuing a chart run that few could have predicted. Sung in French by Belgian nun Jeannine Deckers, the recording had become one of the most remarkable success stories in Billboard history.
The song’s gentle folk melody and uplifting message gave it broad appeal during a period when many listeners were looking for comfort and optimism. Its simple arrangement allowed the melody and message to take center stage.
By holding the top position through the holiday season, “Dominique” secured its place among the most unusual and memorable #1 hits of the 1960s.
2. Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
The Kingsmen remained at #2 with “Louie Louie,” one of the most influential rock recordings ever released. The song’s rough production and energetic performance stood in sharp contrast to many of the polished pop hits surrounding it.
Its popularity was fueled in part by controversy surrounding its lyrics. Rumors and investigations only increased public curiosity, helping drive sales and radio interest.
Looking back, “Louie Louie” became a blueprint for countless garage bands and remains one of the defining recordings of American rock and roll.
3. You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry – The Caravelles
The Caravelles climbed to a new peak of #3 with “You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry.” The British duo brought a gentle and melodic style that appealed to listeners looking for a softer alternative to the louder sounds climbing the charts.
The song’s smooth harmonies and emotional delivery helped it stand out on radio playlists. Its success demonstrated the growing acceptance of British acts by American audiences.
In hindsight, records like this helped pave the way for the much larger British wave that would arrive only weeks later.
4. There! I’ve Said It Again – Bobby Vinton
Bobby Vinton surged from #9 to #4 with “There! I’ve Said It Again,” giving him another major hit following the success of “Blue Velvet.” The romantic ballad showcased the style that had made him one of the most successful pop singers of the era.
Vinton’s smooth vocal delivery and the song’s timeless melody made it an ideal fit for radio audiences. The record offered a sense of warmth and familiarity during a rapidly changing musical period.
Its dramatic climb suggested that an even higher chart position was likely in the weeks ahead.
5. Since I Fell For You – Lenny Welch
Lenny Welch reached the Top 5 with “Since I Fell For You,” one of the most emotionally powerful records on the chart. His passionate vocal performance transformed the ballad into a deeply moving listening experience.
The song stood apart because of its sincerity and dramatic delivery. Welch’s voice carried a level of heartbreak and vulnerability that resonated strongly with audiences.
Its continued rise showed that traditional pop ballads still had a significant place on American radio, even as newer sounds were beginning to emerge.
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 21, 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
- You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry – The Caravelles
- There! I’ve Said It Again – Bobby Vinton
- Since I Fell For You – Lenny Welch
- Be True To Your School – The Beach Boys
- Drip Drop – Dion Di Muci
- I’m Leaving It Up To You – Dale & Grace
- Everybody – Tommy Roe
- Popsicles And Icicles – The Murmaids
Chart Movers This Week
The week of December 21, 1963, highlighted just how unpredictable the Billboard Hot 100 could be. A French-language religious song sat at #1 while a garage-rock anthem occupied the #2 position and a British harmony duo climbed into the Top 3.
The rapid rise of Bobby Vinton’s “There! I’ve Said It Again” and the continued strength of “Since I Fell For You” suggested that traditional pop ballads were not ready to surrender their place on the charts. At the same time, records like “Louie Louie” pointed toward the rawer sound that would influence future generations of rock musicians.
Looking back, this chart captures the closing days of 1963 and the final weeks before the British Invasion transformed popular music. It remains one of the most diverse and fascinating charts of the era.