29 Best Songs From 1961

“Please Stay” by The Drifters

Song Year: 1961

The Drifters want to know how much begging it would take for a very special woman to change her mind and stick around instead of abandoning her lover.

The background vocals make this a typical song for The Drifters, who excelled at creating epic harmonies.

“Hello Mary Lou” by Ricky Nelson

Song Year: 1961

Ricky Nelson comes from a family of show business professionals. He starred in a radio program that turned into a television program about his family, along with his parents and brother.

He also made it as a country singer. Songs like “Hello Mary Lou” helped him rank on music charts, and in the hearts of many young women.

“Sailor” by Petula Clark

Song Year: 1961

Many songs lament the fact that a man is often torn between his love for the sea and a beautiful woman back on the shore; a woman who’s waiting for him with a longing heart.

Petula Clark begs her own “Sailor” to leave his seafaring ways and come back to her arms forever.

“Blue Moon” by The Marcels

Song Year: 1961

According to this R&B song from The Marcels, there’s a special kind of power in a “Blue Moon.” You can tell it all your deepest wishes, and they just might come true.

At least, that’s what happens in the fantastical world of music.

“Tossin’ and Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis

Song Year: 1961

Like a lot of other songs from the 1960s, Bobby Lewis liked to sing about the toil and hardship that comes from being in love.

In this song, he can’t sleep because he constantly thinks about the woman of his dreams. He’s up and down all night long because of her!

“Every Beat of My Heart” by Gladys Knight & The Pips

Song Year: 1961

“Every Beat of My Heart,” tells a touching story about a woman’s wholehearted devotion to her lover. Even though they’re separated right now, she swears that she’ll be true to him and she’ll think of him no matter where she is or what she’s doing.

“Gypsy Woman” by The Impressions

Song Year: 1961

If you’re making a playlist with all the best easy-listening tunes, you need to have a few songs from The Impressions. They were masters of soul and blues in the 1960s.

“Gypsy Woman” is an excellent tune for any occasion. Whether you need background music during homework or you’re rocking out while you clean the kitchen, this is the song you need in your life.

“That’s It, I Quit, I’m Movin’ On” by Sam Cooke

Song Year: 1961

Another popular Sam Cooke song from the 1960s was “That’s It, I Quit, I’m Movin’ On.” It features all the things you love about Sam Cooke: a groovy rhythm, beautiful harmonies, and Cooke’s sultry voice.

“Lost Someone” by James Brown

Song Year: 1961

James Brown has plenty of upbeat dancing songs, but he knew how to tear your heart out when he wanted to.

With this heartbreaking tune about lost love and asking for forgiveness, don’t be surprised if you shed a tear at Brown’s painful screams.

Top Songs From 1961, Final Thoughts

Between Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash, it’s hard to pick the best songs from 1961.

It was a stellar time in music history, with innovations and British bands coming to America to change rock and roll.

The result of this combination of forces was an incredible year for music.

Did we leave any out? What’s your favorite song from 1961? Let us know in the comments below!