Popular singles of the year, in America, include:
o You Can Make It if You Try by Gene Allison climbs into the US top 40 singles chart. The Rolling Stones include a note-for-note cover of the song on their first album.
o Dede Dinah by Frankie Avalon is released.
o Johnny B. Goode, written and performed by Chuck Berry, sells a million copies.
o Ballad of a Teenage Queen is a hit single for Johnny Cash in America.
o Maybe by the Chantels is released.
o Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu/ Flip Top Box the second single by Dickey Doo and the Don’ts (Gerry Granahan) is released on Swan.
o Oh Carolina by the Folks Brothers, is the first Jamaican hit record.
o Do You Wanna Dance? by Bobby Freeman is released.
o Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms is released.
o Oh Boy and Maybe Baby by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
o Tears on My Pillow by Little Anthony and the Imperials is the group’s biggest hit. Their real names are: Anthony Gourdine, Sammy Strain, Ernest Wright and Clarence Collins.
o Book of Love by the Monotones is released.
o Lonesome Town by Ricky Nelson is released.
o Ed Townsend offers one of his songs, For Your Love, to Capitol Records with a view to their placing it with one of their artists. The label likes the baritone voice of his demo so much that he is asked to record it himself. The ballad makes the American Top 20.
o La Bamba by Ritchie Valens is released.