🎵 #1 Song This Week
“Mother-in-Law” – Ernie K-Doe
- Weeks at #1: 1 (only week at #1)
- A humorous New Orleans R&B hit
- Produced and written by Allen Toussaint
👉 “Mother-in-Law” reached #1, becoming a surprise chart-topper and the biggest hit of Ernie K-Doe’s career.
🔝 Top 5 Songs – May 22, 1961
- Mother-in-Law – Ernie K-Doe
- Runaway – Del Shannon
- Travelin’ Man – Ricky Nelson
- Daddy’s Home – Shep and the Limelites
- Stand by Me – Ben E. King
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🎶 What Was Happening This Week
- New Orleans R&B reached the top of the charts
- “Runaway” began its descent after a strong 4-week run
- Classic songs like “Stand by Me” continued climbing
🧠Why This Chart Week Matters
This week represents:
- A rare one-week #1 hit
- A major crossover moment for New Orleans R&B
- The national breakthrough of Allen Toussaint as a songwriter
🎯 Snapshot of the Moment
By late May 1961:
- The charts were full of diverse sounds
- Regional styles were gaining national attention
- Humor and personality had a place at #1
At the top was “Mother-in-Law” by Ernie K-Doe, claiming its place as the #1 song in America.