Top Hits of 1962

In 1962, we finished sophomore year and in September began our junior year. Here were some of the top hits of the year.

1. Little Eva, "The Loco-Motion"
1962 rock and roll featured a lot of Girl Groups and Dance Crazes, and this fabulous single was a highwater mark of both genres. A legendary Goffin-King composition, created before there was a dance of the same name. Originally written for Dee Dee Sharp. Those are the Cookies on backup.
2. The Crystals, "He's A Rebel"
Phil Spector begins his Wall of Sound producing on this Gene Pitney composition. Darlene Love is here backed by a group called the Blossoms; the actual Crystals are nowhere to be found.
3. Dion, "The Wanderer"
The former Belmonts singer moves out of doo-wop.
4. Sam Cooke, "Having A Party" b/w "Bring It On Home To Me"
The year's greatest two-sided hit.
5. Elvis Presley, "Can't Help Falling In Love"
6. Booker T. and the MGs, "Green Onions"
MG stood for "Memphis Group." The MG's were Stax's house band.
7. Gene Chandler, "Duke Of Earl"
Who can forget "Dook Dook Dook Dook of Earl"? A late-period doo-wop classic.
8. Ray Charles, "I Can't Stop Loving You"
9. The Four Seasons, "Big Girls Don't Cry"
The group's second hit, following "Sherry." Highlighted by Frankie Valli's falsetto turns.
10. The Contours, "Do You Love Me"
Few remember this as one of Motown's big early hits. Yet it was: Berry Gordy had written this for the Temptations, but when they ran late, the Contours got the nod instead.