Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of May 22, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 saw another major change during the week of May 22, 1961 as Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-In-Law” finally climbed to the #1 position. The playful New Orleans rhythm and blues hit replaced Del Shannon’s emotional smash “Runaway” after its powerful four-week run at the top.
This week’s chart showed just how varied American pop music had become by the spring of 1961. Teen heartbreak songs, smooth harmony groups, rhythm and blues grooves, and polished pop ballads all competed together inside the Top 10.
The chart also introduced several songs that would become long-lasting favorites. Ricky Nelson scored twice in the Top 10, while Roy Orbison’s dramatic “Running Scared” continued one of the fastest climbs on the Hot 100.
Top 5 Songs (May 22, 1961)
1. Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
Ernie K-Doe reached the #1 spot this week with “Mother-In-Law,” giving New Orleans rhythm and blues one of its biggest crossover successes of the early sixties.
The song’s humorous lyrics, catchy groove, and relaxed personality helped it stand apart from the dramatic teenage heartbreak songs dominating much of the chart. Its playful style made it instantly memorable to listeners.
The rise of “Mother-In-Law” showed how regional R&B sounds were becoming a major force in mainstream American pop music.
2. Runaway – Del Shannon
After four weeks at #1, Del Shannon’s “Runaway” slipped to the #2 position this week.
The emotional ballad remained one of the most powerful records on radio thanks to its haunting keyboard sound and Shannon’s dramatic vocal performance. The song had helped introduce a deeper emotional intensity into early sixties pop music.
Even after leaving the top spot, “Runaway” continued standing as one of the defining hits of 1961.
3. Daddy’s Home – Shep And The Limelites
Shep And The Limelites climbed to #3 this week as “Daddy’s Home” continued its successful rise.
The smooth harmonies and emotional delivery gave the song a classic doo-wop feel that appealed strongly to fans of vocal group music. It balanced romance and vulnerability in a way that connected deeply with listeners.
Its climb showed that harmony-driven records still remained an important part of the evolving pop landscape.
4. A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
Gene McDaniels held strong at #4 this week with “A Hundred Pounds Of Clay.”
The song’s playful lyrics and catchy melody gave it broad crossover appeal with both pop and rhythm and blues audiences. McDaniels delivered the record with a smooth confidence that helped it stand out on radio.
The continued success of the song reflected the growing popularity of fresh young vocal stars during 1961.
5. Travelin’ Man – Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson climbed into the Top 5 this week with “Travelin’ Man,” continuing his impressive chart comeback.
The smooth production and relaxed vocal performance fit perfectly with Nelson’s clean-cut image and easygoing style. The song carried a polished pop sound that appealed to a broad national audience.
Its rapid rise hinted that Ricky Nelson was preparing for another major run near the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending May 27, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Mother-in-Law by Ernie K-Doe
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Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of May 22, 1961
- Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
- Runaway – Del Shannon
- Daddy’s Home – Shep And The Limelites
- A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
- Travelin’ Man – Ricky Nelson
- Mama Said – The Shirelles
- Running Scared – Roy Orbison
- Breakin’ In A Brand New Broken Heart – Connie Francis
- Hello Mary Lou – Ricky Nelson
- I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
The Sound Of Pop Music Kept Expanding
The week of May 22, 1961 showed just how wide open the Billboard Hot 100 had become. Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-In-Law” brought New Orleans rhythm and blues to the very top of the charts, while Del Shannon’s “Runaway” continued proving the power of emotional teenage ballads.
At the same time, harmony groups like Shep And The Limelites and The Shirelles remained strong, while Ricky Nelson demonstrated his lasting popularity with two songs inside the Top 10.
Looking back today, this chart feels like a perfect example of early-sixties musical diversity. Old styles were still thriving, new sounds were emerging quickly, and every week seemed to introduce another future classic.