Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of November 30, 1963
The Billboard Hot 100 for the week of November 30, 1963, reflected a nation still mourning while music continued to provide a familiar soundtrack during uncertain times. Dale & Grace remained at #1 with “I’m Leaving It Up To You,” holding off a rapidly rising challenge from one of the most unexpected hits of the year.
The biggest story on the chart was the remarkable surge of “Dominique” by The Singing Nun. Jumping from #9 to #2 in only its fourth week on the Hot 100, the song quickly became one of the most unusual chart contenders of the decade. Sung in French by a Belgian nun, it stood apart from virtually everything else on American radio.
Instrumental music continued to show surprising strength as “Washington Square” remained in the Top 3, while former chart giants “Sugar Shack” and “Deep Purple” were still holding strong in the Top 10. The Impressions also maintained their place among the nation’s biggest hits with the uplifting soul anthem “It’s All Right.”
As 1963 entered its final month, the chart remained remarkably diverse. Pop duets, instrumentals, soul music, novelty songs, and traditional pop all competed side by side, creating one of the most varied musical periods in Billboard history.
Top 5 Songs
1. I’m Leaving It Up To You – Dale & Grace
Dale & Grace held the #1 position for a second consecutive week with “I’m Leaving It Up To You.” The duet’s heartfelt performance continued to resonate with listeners and proved that simple, sincere songs could still rise above more elaborate productions.
The chemistry between the two singers remained the record’s greatest strength. Their voices blended naturally, creating an emotional connection that helped the song stand out on radio playlists filled with larger vocal groups and heavily produced recordings.
Its success was one of the most surprising chart stories of late 1963. Rising from #89 to #1 in less than two months, the song had become one of the year’s biggest breakout hits.
2. Dominique – The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire)
The biggest mover in the Top 5 was “Dominique,” which leaped from #9 to #2. Performed by The Singing Nun, the song was unlike anything else on the chart. Sung in French and featuring a simple folk-inspired arrangement, it captured the curiosity and imagination of listeners across America.
The song told the story of Saint Dominic and carried a gentle, uplifting spirit. Its success demonstrated that audiences were willing to embrace music from unexpected places when it offered something genuine and memorable.
With its rapid rise, “Dominique” suddenly looked like a serious contender for the #1 position. Few could have predicted such success when it first appeared on the chart just weeks earlier.
3. Washington Square – The Village Stompers
“Washington Square” remained at #3 and continued one of the strongest instrumental runs of the year. The Village Stompers had created a record that appealed to both younger listeners and older audiences who appreciated its traditional musical roots.
The song’s folk-inspired melody and upbeat arrangement gave it a distinctive identity. While vocal recordings dominated most of the chart, “Washington Square” proved that a great melody could carry a hit all on its own.
Its longevity was particularly impressive, as instrumentals were becoming increasingly rare among the nation’s biggest hits.
4. Sugar Shack – Jimmy Gilmer And The Fireballs
After spending five weeks at #1, “Sugar Shack” held steady at #4. Although no longer leading the chart, it remained one of the most recognizable and successful songs of 1963.
The record’s catchy keyboard riff and easygoing style continued to make it a favorite with radio listeners. Its simple formula had proven incredibly effective throughout its chart run.
Few songs released during the year matched its widespread popularity, and its place among the biggest hits of 1963 was already secure.
5. It’s All Right – The Impressions
The Impressions remained at #5 with “It’s All Right,” one of the most positive and uplifting records on the chart. Written by Curtis Mayfield, the song offered encouragement and optimism at a time when many Americans needed it most.
The smooth harmonies and soulful groove helped the record stand apart from many of its competitors. It was a song that felt both contemporary and timeless.
The success of “It’s All Right” continued to establish The Impressions as one of the most important vocal groups of the era and highlighted the growing influence of soul music on mainstream radio.
More Weeks at #1 for “I’m Leaving It Up to You”
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 30, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 I’m Leaving It Up to You by Dale & Grace
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- I’m Leaving It Up To You – Dale & Grace
- Dominique – The Singing Nun (Soeur Sourire)
- Washington Square – The Village Stompers
- Sugar Shack – Jimmy Gilmer And The Fireballs
- It’s All Right – The Impressions
- She’s A Fool – Lesley Gore
- Everybody – Tommy Roe
- Deep Purple – Nino Tempo & April Stevens
- (Down At) Papa Joe’s – The Dixiebelles
- Bossa Nova Baby – Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires
Chart Movers This Week
The week of November 30, 1963, showcased one of the most unusual Top 10 lineups of the year. A country-pop duet sat at #1, a French-language recording was charging toward the top, and an instrumental remained among the nation’s biggest hits.
The chart also highlighted how quickly the musical landscape could change. Former chart leaders such as “Sugar Shack” and “Deep Purple” remained popular, but newer records were steadily taking their places among the elite.
Looking back, this week captures the final days of a uniquely American chart era. Within a few months, the British Invasion would dramatically reshape popular music, but for now the Billboard Hot 100 remained a showcase for the incredible variety of sounds that defined 1963.