The 1960s might just be the most significant and impactful decade in American history. Especially so from a cultural standpoint. The decade was one of revolution. From the British Invasion to Woodstock, the 1960s were rich with upheaval and change. Most often in good ways. But when the decade began, it looked a lot like the one that just ended. At least from a musical standpoint.
Here below, we wanted to take a look at the first official year of the 1960s and see which bands or artists were at the top of the charts longest. In total, 28 acts hit No. 1 for at least a week. But these three performers hit the top spot for at least five total weeks. Indeed, these are the three artists who spent five or more weeks at No. 1 in 1960.
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Elvis Presley (14 Weeks)
At the turn of the new decade, the King was still the king. At least when it came to weeks spent at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. Elvis Presley achieved that mark thanks to tracks like “Stuck on You,” “It’s Now or Never,” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Elvis was also one of only three artists in 1960 to have more than one song hit No. 1. The other two were Connie Francis and Brenda Lee. But with 14 weeks at No. 1, Elvis was at the top of the charts for a whopping 27% of the entire year.
Percy Faith (9)
The Canadian-born Percy Faith enjoyed nine weeks at the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960 thanks to a single song. From February 22 to April, his “Theme From a Summer Place” took the world by storm. The movie, which features Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue, is about two star-crossed lovers. And the theme song for it is a sweeping, string-driven song that fans of the modern TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia may recognize as that comedy’s popular theme.
The Everly Brothers (5)
The Knoxville, Tennessee-born proto-rock duo known as The Everly Brothers always knew how to write a song that sticks in your ear. Their sense of melody is both catchy and somehow mysterious. You find yourself leaning into the music whether you realize it or not. Often singing about a love affair, the brothers knew what worked. And they hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960 thanks to this percussive love tune “Cathy’s Clown.” It might be your new favorite.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
