Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of May 11, 1963
The Billboard Hot 100 for May 11, 1963 continued to reflect the wide variety of sounds competing for America’s attention. Teen pop, folk music, surf instrumentals, and traditional pop all shared space near the top of the chart as the music landscape continued to evolve.
Little Peggy March remained at #1 with “I Will Follow Him,” holding off strong challenges from Peter, Paul & Mary and rising newcomer Jimmy Soul. The chart also featured one of the year’s most popular surf instrumentals and another strong performance from Andy Williams.
This week’s Top 5 demonstrated how quickly the charts could change during the early 1960s. Established stars fought to maintain their positions while fresh sounds and new artists steadily climbed toward the top.
Top 5 Songs
1. I Will Follow Him – Little Peggy March
Little Peggy March held onto the #1 position for another week with “I Will Follow Him.” The song’s dramatic arrangement and powerful vocal performance continued to connect with listeners across the country.
March’s youthful confidence gave the record a unique appeal. Despite fierce competition from several fast-rising hits, the song remained firmly planted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
The record’s success made Peggy March one of the most remarkable young stars of the era and helped define the sound of spring 1963.
2. Puff (The Magic Dragon) – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary climbed to #2 with “Puff (The Magic Dragon),” continuing the folk trio’s remarkable run of success. The song’s gentle storytelling and memorable melody made it one of the most beloved records of the decade.
Its thoughtful lyrics and warm harmonies stood in contrast to many of the louder pop records on the chart. Audiences of all ages embraced its imaginative narrative and emotional tone.
The song’s rise helped further establish folk music as a major force in mainstream popular music.
3. If You Wanna Be Happy – Jimmy Soul
Jimmy Soul surged into the Top 3 with “If You Wanna Be Happy.” The upbeat novelty hit stood out thanks to its humorous lyrics and infectious Caribbean-inspired rhythm.
The record offered a playful message that sparked conversation while remaining fun and energetic. Its catchy chorus quickly became a favorite on radio stations nationwide.
With strong momentum behind it, the song appeared poised to challenge for the top position in the coming weeks.
4. Pipeline – Chantay’s
“Pipeline” remained one of the biggest instrumental hits of the year. The Chantays captured the growing surf music movement with a sound that felt both exciting and mysterious.
The song’s rolling guitar melody and distinctive atmosphere helped separate it from the vocal-driven hits surrounding it on the chart.
As surf culture continued to spread beyond California, “Pipeline” became one of its defining musical statements.
5. Can’t Get Used To Losing You – Andy Williams
Andy Williams remained a major chart presence with “Can’t Get Used To Losing You.” The sophisticated pop ballad continued to attract listeners with its smooth vocal performance and memorable melody.
Williams brought elegance and emotional depth to the record, helping it compete successfully against younger and more contemporary acts.
The song’s long chart run demonstrated the continued popularity of traditional pop during a period of rapid musical change.
More Weeks at #1 for “I Will Follow Him”
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 May 11, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 I Will Follow Him by Little Peggy March
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- I Will Follow Him – Little Peggy March
- Puff (The Magic Dragon) – Peter, Paul & Mary
- If You Wanna Be Happy – Jimmy Soul
- Pipeline – Chantay’s
- Can’t Get Used To Losing You – Andy Williams
- Foolish Little Girl – The Shirelles
- Surfin’ U.S.A. – The Beach Boys
- He’s So Fine – The Chiffons
- Reverend Mr. Black – The Kingston Trio
- Losing You – Brenda Lee
Chart Movers This Week
A Chart Filled With Variety
The week of May 11, 1963 showcased the incredible diversity of early 1960s popular music. Folk music, surf instrumentals, novelty songs, traditional pop, and teen favorites all appeared near the top of the chart.
Artists like Peter, Paul & Mary, Andy Williams, and Little Peggy March represented established chart success, while Jimmy Soul and The Beach Boys continued introducing fresh sounds to mainstream audiences.
Looking back, this chart serves as a snapshot of a musical era just before the British Invasion would dramatically reshape popular music. For now, American artists still dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and delivered one memorable hit after another.