Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of November 20, 1961
The Billboard Hot 100 for November 20, 1961 continued to be led by Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John,” which held the #1 position for a third straight week. The dramatic story song had become one of the defining records of late 1961, proving that powerful storytelling could still compete with the growing wave of dance records and teen pop hits.
But the chart underneath Jimmy Dean was changing quickly. James Darren made a huge leap into the Top 5 with “Goodbye Cruel World,” while The Marvelettes continued climbing higher with “Please Mr. Postman,” a song that would soon make Motown history. Brenda Lee remained near the top with “Fool #1,” and Dion’s “Runaround Sue” still carried strong rock and roll energy after its own successful run at #1.
This week’s chart captured the incredible variety of early-sixties music. Story songs, emotional ballads, dance crazes, rhythm and blues, and polished pop records all shared space inside the same Top 10, making the Billboard Hot 100 feel more diverse than ever.
Top 5 Songs (November 20, 1961)
1. Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean
Jimmy Dean remained at #1 with “Big Bad John,” continuing one of the most unique chart runs of 1961. While many major hits of the era focused on teenage romance or dance trends, this record stood apart because it told a complete story filled with suspense, mystery, and heroism.
The song’s success came from its atmosphere as much as its lyrics. Dean’s deep narration made Big John feel larger than life, while the stripped-down production gave the record a dramatic tension that listeners remembered instantly.
By its third week at #1, “Big Bad John” had become more than just a hit single. It was now one of the signature story songs of the entire rock and roll era, showing that audiences still loved records that painted vivid pictures and memorable characters.
2. Runaround Sue – Dion
Dion held steady at #2 with “Runaround Sue,” which remained one of the hottest rock and roll records in America even after leaving the top spot.
The song’s catchy chorus and energetic beat helped make it a favorite on jukeboxes and radio stations across the country. Dion’s vocal delivery perfectly captured the confidence and frustration at the center of the song, giving it a personality that still feels fresh decades later.
Its long stay near the top showed just how powerful the record had become. “Runaround Sue” was not fading quickly like many singles of the era — it continued to dominate the national conversation weeks after first reaching #1.
3. Fool #1 – Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee remained at #3 with “Fool #1,” continuing another impressive chart run for one of the biggest female stars of the early sixties.
The song highlighted Lee’s ability to balance vulnerability and power in the same performance. Her voice carried deep emotion while still sounding polished and radio-friendly, helping her stand apart from many of her contemporaries.
By late 1961, Brenda Lee had firmly established herself as one of the most dependable hitmakers in popular music, capable of moving easily between upbeat pop songs and emotional heartbreak ballads.
4. Goodbye Cruel World – James Darren
James Darren made one of the biggest jumps of the week as “Goodbye Cruel World” climbed into the Top 5.
The song mixed heartbreak with dramatic teenage emotion, creating a record that connected strongly with young listeners. Its catchy melody and emotional lyrics gave it broad appeal during a period when teen-oriented pop still dominated much of the Billboard Hot 100.
The rapid rise of “Goodbye Cruel World” showed how quickly a well-crafted pop single could explode nationally in the early sixties radio era.
5. Bristol Stomp – The Dovells
The Dovells rounded out the Top 5 with “Bristol Stomp,” one of the biggest dance craze records of 1961.
The song continued attracting teenage audiences because of its upbeat rhythm and connection to popular dance culture. Records like this helped make the early sixties one of the great eras of dance-oriented pop music.
Even after spending weeks near the top of the chart, “Bristol Stomp” still had strong momentum and remained one of the most recognizable songs on American radio.
More Weeks at #1 for “Big Bad John”
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 November 25, 1961, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Big Bad John by Jimmy Dean
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Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 – Week of November 20, 1961
- Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean
- Runaround Sue – Dion
- Fool #1 – Brenda Lee
- Goodbye Cruel World – James Darren
- Bristol Stomp – The Dovells
- Tower Of Strength – Gene McDaniels
- Hit The Road Jack – Ray Charles And His Orchestra With The Raelettes
- Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes
- This Time – Troy Shondell
- The Fly – Chubby Checker
A Transitional Moment In Early Sixties Pop
The week of November 20, 1961 highlighted just how quickly popular music was evolving. Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John” represented the continuing strength of dramatic story songs, while Dion and The Dovells kept classic rock and dance music near the top of the chart.
At the same time, records like “Please Mr. Postman” hinted at the future. The Marvelettes were helping introduce the Motown sound to a national audience, and the influence of soul and girl-group music was beginning to grow rapidly.
Looking back today, this chart week feels like an important bridge between the first wave of rock and roll and the even bigger musical explosion that would arrive in the years ahead.