Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of September 7, 1963
As summer 1963 began to wind down, the Billboard Hot 100 remained one of the most diverse charts of the decade. Girl groups, folk music, Motown, novelty records, and traditional pop all competed for listeners’ attention, creating a fascinating snapshot of American music just months before the British Invasion would arrive.
The Angels held onto the top spot with “My Boyfriend’s Back,” while Allan Sherman’s camp-themed novelty hit continued its remarkable run near the summit. Meanwhile, future classics from Trini Lopez and Bobby Vinton were climbing rapidly toward even greater success.
This week’s Top 5 captures a music industry still driven by radio singles, regional hits, and a wide variety of musical styles. It was a chart where nearly anything could become a national sensation.
Top 5 Songs
1. My Boyfriend’s Back – The Angels
The Angels remained at #1 for a second consecutive week with “My Boyfriend’s Back.” The record’s playful storyline and confident attitude helped it become one of the defining girl-group hits of 1963.
The song stood apart from many earlier teen-pop records by presenting a strong, self-assured narrator. Its catchy chorus and energetic production made it a favorite on radio stations across the country.
Even decades later, the song remains one of the most recognizable records of the girl-group era.
2. Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) – Allan Sherman
Allan Sherman held at #2 with one of the year’s most unusual hits. The comedic tale of a miserable summer camper had become a nationwide phenomenon and demonstrated the enduring appeal of novelty records.
Listeners of all ages could relate to the exaggerated camp experiences described in the song, helping it achieve crossover popularity rarely seen by comedy records.
Its success proved that humor still had a place among the biggest hits in America.
3. If I Had A Hammer – Trini Lopez
Trini Lopez climbed into the Top 3 with his energetic version of “If I Had A Hammer.” Recorded live, the performance captured the excitement of Lopez’s stage act and introduced him to a national audience.
The song blended folk influences with a lively pop arrangement that appealed to a broad range of listeners. Its upbeat spirit made it one of the standout records of late summer 1963.
The hit would soon become Lopez’s signature recording and establish him as a major star.
4. Blue Velvet – Bobby Vinton
Bobby Vinton surged into the Top 5 with “Blue Velvet,” a smooth and romantic ballad that showcased his distinctive vocal style. The song was quickly becoming one of the year’s biggest records.
Its lush orchestration and nostalgic lyrics appealed to both younger listeners and adults, helping it stand out in an era increasingly dominated by rock and roll.
The record’s climb signaled that traditional pop still had tremendous commercial power in 1963.
5. Candy Girl – The 4 Seasons
The 4 Seasons rounded out the Top 5 with “Candy Girl,” another hit powered by Frankie Valli’s unmistakable falsetto. The group’s unique sound continued to separate them from their competitors.
Following the massive success of “Walk Like A Man,” the group proved they could consistently deliver chart hits. Their combination of catchy melodies and strong harmonies remained enormously popular.
By this point, The 4 Seasons had firmly established themselves as one of America’s premier vocal groups.
More Weeks at #1 for “My Boyfriend’s Back”
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 September 7, 1963, this was your birthday song:
🎵 My Boyfriend’s Back by The Angels
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Try your own birthday:
- My Boyfriend’s Back – The Angels
- Hello Mudduh, Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) – Allan Sherman
- If I Had A Hammer – Trini Lopez
- Blue Velvet – Bobby Vinton
- Candy Girl – The 4 Seasons
- Heat Wave – Martha & The Vandellas
- Mockingbird – Inez Foxx with Charlie Foxx
- The Monkey Time – Major Lance
- Blowin’ In The Wind – Peter, Paul & Mary
- Hey, Girl – Freddie Scott
Chart Movers This Week
A Changing Musical Landscape
The week of September 7, 1963 showcased the remarkable diversity that characterized American music before Beatlemania arrived. Folk songs, novelty records, Motown hits, traditional pop ballads, and girl-group classics all found space in the Top 10.
Several future standards were still climbing, including “Blue Velvet” and “Heat Wave,” while established hits continued their successful chart runs. The balance between emerging artists and proven stars created one of the year’s most interesting charts.
Looking back, this week represents one of the final moments before popular music entered a completely new era. Within months, the charts would begin to change dramatically, but for now, the sounds of early 1960s America remained firmly in control.