1961 UU-BRU Radio Gold Archives

Before the rock era began in 1955, there were successful "girl groups" such as The Andrew Sisters and The McGuire Sisters. The first group of women to top the yea rend chart after 1955 were a quartet of friends from New Jersey. The four women known as The Shirelles crooned their way to the top in 1961 with "Will You Still Love Me". The Shirelles followed their number one single with two more hits during 1961. A re-release of "Dedicated To The One I Love" ranked at #15 and "Mama Said" finished at #31. The Shirelles became the first female act to become the top act overall for the year since the rock era began. Ricky Nelson had his biggest hit to date with "Traveling Man" coming in second to The Shirelles. Connie Francis still continued to produce hit singles in 1960 repeating as top female artist for the third consecutive year. "Where The Boys Are" became her highest year end hit to date at number nine. Berry Gordy was beginning an empire at Hitsville with upcoming acts such as The Miracles. They provided the first major hit for Berry Gordy's company at number three with "Shop Around". The most successful movie theme to land on UU-BRU Radio Gold Archives year end chart in several years was Henry Mancini's "Moon River" from Breakfast At Tiffany's at #21.

UU-BRU Radio Playlist was created in 1978. All UU-BRU Radio Gold Archives prior to 1978 are a compilation of year end charts from national trade magazines, several radio stations and other sources. Weeks at number one refer to Billboard.