The early 1960s were an interesting time for music. Rock and roll was slowly beginning to evolve, pop music began to lean away from traditional tunes toward more contemporary pop sounds, and even country music was beginning to change shape. And in the year 1961, specifically, tons of songs hit the top of the charts that continue to play on repeat in the minds of baby boomer music fans today. Let’s look at just a few such tracks that I know you still remember.
“I Fall To Pieces” by Patsy Cline from ‘Showcase’
We lost Patsy Cline far too soon. But in the short amount of time she was with us and making music, she dished out some of the most influential country songs of her time. “I Fall To Pieces” is just one such country-pop gem, written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard. Cline’s soaring version made it all the way to No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart. It also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No 12.
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“Runaway” by Del Shannon from ‘Runaway With Del Shannon’
Del Shannon had a fruitful time in the 1960s. One of his biggest hits remains the 1961 rock and roll song “Runaway”. Written by Shannon and Max Crook, this rockin’ classic peaked at No. 1 across the board on the Hot 100, UK New Musical Express chart, and several others. Not bad for a debut single. Following “Runaway”, Shannon would enjoy several more high-charting hits through the 1960s.
“Running Scared” by Roy Orbison from ‘Crying’
Roy Orbison, like Del Shannon, had a good time in the 1960s. “Running Scared” was one of countless hits Orbison enjoyed in the early 1960s. This operatic rock and roll ballad was written by Orbison and Joe Melson, and it became one of Orbison’s biggest hits. “Running Scared” peaked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and No. 9 on the UK Singles chart. It’s been covered by many of Orbison’s contemporaries and is often credited with being one of the first major hits of the 1960s to be written without a chorus.
“Hello Walls” by Faron Young from ‘Hello Walls’
This entry on our list of baby boomer songs from 1961 was written by none other than Willie Nelson. Faron Young was the one to take it to the top of the charts. “Hello Walls” peaked at No. 1 on the Hot C&W Sides chart and No. 12 on the Hot 100. It’s a fine little country ode to loneliness, one that introduced Nelson to a broader audience and kickstarted his career as a songwriter.
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