Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 28, 1963
The final Billboard Hot 100 of 1963 captured a fascinating moment in popular music history. As the year came to a close, “Dominique” by The Singing Nun remained firmly at #1, completing an extraordinary four-week reign that few industry experts could have predicted when the song first appeared on the chart.
While “Dominique” continued to lead the nation, a strong challenge was developing behind it. Bobby Vinton’s “There! I’ve Said It Again” surged to #2 and appeared ready to begin 1964 with serious momentum. The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie” remained one of the country’s most talked-about records, holding steady at #3 and continuing its remarkable chart run.
The Top 5 also featured the emotional ballad “Since I Fell For You” by Lenny Welch and the British duo The Caravelles with “You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry.” Together, these songs showcased the incredible variety that defined the American charts during the final months before the British Invasion changed popular music forever.
Looking back, this chart serves as both the conclusion of a memorable year and the beginning of a new chapter. Many of the artists dominating the Hot 100 at the end of 1963 would soon find themselves competing against a wave of British acts that would transform the music industry.
Top 5 Songs
1. Dominique – The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire)
“Dominique” remained at #1 for a fourth consecutive week, completing one of the most unexpected chart runs of the decade. Sung in French by Belgian nun Jeannine Deckers, the recording defied virtually every conventional rule of pop music success.
The song’s simple arrangement, uplifting message, and gentle melody connected with listeners across the United States. At a time when rock and roll and teenage pop dominated the airwaves, a religious folk song became the most popular record in America.
Its four-week reign secured its place as one of the most unique #1 hits in Billboard history and one of the defining stories of late 1963.
2. There! I’ve Said It Again – Bobby Vinton
Bobby Vinton climbed to #2 with “There! I’ve Said It Again,” positioning himself for a potential return to the top of the charts. Following the success of “Blue Velvet,” Vinton once again demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences through romantic ballads.
The song’s smooth orchestration and heartfelt vocal performance made it a perfect fit for radio stations across the country. Its rapid rise suggested that it could soon become the first major #1 hit of 1964.
Vinton’s consistency during this period made him one of the most successful recording artists of the early 1960s.
3. Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
“Louie Louie” held onto the #3 position and continued its remarkable journey from regional hit to national phenomenon. The Kingsmen’s rough, energetic performance stood apart from nearly everything else in the Top 10.
The controversy surrounding the lyrics only added to the song’s popularity. While some questioned what was being sung, millions of listeners simply enjoyed the record’s infectious energy.
Over time, “Louie Louie” would become one of the most influential rock songs ever recorded, inspiring generations of musicians and garage bands.
4. Since I Fell For You – Lenny Welch
Lenny Welch climbed to a new peak of #4 with “Since I Fell For You.” The emotional ballad showcased one of the finest vocal performances currently on the chart.
Welch’s ability to convey heartbreak and vulnerability gave the song tremendous emotional power. His performance transformed a traditional ballad into a memorable hit that resonated with listeners.
The record’s continued rise demonstrated that powerful vocal performances remained a major force on American radio.
5. You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry – The Caravelles
The Caravelles slipped slightly to #5 but remained among the biggest hits in the country. Their gentle harmonies and polished delivery helped distinguish the record from many of the louder and more energetic songs surrounding it.
The success of the British duo offered an early glimpse of the growing popularity of British artists in America. Although few realized it at the time, the musical landscape was about to change dramatically.
Its continued presence in the Top 5 highlighted the broad range of styles that listeners embraced during the closing weeks of 1963.
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 28, 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)
- There! I’ve Said It Again – Bobby Vinton
- Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
- Since I Fell For You – Lenny Welch
- You Don’t Have To Be A Baby To Cry – The Caravelles
- Drip Drop – Dion Di Muci
- Forget Him – Bobby Rydell
- Popsicles And Icicles – The Murmaids
- Talk Back Trembling Lips – Johnny Tillotson
- Be True To Your School – The Beach Boys
Chart Movers This Week
The Billboard Hot 100 for December 28, 1963, serves as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable year in popular music. The chart featured an unusual blend of French folk music, rock and roll, emotional ballads, and British harmony groups, reflecting the extraordinary diversity of American musical tastes.
Several songs on this chart would continue to make headlines in the opening weeks of 1964. Bobby Vinton was poised for another #1 hit, while “Louie Louie” was already becoming a cultural phenomenon. Meanwhile, “Dominique” completed one of the most surprising chart reigns of the decade.
Looking back, this final chart of 1963 captures the last moments of an era. Within weeks, the arrival of The Beatles and the British Invasion would begin reshaping popular music, making this chart one of the final snapshots of pre-Beatles America.