Feature: This Week in Music... 50 Years Ago

Chart-topping hits and music's most noteworthy news from half a century ago

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• Little Peggy March Had Her Biggest Hit 50 Years Ago This Week

  She was the youngest female in American music history to top the charts.

  News by David Bowling — on Apr 30, 2013

• The Chiffons Were Number One 50 Years Ago This Week

  The song with the memorable "doo-lang, doo-lang" lines dominated the radio airwaves at this time 50 years ago.

  News by David Bowling — on Apr 02, 2013

• Ruby and The Romantics Topped the Music World 50 Years Ago This Week

  A name change and a new lead singer sent Ruby and The Romantics to the top of the charts.

  News by David Bowling — on Mar 24, 2013

• The Four Seasons Were Number One 50 Years Ago This Week

  The Four Seasons walked all the way to the top of the charts 50 years ago.

  News by David Bowling — on Mar 03, 2013

• Paul And Paula Topped The Music World 50 Years Ago This Week

  When Ray and Jill became Paul and Paula, they recorded one of the signature hits of the early 1960s.

  News by David Bowling — on Feb 09, 2013

• The Rooftop Singers Were Number One 50 Years Ago This Week

  A rare folk song topped the charts a half century ago this week.

  News by David Bowling — on Jan 26, 2013

• Steve Lawrence Reached Number One 50 Years Ago This Week

  Steve Lawrence had his only number one hit 50 years ago.

  News by David Bowling — on Jan 12, 2013

• The Tornados Were Number One 50 Years Ago This Week

  Fifty years ago, it wasn't a bird, it wasn't a plane, it wasn't even Superman! It was Telstar.

  News by David Bowling — on Dec 23, 2012

• "Big Girls Don't Cry" by The Four Seasons Was Number One 50 Years Ago This Week

  After a four-week hiatus, the Four Seasons returned to the top of the charts.

  News by David Bowling — on Nov 17, 2012

• The Crystals And "He's A Rebel" Ruled The Music World 50 Years Ago This Week

  The Crystals, but not the real Crystals, had their biggest hit 50 years ago.

  News by David Bowling — on Nov 04, 2012

• Bobby "Boris" Pickett Was A Graveyard Smash 50 Years Ago This Week

  Even monsters were dancing the mash 50 years ago.

  News by David Bowling — on Oct 20, 2012

• The Four Seasons Were Number One 50 Years Ago This Week

  Bob Gaudio's favorite girl was number one a half century ago.

  Review by David Bowling — on Sep 16, 2012

• Tommy Roe and "Sheila" Were Number One 50 Years Ago

  Tommy Roe had his first number one hit a half century ago this week.

  News by David Bowling — on Sep 02, 2012

• Little Eva Ruled the Music World 50 Years Ago

  Little Eva found a babysitting job with perks 50 years ago.

  News by David Bowling — on Aug 26, 2012

• Neil Sedaka Was Number One 50 Years Ago

  "Comma comma, down-doo-be-doo-down down!"

  News by David Bowling — on Aug 12, 2012

• Bobby Vinton Reached Number One For the First Time 50 Years Ago This Week

  So what does a trumpet player do when his recording contract is canceled?

  News by David Bowling — on Jul 15, 2012

• David Rose Topped The Charts 50 Years Ago This Week

  The number one song had Americans taking it off a half century ago.

  News by David Bowling — on Jul 08, 2012

• Ray Charles' Biggest Hit Topped The Charts 50 Years Ago This Week

  Ray Charles reached number one with his interpretation of an old Don Gibson country tune.

  Review by David Bowling — on Jun 05, 2012

• Mr. Acker Bilk Topped the Music World 50 Years Ago

  Mr. Acker Bilk was no stranger to the top of the charts a half-century ago.

  News by David Bowling — on May 27, 2012

• The Shirelles and Their Soldier Boy Topped the Charts 50 Years Ago

  The Shirelles marched all the way to number one a half-century ago this week.

  News by David Bowling — on May 06, 2012