Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of July 13, 1963
The middle of July 1963 captured one of the most exciting periods of the year on the Billboard Hot 100. The Essex remained at #1 with “Easier Said Than Done,” but several fast-rising records were closing the gap and preparing to challenge for the top spot.
Surf music continued its remarkable summer surge as Jan & Dean’s “Surf City” jumped into the runner-up position. Meanwhile, vocal harmony groups remained a major force, with The Tymes and The Chiffons both climbing into the Top 5.
The chart also reflected the growing diversity of American popular music. International hits, novelty songs, surf rock, vocal group harmonies, and traditional pop ballads all competed for attention from listeners across the country.
As the summer of 1963 reached full swing, radio audiences were enjoying one of the most varied and memorable collections of hits of the entire decade.
Top 5 Songs
1. Easier Said Than Done – The Essex
The Essex held onto the #1 position for a second week with “Easier Said Than Done.” The upbeat vocal-group hit continued to win over listeners with its cheerful melody and smooth harmonies.
The group’s unique story as active-duty U.S. Marines helped attract attention, but the song’s infectious hook was what kept it at the top of the charts. It perfectly matched the carefree mood of the summer season.
Although still firmly in first place, strong challengers were moving up rapidly behind it, setting the stage for a competitive battle in the weeks ahead.
2. Surf City – Jan & Dean
Jan & Dean surged to #2 with “Surf City,” one of the defining songs of the surf-rock movement. Filled with sunshine, beaches, and youthful excitement, the record captured the California dream that fascinated teenagers across America.
Co-written with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, the song featured catchy harmonies and an irresistible chorus that helped drive its rapid climb.
Its momentum suggested that a run at #1 was only a matter of time.
3. Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport – Rolf Harris
Rolf Harris climbed to a new peak at #3 with the novelty favorite “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport.” The Australian-flavored singalong stood out from nearly everything else on the radio.
Its playful lyrics and memorable chorus made it one of the surprise hits of 1963. Listeners were drawn to its humor and unusual style.
The song demonstrated that novelty records could still become major chart successes when they connected with audiences.
4. So Much In Love – The Tymes
The Tymes continued their impressive climb with “So Much In Love.” The record’s rich vocal harmonies and romantic lyrics made it one of the most beautiful ballads of the year.
The group’s polished sound helped the song stand out even among the many harmony-based records dominating the charts.
Its steady rise suggested that an even higher peak could still be ahead.
5. One Fine Day – The Chiffons
The Chiffons reached a new peak at #5 with “One Fine Day.” The song followed the group’s earlier success with “He’s So Fine” and proved they were far more than a one-hit wonder.
Built around a memorable melody and confident lead vocal, the record became one of the defining girl-group songs of the early 1960s.
The Chiffons’ continued success highlighted the growing influence of female vocal groups on the Billboard charts.
More Weeks at #1 for “Easier Said Than Done”
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 July 13, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Easier Said Than Done by The Essex
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- Easier Said Than Done – The Essex
- Surf City – Jan & Dean
- Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport – Rolf Harris
- So Much In Love – The Tymes
- One Fine Day – The Chiffons
- Sukiyaki – Kyu Sakamoto
- Memphis – Lonnie Mack
- Blue On Blue – Bobby Vinton
- Hello Stranger – Barbara Lewis
- Wipe Out – The Surfaris
Chart Movers This Week
A Summer Chart Full of Momentum
The week of July 13, 1963 showed several major trends shaping popular music. Surf rock continued to gain strength, harmony groups remained dominant, and novelty songs still found room near the top of the charts.
The Top 10 featured future classics from Jan & Dean, The Tymes, The Chiffons, and Kyu Sakamoto. Each represented a different style, demonstrating the remarkable variety listeners enjoyed during this period.
With “Surf City” rising quickly and several other hits building momentum, the Billboard Hot 100 was poised for another dramatic shakeup as the summer of 1963 continued.