List of the top 100 songs of 1962 released in 1962, based by current popularity on Spotify.
1. THE TWIST by Chubby Checker
Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” became a smash hit in 1962 and is largely recognized as one of the most memorable songs of the early 1960s. The song was first composed and sung by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters in 1959, but it was Chubby Checker’s cover version that propelled it to unprecedented stardom.
Chubby Checker’s version of “The Twist” had a vibrant and addictive rhythm that inspired dancers to twist their hips, resulting in a new and exciting dance fad. The song’s simple, catchy melody and frenetic tempo struck a chord with audiences, catapulting it to rapid success.
2. I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU by Ray Charles
Ray Charles recorded the immortal ballad “I Can’t Stop Loving You” in 1962. Don Gibson wrote and released it as a country song in 1958. Ray Charles’ soulful performance of the song brought it to a wider audience and became one of his most successful and lasting singles.
Ray Charles’ version of “I Can’t Stop Loving You” incorporated his characteristic blend of soul, rhythm and blues, and gospel elements. His passionate and emotionally driven performance, combined with the song’s devastating lyrics, resonated with listeners, propelling it to the top of the charts.
3. PEPPERMINT TWIST by Joey Dee and the Starliters
Joey Dee and the Starliters produced the colorful and joyful song “Peppermint Twist” in 1961. It rapidly became a huge dancing craze and a number-one smash.
Joey Dee and the Starliters were noted for their exuberant live performances, and “Peppermint Twist” exemplified their vivacious stage persona. The song’s engaging lyrics and irresistible tune inspired listeners to get up and dance.
4. STRANGER ON THE SHORE by Acker Bilk
5. ROSES ARE RED (MY LOVE) by Bobby Vinton
6. MASHED POTATO TIME by Dee Dee Sharp
7. JOHNNY ANGEL by Shelley Fabares
8. THE STRIPPER by David Rose
9. SOLDIER BOY by The Shirelles
10. RAMBLIN’ ROSE by Nat King Cole
11. SHERRY by The Four Seasons
12. THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT by the Tokens
13. THE LOCO-MOTION by Little Eva
14. DUKE OF EARL by Gene Chandler
15. HEY! BABY by Bruce Channel
16. THE WANDERER by Dion
17. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO by Neil Sedaka
18. RUN TO HIM by Bobby Vee
19. GOOD LUCK CHARM by Elvis Presley
20. CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE by Elvis Presley
21. WALK ON BY by Leroy Van Dyke
22. MONSTER MASH by Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett
23. SLOW TWISTIN’ by Chubby Checker & Dee Dee Sharp
24. THE WAH-WATUSI by The Orlons
25. SHEILA by Tommy Roe
26. PALISADES PARK by Freddy Cannon
27. MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW by Kenny Ball
28. IT KEEPS RIGHT ON A-HURTIN’ by Johnny Tillotson
29. NORMAN by Sue Thompson
30. PATCHES by Dickey Lee
31. BREAK IT TO ME GENTLY by Brenda Lee
32. DON’T BREAK THE HEART THAT LOVES YOU by Connie Francis
33. I KNOW (YOU DON’T LOVE ME NO MORE) by Barbara George
34. SEALED WITH A KISS by Brian Hyland
35. GREEN ONIONS by Booker T. & the M.G.’s
36. WOLVERTON MOUNTAIN by Claude King
37. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET SIXTEEN by Neil Sedaka
38. LET ME IN by The Sensations
39. DO YOU LOVE ME by The Contours
40. PLEASE MR. POSTMAN by The Marvelettes
41. WHEN I FALL IN LOVE by the Lettermen
42. HE’S A REBEL by The Crystals
43. GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD by James Darren
44. SHE CRIED by Jay and the Americans
45. DEAR LADY TWIST by Gary U.S. Bonds
46. LET THERE BE DRUMS by Sandy Nelson
47. CRYING IN THE RAIN by The Everly Brothers
48. AHAB THE ARAB by Ray Stevens
49. ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK A HEART by Gene Pitney
50. YOU DON’T KNOW ME by Ray Charles
51. BABY IT’S YOU by The Shirelles
52. YOUNG WORLD by Ricky Nelson
53. LOVE LETTERS by Ketty Lester
54. ALLEY CAT by Bent Fabric
55. A LITTLE BITTY TEAR by Burl Ives
56. LET’S DANCE by Chris Montez
57. SPEEDY GONZALES by Pat Boone
58. SHE’S NOT YOU by Elvis Presley
59. TWISTIN’ THE NIGHT AWAY by Sam Cooke
60. JOHNNY GET ANGRY by Joanie Sommers
61. LOVER PLEASE by Clyde McPhatter
62. AL DI LÀ by Emilio Pericoli
63. PLAYBOY by The Marvelettes
64. THINGS by Bobby Darin
65. LOVERS WHO WANDER by Dion
66. ALL ALONE AM I by Brenda Lee
67. PARTY LIGHTS by Claudine Clark
68. COTTON FIELDS by the Highwaymen
69. THE ONE WHO REALLY LOVES YOU by Mary Wells
70. SHOUT by Joey Dee and the Starliters
71. WHAT’S YOUR NAME by Don and Juan
72. (THE MAN WHO SHOT) LIBERTY VALANCE by Gene Pitney
73. EVERYBODY LOVES ME BUT YOU by Brenda Lee
74. OLD RIVERS by Walter Brennan
75. VENUS IN BLUE JEANS by Jimmy Clanton
76. THEME FROM DR. KILDARE (THREE STARS WILL SHINE TONIGHT) by Richard Chamberlain
77. DREAM BABY (HOW LONG MUST I DREAM) by Roy Orbison
78. UNCHAIN MY HEART by Ray Charles
79. MOON RIVER by Henry Mancini
80. SHOUT! SHOUT! (KNOCK YOURSELF OUT) by Ernie Maresca
81. TWIST, TWIST, SEÑORA by Gary U.S. Bonds
82. PT-109 by Jimmy Dean
83. TEEN AGE IDOL by Rick Nelson
84. I REMEMBER YOU by Frank Ifield
85. SNAP YOUR FINGERS by Joe Henderson
86. GINA by Johnny Mathis
87. WHEN THE BOY IN YOUR ARMS (IS THE BOY IN YOUR HEART) by Connie Francis
88. YOU BELONG TO ME by The Duprees
89. GRAVY (FOR MY MASHED POTATOES) by Dee Dee Sharp
90. HER ROYAL MAJESTY by James Darren
91. YOU BEAT ME TO THE PUNCH by Mary Wells
92. LOVE ME WARM AND TENDER by Paul Anka
93. POPEYE THE HITCHHIKER by Chubby Checker
94. YOU’LL LOSE A GOOD THING by Barbara Lynn
95. TOWN WITHOUT PITY by Gene Pitney
96. SURFIN’ SAFARI by The Beach Boys
97. CINDY’S BIRTHDAY by Johnny Crawford
98. LIMBO ROCK by Chubby Checker
99. BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY by The Four Seasons
100. NEXT DOOR TO AN ANGEL by Neil Sedaka