Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of July 18, 1964
The summer of 1964 continued to deliver one memorable chart after another, and this week marked an important shift at the top. After two weeks at #1, The Beach Boys finally gave way to The 4 Seasons, whose powerful new hit “Rag Doll” climbed into the top position. It was another reminder that American artists were still thriving during the height of the British Invasion.
While British groups continued to dominate radio and record sales, American acts were proving they could compete. The Top 5 featured a mix of surf rock, pop, jazz, and beat music, reflecting just how diverse popular music had become by mid-1964.
Johnny Rivers remained near the top with “Memphis,” while The Dave Clark Five continued their successful run in America. Meanwhile, “The Girl From Ipanema” brought a sophisticated international flavor to the Top 5, helping introduce millions of listeners to the growing popularity of bossa nova.
Looking back, this chart captures a fascinating moment when British groups, American rock bands, vocal groups, and international influences all shared space on the same Top 10.
Top 5 Songs
1. Rag Doll – The 4 Seasons Featuring The Sound Of Frankie Valli
“Rag Doll” rose from #3 to become the new #1 song in America. Built around Frankie Valli’s unmistakable falsetto and a memorable melody, the record quickly became one of the defining hits of the summer.
The song told the story of a poor girl looked down upon by others, giving it a more emotional theme than many contemporary pop records. That storytelling helped listeners connect with it immediately.
The success of “Rag Doll” also demonstrated that The 4 Seasons remained one of the strongest American vocal groups of the decade, even while British acts dominated much of the conversation.
2. Memphis – Johnny Rivers
Johnny Rivers held steady at #2 with his energetic version of “Memphis.” The song blended rock-and-roll roots with a contemporary sound that fit perfectly into the changing music landscape of 1964.
Its live-club atmosphere helped separate it from the heavily produced records dominating radio. Listeners could almost feel the energy of a live performance.
Although it never reached #1, “Memphis” became one of the biggest hits of Rivers’ career and helped establish him as a major recording star.
3. I Get Around – The Beach Boys
After spending two weeks at #1, “I Get Around” slipped to #3. Even so, the song remained one of the year’s biggest records and continued receiving heavy airplay across the country.
The Beach Boys had successfully blended youthful energy, clever songwriting, and groundbreaking vocal arrangements into a record that captured the spirit of summer.
Its success gave American rock a much-needed chart victory during a year when British artists often occupied the spotlight.
4. Can’t You See That She’s Mine – The Dave Clark Five
The Dave Clark Five moved up to a new peak position of #4 with “Can’t You See That She’s Mine.” The group’s pounding drum sound and energetic style made them one of the most successful British acts outside of The Beatles.
Unlike many British groups that emphasized harmony, the Dave Clark Five relied on a harder-driving sound that appealed strongly to American teenagers.
The song’s continued climb showed that the British Invasion was far from being a one-band phenomenon.
5. The Girl From Ipanema – Stan Getz/Astrud Gilberto
One of the most unique records ever to reach the Top 5, “The Girl From Ipanema” climbed to #5 this week. Its smooth bossa nova rhythm and relaxed vocal style offered something completely different from the rock and pop records surrounding it.
The song helped introduce Brazilian music to a massive American audience and became one of the signature recordings of the decade.
More than sixty years later, it remains one of the most recognizable jazz-pop recordings ever released.
More Weeks at #1 for “Rag Doll”
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 18, 1964, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Rag Doll by The Four Seasons
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🎂 Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Rag Doll – The 4 Seasons Featuring The Sound Of Frankie Valli
- Memphis – Johnny Rivers
- I Get Around – The Beach Boys
- Can’t You See That She’s Mine – The Dave Clark Five
- The Girl From Ipanema – Stan Getz/Astrud Gilberto
- The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena) – Jan & Dean
- Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying – Gerry And The Pacemakers
- Dang Me – Roger Miller
- My Boy Lollipop – Millie Small
- Keep On Pushing – The Impressions
Chart Movers This Week
A Summer Chart Full of Variety
The week of July 18, 1964 demonstrated just how broad popular music had become. The chart featured surf rock from The Beach Boys, vocal harmony from The 4 Seasons, British beat music from The Dave Clark Five, jazz-infused bossa nova from Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto, and classic rock-and-roll influences from Johnny Rivers.
Few periods in music history offered this level of variety at the very top of the charts. Every major style seemed to have a representative in the Top 10.
As the summer continued, several fast-rising songs were preparing to challenge for the top spot, ensuring that one of the most exciting chart years of the 1960s was far from over.