Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of May 15, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 for May 15, 1961 remained firmly in the grip of Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” which held the #1 position for a fourth consecutive week. The emotional smash had become one of the defining songs of the year and continued dominating radio stations across America.
Behind “Runaway,” the rest of the chart reflected the growing variety of early sixties pop music. Rhythm and blues, teenage ballads, harmony groups, and crossover vocal hits all competed together near the top of the Hot 100.
This was also a week where several future classics continued climbing rapidly. Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man” entered the Top 10, while The Shirelles returned with another major hit as “Mama Said” climbed higher on the national charts.
Top 5 Songs (May 15, 1961)
1. Runaway – Del Shannon
Del Shannon remained at #1 for a fourth straight week with “Runaway,” continuing one of the most powerful chart runs of 1961.
The song’s dramatic lyrics, emotional vocal performance, and unforgettable keyboard sound gave it a darker and more intense atmosphere than many earlier rock and roll hits. Teen listeners connected deeply with its themes of heartbreak and loneliness.
Its continued dominance showed that pop music was becoming more emotional and sophisticated as the decade moved forward.
2. Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
Ernie K-Doe held steady at #2 this week with “Mother-In-Law,” keeping the New Orleans rhythm and blues sound near the top of the national charts.
The song’s humorous lyrics and relaxed groove made it one of the most distinctive records on radio. Its playful personality helped separate it from the dramatic heartbreak songs surrounding it.
The continued success of “Mother-In-Law” reflected the growing influence of regional rhythm and blues music on mainstream pop audiences.
3. A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
Gene McDaniels remained at #3 this week with “A Hundred Pounds Of Clay,” continuing its successful climb up the Hot 100.
The catchy melody and playful concept gave the song wide appeal with both pop and rhythm and blues listeners. McDaniels delivered the lyrics with a smooth confidence that fit perfectly into the evolving sound of early sixties radio.
Its continued success showed how quickly fresh young performers were becoming major stars during 1961.
4. I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
Linda Scott held onto the #4 position this week with “I’ve Told Every Little Star.”
The song’s dreamy production and gentle vocal style gave it a soft romantic quality that connected strongly with teenage audiences. Scott’s innocent delivery made the record feel warm and sincere.
The continued popularity of songs like this highlighted the growing importance of female pop vocalists during the early sixties.
5. Daddy’s Home – Shep And The Limelites
Shep And The Limelites jumped into the Top 5 this week as “Daddy’s Home” climbed from #12 to #5.
The smooth harmony vocals and emotional delivery gave the record a classic doo-wop feel that appealed to fans of late-fifties vocal groups. The song balanced romance and vulnerability in a way that resonated strongly with listeners.
Its rise showed that harmony-driven vocal music still remained an important force on the Billboard Hot 100.
More Weeks at #1 for “Runaway”
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 20, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Runaway by Del Shannon
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Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of May 15, 1961
- Runaway – Del Shannon
- Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
- A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
- I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
- Daddy’s Home – Shep And The Limelites
- You Can Depend On Me – Brenda Lee
- Blue Moon – The Marcels
- Travelin’ Man – Ricky Nelson
- Mama Said – The Shirelles
- Take Good Care Of Her – Adam Wade
The Charts Balanced Heartbreak And Harmony
The week of May 15, 1961 captured a fascinating mix of emotional teenage ballads, rhythm and blues grooves, and classic harmony-group sounds. Del Shannon’s “Runaway” continued leading the way with a more dramatic and emotional style that pointed toward the future of pop music.
At the same time, songs like “Daddy’s Home” and “Mama Said” showed that harmony-driven vocal groups still had enormous appeal with American listeners. Meanwhile, Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man” hinted that another major chart contender was quickly approaching.
Looking back today, this chart feels like a perfect snapshot of early-sixties transition. The polished innocence of the 1950s still remained strong, but newer and more emotionally powerful records were beginning to reshape the sound of popular music.