Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of July 31, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 for July 31, 1961 continued to be dominated by Bobby Lewis and the explosive rock and roll smash “Tossin’ And Turnin’.” The energetic dance hit held onto the #1 position for another week and had become one of the biggest songs of the entire summer.
This week’s chart showed rhythm and blues and dance-driven records growing even stronger on American radio. Songs with powerful beats and party-style energy were clearly connecting with younger audiences across the country.
At the same time, smoother pop ballads and easy-listening favorites still maintained a strong presence, creating one of the most diverse and exciting chart periods of the early 1960s.
Top 5 Songs (July 31, 1961)
1. Tossin’ And Turnin’ – Bobby Lewis
Bobby Lewis remained firmly at #1 this week with the unstoppable “Tossin’ And Turnin’.”
The song’s pounding rhythm and restless vocal performance continued making it one of the most exciting records in America. Its nonstop energy helped define the sound of summer 1961.
By the end of July, “Tossin’ And Turnin’” had become one of the year’s true blockbuster hits and showed no signs of slowing down.
2. I Like It Like That, Part 1 – Chris Kenner
Chris Kenner climbed to #2 this week with the energetic New Orleans rhythm and blues hit “I Like It Like That.”
The song’s catchy beat and party atmosphere made it one of the liveliest records on the charts. Its playful energy fit perfectly with the growing popularity of dance-oriented music during the summer.
The success of the record helped bring even more attention to the powerful influence of New Orleans rhythm and blues on popular music.
3. The Boll Weevil Song – Brook Benton
Brook Benton slipped slightly to #3 this week with “The Boll Weevil Song.”
The catchy novelty hit remained extremely popular thanks to Benton’s smooth vocal delivery and the song’s playful storytelling style. It continued standing out among the louder rock and dance records surrounding it.
Its long run near the top showed how strongly audiences still connected with humorous and memorable pop songs.
4. Dum Dum – Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee climbed into the Top 5 this week with the lively pop hit “Dum Dum.”
Lee’s powerful voice and upbeat performance helped make the song another major success during her remarkable early-sixties chart run. The record balanced youthful energy with polished pop production.
Its growing popularity confirmed Brenda Lee’s position as one of the era’s most dependable hitmakers.
5. Hats Off To Larry – Del Shannon
Del Shannon reached the Top 5 this week with “Hats Off To Larry.”
The emotional pop-rock song followed the huge success of “Runaway” and featured Shannon’s instantly recognizable vocal style and dramatic delivery. The catchy melody helped make it another strong radio favorite.
Shannon continued proving that he was one of the most exciting new artists of 1961.
More Weeks at #1 for “Tossin’ and Turnin’”
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 August 5, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Tossin’ and Turnin’ by Bobby Lewis
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of July 31, 1961
- Tossin’ And Turnin’ – Bobby Lewis
- I Like It Like That, Part 1 – Chris Kenner
- The Boll Weevil Song – Brook Benton
- Dum Dum – Brenda Lee
- Hats Off To Larry – Del Shannon
- Quarter To Three – U.S. Bonds
- Last Night – Mar-Keys
- Together – Connie Francis
- Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker
- Yellow Bird – Arthur Lyman Group
Rock And Rhythm Continued Leading The Charts
The week of July 31, 1961 captured the growing dominance of energetic rhythm-driven music on the Billboard Hot 100. Bobby Lewis and Chris Kenner helped lead a summer chart filled with dance records, rhythm and blues influence, and powerful vocal performances.
At the same time, artists like Brenda Lee and Del Shannon continued proving that polished pop-rock songs could still compete strongly alongside rougher and more energetic rhythm and blues records.
Looking back today, this chart reflects the exciting musical transition happening in America during 1961. Rock and roll was becoming louder, faster, and more dance-oriented while still leaving room for emotional ballads and easy-listening favorites.