Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of May 8, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 for May 8, 1961 remained firmly under the control of Del Shannon’s “Runaway,” which stayed at #1 for a third consecutive week. The dramatic teenage heartbreak anthem had quickly become one of the most important records of the year.
While “Runaway” continued dominating the chart, the rest of the Top 10 reflected just how diverse American pop music had become. Rhythm and blues, polished pop vocals, teenage ballads, doo-wop harmony groups, and instrumental records all shared space together near the top.
This was also a week where several rising stars continued building momentum. Gene McDaniels, Brenda Lee, and Steve Lawrence all moved higher as the sound of early 1961 kept evolving in new directions.
Top 5 Songs (May 8, 1961)
1. Runaway – Del Shannon
Del Shannon held onto the #1 position for a third straight week with “Runaway,” confirming the song as one of the defining hits of 1961.
The emotional lyrics, haunting keyboard sound, and Shannon’s dramatic vocal delivery gave the record a depth that felt different from many earlier rock and roll hits. Teen listeners connected strongly with its themes of loneliness and heartbreak.
Its continued dominance showed that pop audiences were embracing a more emotional and personal style of songwriting as the sixties moved forward.
2. Mother-In-Law – Ernie K-Doe
Ernie K-Doe remained at #2 this week with “Mother-In-Law,” keeping New Orleans rhythm and blues near the top of the national charts.
The song’s playful humor and relaxed groove made it one of the most distinctive records on radio. Its personality helped separate it from the dramatic teenage ballads surrounding it.
The continued success of “Mother-In-Law” highlighted the growing national influence of regional R&B sounds during the early sixties.
3. A Hundred Pounds Of Clay – Gene McDaniels
Gene McDaniels climbed to #3 this week as “A Hundred Pounds Of Clay” continued its steady rise.
The catchy melody and clever lyrics helped make the song one of the most enjoyable records on the chart. McDaniels brought a smooth vocal style that appealed to both pop and rhythm and blues audiences.
Its climb showed how quickly fresh young artists were becoming major national stars during 1961.
4. I’ve Told Every Little Star – Linda Scott
Linda Scott slipped slightly to #4 this week with “I’ve Told Every Little Star,” though the song remained one of the most charming hits on the chart.
The soft vocal delivery and dreamy production gave the record an innocent romantic quality that connected deeply with teenage listeners. Scott’s gentle performance helped the song stand apart from the louder and more dramatic records around it.
The song’s continued success reflected the increasing popularity of female vocalists during the early sixties.
5. Blue Moon – The Marcels
The Marcels held onto the #5 position this week as “Blue Moon” continued one of the most successful chart runs of the spring.
The group’s energetic doo-wop arrangement had completely reinvented the classic standard for a new generation of listeners. Its unforgettable vocal opening remained one of the most recognizable sounds on radio.
Even after falling from #1, the song still demonstrated the lasting popularity of harmony-driven rock and roll.
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 13, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Runaway by Del Shannon
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of May 8, 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
- Blue Moon – The Marcels
- You Can Depend On Me – Brenda Lee
- Take Good Care Of Her – Adam Wade
- One Mint Julep – Ray Charles
- Portrait Of My Love – Steve Lawrence
- On The Rebound – Floyd Cramer
The Emotional Side Of Pop Music Was Growing
The week of May 8, 1961 showed how dramatically pop music was changing during the early sixties. Del Shannon’s “Runaway” continued leading the charts with a darker and more emotional style that felt very different from the carefree rock and roll hits of the previous decade.
At the same time, rhythm and blues continued gaining mainstream popularity through artists like Ernie K-Doe and Ray Charles, while softer pop ballads from Linda Scott and Steve Lawrence appealed to teenage romantics across America.
Looking back today, this chart captures a fascinating balance between innocence and emotional depth. The music still carried the polished charm of the late 1950s, but stronger storytelling and more personal performances were beginning to define the future of popular music.