Billboard Hot 100 Chart – Week of November 17, 1962

1. Big Girls Don’t Cry – The 4 Seasons

The 4 Seasons reached #1 this week with “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” giving the group their second chart-topping hit in only a matter of months. The success confirmed that the explosive popularity of “Sherry” was no accident.

Frankie Valli’s soaring falsetto again became the song’s defining feature, while the group’s tight harmonies and upbeat rhythm created another instantly recognizable pop record. The combination of doo-wop roots and polished production helped separate The 4 Seasons from other vocal groups of the era.

The rapid rise of “Big Girls Don’t Cry” showed how quickly the group had become one of America’s hottest acts. Their sound felt youthful, energetic, and completely original at a moment when pop music was changing rapidly.

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2. Return To Sender – Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley climbed to #2 with “Return To Sender,” continuing one of the strongest chart runs of his early 1960s movie era. The song mixed humor, heartbreak, and catchy pop energy into one of his most memorable soundtrack hits.

The record’s bouncing rhythm and playful lyrics gave Elvis a lighter tone than some of his earlier rock and roll classics, but his charisma still carried the performance effortlessly. The song’s instantly memorable chorus helped make it a radio favorite.

Even as newer vocal groups and soul acts climbed the charts, Elvis remained one of the biggest stars in the world. “Return To Sender” showed that he could still compete directly with the newest sounds in popular music.

3. He’s A Rebel – The Crystals

After reaching #1, “He’s A Rebel” slipped to #3 this week but remained one of the most influential records on the Billboard Hot 100. The Crystals and producer Phil Spector had created a song that sounded larger and more dramatic than nearly anything else on radio.

The layered instrumentation, echo, and emotional intensity helped define the growing Wall of Sound style. Spector’s production gave the record a huge presence that transformed the emotional storytelling into something cinematic.

The song’s success also confirmed the power of the girl-group era. Female vocal groups were becoming central figures in early 1960s pop music, and “He’s A Rebel” stood among the movement’s defining hits.

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4. All Alone Am I – Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee held at #4 with “All Alone Am I,” continuing one of the most emotional chart runs of the season. The ballad highlighted her ability to deliver heartbreak songs with maturity and control far beyond her years.

The record relied on emotional restraint rather than dramatic excess. Lee’s voice sounded vulnerable and sincere, allowing listeners to connect deeply with the loneliness described in the lyrics.

The continued success of the song proved Brenda Lee was one of the era’s most versatile performers. She could move comfortably between rock and roll energy and sophisticated emotional ballads without losing her identity as an artist.

5. Next Door To An Angel – Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka climbed into the Top 5 this week with “Next Door To An Angel,” adding another polished pop hit to his growing list of successes. The song blended catchy melody, romantic lyrics, and Sedaka’s smooth vocal style into a classic early 1960s single.

Sedaka had a gift for creating records that sounded bright and accessible while still carrying emotional warmth. His songwriting instincts and memorable hooks helped him become one of the decade’s most reliable hitmakers.

The success of “Next Door To An Angel” showed that traditional pop craftsmanship still thrived during a period increasingly dominated by girl groups, soul music, and dance records. Sedaka remained one of the strongest voices in mainstream pop.

More Weeks at #1 for “Big Girls Don’t Cry”

This song spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Explore each chart week below: