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Forum - General - 1960 Chart

The chart of the day in 1960 was the Lever Hit Parade which began it's life on 9 September 1946. Sadly most of those charts are missing so if you know of any, please let me know.
To begin 1960 this will look a bit messy but please bare with me.
Before I start work on Lever Charts, there was one other chart running in 1960.
Playdate magazine began compiling and publishing a sales based chart in May 1960. Sales were collected from 24 New Zealand stores from as far south as McKracken and Walls Ltd in Invercargill and Charles Begg and Co. Ltd in Dunedin to Farmers Trading Co. in Auckland. It was a monthly Top 20 chart and historically important as it was the first ever sales based chart in New Zealand. Sadly it only went for three months but I include those charts here for your interest. My thanks to Steve Kohler for supplying me with these charts.

Playdate Chart
This weekLast weekNo. weeksMay, 1960
1NEW1Running Bear - Johnny Preston
2NEW1What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For - Emile Ford
3NEW1Robbin' The Cradle - Red Hewitt
4NEW1Way Down Yonder In New Orleans - Freddy Cannon
5NEW1Teen Angel - Mark Dinning
6NEW1The Battle Of Waikato - The Howard Morrison Quartet
7NEW1El Paso - Marty Robbins
8NEW1Heartaches By The Number - Guy Mitchell
9NEW1In The Mood - Ernie Fields
10NEW1Among My Souvenirs - Connie Francis
11NEW1Morgen - Billy Vaughn
12NEW1Why - Frankie Avalon
13NEW1What Do You Want - Adam Faith
14NEW1We Got Love - Bobby Rydell
15NEW1Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
16NEW1The Big Hunt - Toni Fisher
17NEW1Slow Boat To China - Emile Ford
18NEW1Hound Dog Man - Fabian
19NEW1Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat - Paul Evans
20NEW1It's Time To Cry - Paul Anka

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Playdate Chart
This weekLast weekNo. weeksJune, 1960
1NEW1My Old Man's A Dustman (Ballad Of A Refuse Disposal Officer) - Lonnie Donegan And His Group
2NEW1He'll Have To Go - Jim Reeves
332Robbin' The Cradle - Red Hewitt
462The Battle Of Waikato - The Howard Morrison Quartet
512Running Bear - Johnny Preston
652Teen Angel - Mark Dinning
7152Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
8NEW1Wild One - Bobby Rydell
9NEW1What In The World's Come Over You - Jack Scott
10NEW1Starry Eyed - Michael Holliday
11NEW1A Voice In The Wilderness - Cliff Richard And The Shadows
1272El Paso - Marty Robbins
13172Slow Boat To China - Emile Ford
1422What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For - Emile Ford
1582Heartaches By The Number - Guy Mitchell
16NEW1Pretty Blue Eyes - Craig Douglas
17192Seven Little Girls Sitting In The Back Seat - Paul Evans
18162The Big Hunt - Toni Fisher
19112Morgen - Billy Vaughn
20NEW1Be My Guest - Fats Domino

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Nice Tempest...

My mum (from Liverpool) owns an original pressing of that Lonnie Donegan record...loved their Skiffle in Liddypool in those days...
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Aside from lonnie,the only other song on that top 20 i know is Jim Reeves.I've only ever heard a top 20 of 1960 once so i'm not familiar with a great amount of the music
I have an original copy of the Lonnie Donegan hit too Joe.. I also have the Howard Morrison one which is a direct take off. Jesse you may know a few of the others but just not be familiar with their titles. There are some pretty big hits here.
This is the final Playdate Chart.

This weekLast weekNo. weeksJuly, 1960
121He'll Have To Go - Jim Reeves
211My Old Man's A Dustman (Ballad Of A Refuse Disposal Officer) - Lonnie Donegan And His Group
381Wild One - Bobby Rydell
442The Battle Of Waikato - The Howard Morrison Quartet
532Robbin' The Cradle - Red Hewitt
6NEW My Old Man's An All Black - Howard Morrison Quartet
7NEW Stuck On You - Elvis Presley With The Jordanaires
891What In The World's Come Over You - Jack Scott
972Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
10NEW Sweet Nothing's - Brenda Lee
11101Starry Eyed - Michael Holliday
12NEW Beatnik Fly - Johnny and the Hurricanes
13NEW Fall In Love With You - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
14122El Paso - Marty Robbins
15NEW Sink The Bismark - Johnny Horton
1652Running Bear - Johnny Preston
17NEW Poor Me - Adam Faith
18NEW You've Got What It Takes - Mary Johnson
19111A Voice In The Wilderness - Cliff Richard And The Shadows
2062Teen Angel - Mark Dinning

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Hi Tempest, just a slight typo, you've got "My Old Man's A Dustma" it's "Dustman". Like you and Joe I also have the original (Australian) Pye single.

Regards John.
Oops! Thanx John. All fixed
Before I get into the 1960 Lever Hit Parade charts, I have a couple from the 1950's to post. These two charts I discovered earlier on this year so there is still hope of finding missing charts.
The Lever Hit Parade began it's life as The Life Buoy Hit Parade on 9 September 1946 compiled by Radio NZ. It is not known how they compiled the chart. There was a full set of charts at Radio NZ until the early 1990's until someone in their wisdom decided to throw them out. All we seem to have left is what people wrote down at the time of the broadcast. If you know of any, please let me know. Missing is every chart, except the two I have in 1956 and 1957, until mid 1960, various 1960 charts and most of 1965. I will post what I have.
The chart was mainly a Top 8 during it's 19 and a half years.

This weekLast weekNo. weeksJune 7, 1956
1  The Shifting Whispering Sands - Stardusters
2  Love And Marriage - Dina Shore
3  Robin Hood - Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra
4  See You Later Alligator - Bill Haley & The Comets
5  A Woman In Love - The Four Aces
67 Dungeree Doll - Eddie Fisher
7NEW The Great Pretender - The Platters
8NEW No Not Much - The Four Lads

Note the kiwi artist at number one. That's a rarity on the Lever Charts.
This chart can be heard as part of the broadcast on Jim Sullivan's show at the following link:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/soundshistorical/20140323
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This weekLast weekNo. weeksJanuary 6, 1957
1  Marianne - Burl Ives
2  Don't Forbid Me - Pat Boone
3  Jamaica Farewell - Harry Belafonte
4  The Green Door - Jim Lowe
55 Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now - Patience And Prudence
6  The Garden Of Eden - Frankie Vaughn
78 You Don't Owe Me A Thing - Johnny Ray
8  Too Much - Elvis Presley

This chart can be heard on Jim Sullivan's show at the following link:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/soundshistorical/20140323
And so to 1960, finally.
Unfortunately half of the charts from 1960 are missing, but ever the optimist, I hope one day they will be found.
This may be a bit annoying but in case I find them I don't want to have to redo the whole 1960 post so I am leaving a separate post for each week missing. That way all I have to do is an edit.
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Chart missing for 7 January 1960
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Chart missing for 14 January 1960
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Chart missing for 21 January 1960
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Chart missing for 28 January 1960
Chart missing for 4 February 1960
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Chart missing for 11 February 1960
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Chart missing for 18 February 1960
Chart missing for 25 February 1960
Chart missing for 3 March 1960
Chart missing for 10 March 1960
Chart missing for 17 March 1960
Chart missing for 23 March 1960
Chart missing for 31 March 1960
Chart missing for 7 April 1960
Chart missing for 14 April 1960
Chart missing for 21 April 1960
Chart missing for 28 April 1960
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Chart missing for 5 May 1960
Chart missing for 12 May 1960
Chart missing for 19 May 1960
Chart missing for 26 May
Chart missing for 2 June 1960
June 9, 1960 - No. 24
This WeekLast WeekNo. WeeksSong Title/ArtistLabelPeak
1  Greenfields - Brothers FourCoronet 
2  Stuck On You - Elvis PresleyRCA 
3  Sink The Bismark - Johnny HortonCoronet 
4  Fall In Love With You - Bill and BoydPeak 
5  Shazam - Duane EddyLondon 
6  Cradle Of Love - Johnny PrestonMercury 
7  He'll Have To Stay - Jeanne BlackCapitol 
8  Sweet Nothin's - Brenda LeeFestival 

PICK OF THE WEEK - Let The Little Girl Dance -Billy Bland (London)
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June 16, 1960 - No. 25
This WeekLast WeekNo. WeeksSong Title/ArtistLabelPeak
11 Greenfields - Brothers FourCoronet 
2NEW1Stuck On You - Eddie HowellZodiac2
35 Shazam - Duane EddyLondon 
46 Cradle Of Love - Johnny PrestonMercury 
53 Sink The Bismark - Johnny HortonCoronet 
67 He'll Have To Stay - Jeanne BlackCapitol 
7NEW1The Old Lamplighter - The BrownsRCA7
8NEW1Fall In Love With You - Cliff RichardColumbia8

PICK OF THE WEEK - Stairway To Heaven - Neil Sedaka (RCA)
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June 23, 1960 - No. 26
This WeekLast WeekNo. WeeksSong Title/ArtistLabelPeak
1RE Stuck On You - Elvis PresleyRCA1(1)
21 Greenfields - Brothers FourCoronet 
34 Cradle Of Love - Johnny PrestonMercury 
46 He'll Have To Stay - Jeanne BlackCapitol 
53 Shazam - Duane EddyLondon 
6NEW1Cathy's Clown - Bill and BoydPeak6
7NEW1Good Timin' - Jimmy JonesMGM7
85 Sink The Bismark - Johnny HortonCoronet 

PICK OF THE WEEK - Teddy - Connie Francis (MGM)
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Chart missing for 30 June 1960
Chart missing for 7 July 1960
July 14, 1960 - No. 29
This WeekLast WeekNo. WeeksSong Title/ArtistLabelPeak
1  Theme From "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith OrchestraCoronet 
2  Cathy's Clown - Bill and BoydPeak 
3  Someone Else's Baby - Adam FaithParlophone 
4  Good Timin' - Jimmy JonesMGM 
5  Do You Mind - Anthony NewleyDecca 
6  Cradle Of Love - Toni WilliamsLa Gloria 
7  Three Steps To Heaven - Eddie CochranLondon 
8  Everybody's Somebody's Fool - Connie FrancisMGM 

PICK OF THE WEEK - Got A Girl - The Four Preps (Capitol)
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This weekLast weekNo. weeksJuly 21, 1960
12 Cathy's Clown - Bill and Boyd
21 Theme From 'A Sumer Place' - Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra
35 Do You Mind - Anthony Newley
43 Somebody Else's Baby - Adam Faith
54 Good Timin' - Jimmy Jones
67 Three Steps To Heaven - Eddie Cochran
78 Everybody's Somebodys Fool - Connie Francis
8NEW1Burning Bridges - Jack Scott

Another kiwi at the top.
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Hi John - Ive sent you a pm with info which may help fill some gaps in the charts for the 1960s - good luck
Thanx teenwildlife. I messaged you back.
Thanks to John Ure and Warwick Freeman for providing this missing chart. However, it is just an estimate as the actual chart is still formally missing. If anyone can help with the original, please let me know.

This weekLast weekNo. weeksJuly 28, 1960
11 Cathy's Clown - Bill And Boyd
27 Everybody's Somebody's Fool - Connie Francis
3NEW1The Theme From "A Summer Place" - Hugo Winterhalter And His Orchestra
43 Do You Mind - Anthony Newley
54 Somebody Else's Baby - Adam Faith
6NEW1Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
75 Good Timin' - Jimmy Jones
86 Three Steps To Heaven - Eddy Cochran

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This weekLast weekNo. weeksAugust 4, 1960
12 Everybody's Somebodys Fool - Connie Francis
21 Cathy's Clown - Bill and Boyd
362Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
432Theme From 'A Sumer Place' - Hugo Winterhalter And His Orchestra
54 Do You Mind - Anthony Newley
6NEW1Paper Roses - Anita Bryant
7NEW1Burning Bridges - Jack Scott
8NEW1I Wanna Go Home (The Wreck Of The John 'B') - Lonnie Donegan

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Hi John - please see my reply.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksAugust 11, 1960
11 Everybody's Somebodys Fool - Connie Francis
233Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
362Paper Roses - Anita Bryant
4Re-entry Theme From 'A Sumer Place' - Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra
52 Cathy's Clown - Bill and Boyd
6NEW1Ain't Misbehavin' - Tommy Bruce And The Bruisers
782I Wanna Go Home (The Wreck Of The John 'B') - Lonnie Donegan
8NEW1Sixteen Reasons - Barbara Saleo

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Hi teenwildlife. I replied again.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksAugust 18, 1960
124Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
21 Everybody's Somebodys Fool - Connie Francis
362Ain't Misbehavin' - Tommy Bruce And The Bruisers
482Sixteen Reasons - Barbara Saleo
5NEW1I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
6NEW1Theme From 'A Summer Place' - Percy Faith and His Orchestra
733Paper Roses - Anita Bryant
8NEW1Because They're Young - Duanne Eddy and the Rebels

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Hi Tempest, a few things, First of all you mentioned that you didn't have a copy of the chart for 28/7/60, about 2 or 3 months ago, Warwick (or Was Was) (Who you refered me to) sent me an E-mail with some of the "Leaver" charts which included the chart for the 28/7/60, which is as follows.

1) Cathy's Clown - Bill And Boyd.
2) Everybody's Somebody's Fool - Connie Francis.
3) Theme From A Summer Place. (He has Percy Faith, but I think he means Hugo Winterhalter,unless the both charted.)
4) Do You Mind - Anthony Newley.
5) Somebody Else's Baby - Adam Faith.
6) Ally Oop - Hollywood Argyles.
7) Good Timeing - Jimmy Jones.
8) Three Steps To Heaven - Eddy Cochran.

Which now brings me to number 2, according to Warwick (Was Was) he has Percy Faith doing Theme From A Summer Place, yet according to "Leaver" it's listed as Hugo Winterhalter, also according to "Leaver" the Billy Vaughn version was only on the chart for 1 week, so I don't know if at some stage all 3 versions shared the chart, because according to "Leaver" Billy Vaughn's version charted on the 21/7/60, Hugo Winterhalter's version 28/7/60 - 4/8/60 & Percy Faiths Version 11/8/60.
So it's very confusing.

Regards John.
Wow. Thanx John. Looks like we have found one of the missing charts.
To explain, as you will see over coming charts, Lever had a habit of switching artists on songs. Back in the day of Lever Charts, someone wrote the song and someone else sang it. The Beatles changed all that by writing their own songs. As a result, the song writer(s) sold their songs to more than one artist resulting in many different version of the same song. For further examples, watch the songs Sixteen Reasons and Alley-Oop over the next few posts. This was a regular feature of Lever charts.
I will amend my 28 July post and following posts.
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Hi Tempest, glad to help, however for the charts dated 28/7/60 and 4/8/60, it's Hugo Winterhalter's version that charted not Percy Faith.

Regards John.
Thanx, I'll check on that one.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksAugust 25, 1960
115Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
233Ain't Misbehavin' - Tommy Bruce And The Bruisers
352I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
42 Everybody's Somebodys Fool - Connie Francis
5NEW1Sixteen Reasons - Esme Stephens And The Silhouettes With The Peter Posa Combo
682Because They're Young - Duanne Eddy and the Rebels
7NEW1Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Bryan Hyland
8NEW1Made You - John Barry Orchestra

Note the change in artist to the song Sixteen Reasons. Here a kiwi has a go.
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Hi Tempest, for some reason you've down loaded the same chart twice.

Regards John.
I noticed that and fixed it. You are on the ball John, I just added the chart lol
I fixed the other ones too.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksSeptember 1, 1960
133I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
216Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
363Because They're Young - Duanne Eddy and the Rebels
472Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Bryan Hyland
5NEW1Sixteen Reasons - Sheila Buxton
624Ain't Misbehavin' - Tommy Bruce And The Bruisers
782Made You - John Barry Orchestra
8NEW1Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows

Sixteen Reasons changes artists again.
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This weekLast weekNo. weeksSeptember 8, 1960
1NEW1Alley-Oop - Danté And The Evergreens
214I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
3NEW1Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Buddy Hackett
4NEW1Because They're Young - James Darren
582Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
6Re-entry3Sixteen Reasons - Barbara Saleo
7NEW1Look For A Star - Gary Mills
8NEW1What A Mouth (What A North And South) - Tommy Steele

This chart is annoying as three songs change artists: #3, 4 and 6.
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Hi Tempest, no offence, but how on earth some of these so called "Cover Versions" ever charted is beyond me, some of them aren't to bad like "Theme From A Summer Place" but the others, well what can I say???
Hi Tempest, I don't remember showing you any "Billboard" magazines, I think you might have me confused with someone else.

Regards John.
Sorry, I got mistaken. That was someone else. How embarrasing..... I deleted the original post.
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This weekLast weekNo. weeksSeptember 15, 1960
1Re-entry3Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Bryan Hyland
253Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
325I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
4Re-entry7Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
572Look For A Star - Gary Mills
6Re-entry4Because They're Young - Duanne Eddy and the Rebels
782What A Mouth (What A North And South) - Tommy Steele
8NEW1Mule Skinner Blues - The Fendermen

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This weekLast weekNo. weeksSeptember 22, 1960
124Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
2Re-entry2Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Buddy Hackett
3NEW1Look For A Star - Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra
436I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
565Because They're Young - Duanne Eddy and the Rebels
6NEW1Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) - Roy Orbison
782Mule Skinner Blues - The Fendermen
8NEW1Shakin' All Over - Johnny Kidd and the Pirates

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This weekLast weekNo. weeksSeptember 29, 1960
115Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
262Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) - Roy Orbison
3Re-entry4Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Bryan Hyland
482Shakin' All Over - Johnny Kidd and the Pirates
532Look For A Star - Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra
647I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
7NEW1Mule Skinner Blues - Rusty Draper
8NEW1Robot Man - Connie Francis

The flip flopping of artists continues. Grrr
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Hi Tempest, I had a sneak at the "Leaver" site and this weeks chart is the last flip flop, also I noticed the next 3 charts (6-10, 13-10 & 20-10-1960) are missing, but fear not, thanks to Warwick (Was Was) as I mentioned on one of earlier postings to you, I have those missing charts as well, (I don't know how accurate they are, I assume they came from Warwick's book.) (I don't know if you already have them or not,) just in case I'll send them Sunday night or Monday for you.

Regards John.
Thanx John. I appreciate that. Just email me at johnthetempest@gmail.com if that is easier. I was chatting to Warwick about the missing 28 July chart. He told me it was just an estimate he came up with and the actual chart is still missing unfortunately. The whole of December is missing too. Look forwards to hearing from you.
In regards to 1961 - 1964 you will notice the flavour chart is different. A lot of discussion has gone on behind the scenes about what the actual chart is. Warwick advised me his source was genuine but the source of the flavour charts is unknown so we decided to go with Warwick's Pity there is no other way of checking.
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Thanks to John Ure and Warwick Freeman for providing this missing chart.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksOctober 6, 1960
116Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
223Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) - Roy Orbison
343Shakin' All Over - Johnny Kidd and the Pirates
4NEW1A Mess Of Blues - Elvis Presley
582Robot Man - Connie Francis
674Mule Skinner Blues - The Fendermen
7NEW1Walk Don't Run - The Venturers
837Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polkadot Bikini - Bryan Hyland

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Hi Tempest, once again I'm only to glad to help.

Regards John. (From Sydney Australia.)
Hi Tempest, just a slight typo, for the charts 25-8-60 to 6-10-60 you've got "Itsy Bitsy Beenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini," it's "Teeny Weeny", close but no cigar. (Ha, Ha)

Regards John.
Grrrrr! Thanx John. I knew that too but hadn't noticed the typo. I wouldn't mind but the b is a long way from the t on the keyboard. All fixed. Ta.
Thanks to John Ure and Warwick Freeman for providing this missing chart.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksOctober 13, 1960
124Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) - Roy Orbison
217Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
353Robot Man - Connie Francis
442A Mess Of Blues - Elvis Presley
572Walk Don't Run - The Venturers
6NEW1Apache - The Shadows
734Shakin' All Over - Johnny Kidd and the Pirates
865Mule Skinner Blues - The Fendermen
Thanks to John Ure and Warwick Freeman for providing this missing chart.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksOctober 20, 1960
143A Mess Of Blues - Elvis Presley
253Walk Don't Run - The Venturers
334Robot Man - Connie Francis
428Please Don't Tease - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
562Apache - The Shadows
615Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) - Roy Orbison
7NEW1Tell Laura I Love Her - Ricky Valance
8NEW1It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley

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This weekLast weekNo. weeksOctober 27, 1960
153Apache - The Shadows
282It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
324Walk Don't Run - The Venturers
435Robot Man - Connie Francis
572Tell Laura I Love Her - Ricky Valance
614A Mess Of Blues - Elvis Presley
7NEW1Volare - Bobby Rydell
866Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) - Roy Orbison

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This weekLast weekNo. weeksNovember 3, 1960
114Apache - The Shadows
2NEW1It's Now Or Never - Howard Morrison Quartet
353Tell Laura I Love Her - Ricky Valance
435Walk Don't Run - The Venturers
572Volare - Bobby Rydell
6NEW1Chain Gang - Sam Cooke
7NEW1So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) - The Everly Brothers
865A Mess Of Blues - Elvis Presley

Note New Zealand's Howard Morrison Quartet takes over the Elvis song at #2.
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Hi Tempest, I'm a little confused, I've just checked the E-mail Warwick (Was Was) sent me & he has Ray Peterson doing "Tell Laura I Love Her" where as you have Ricky Valance singing it & according to leaver Ray Peterson's version only charted for 1 week (being 10/10/60), so who is right you or Warwick?

Regards John.
Good question and one I was wondering about too. I got my 1960 charts from the Flavour site but I too saw Warwick had a different artist. That's the problem with these early charts. They are so confusing. I'm hoping by my posting them like this that someone, somewhere, will read them and be able to shed some light on it.
I'm open to suggestions on what I do here. Before I make any changes though, I'd like to hear what people think. Even better, if someone has these charts, please let me know.
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This weekLast weekNo. weeksNovember 10, 1960
1Re-entry3It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
215Apache - The Shadows
334Tell Laura I Love Her - Ricky Valance
462Chain Gang - Sam Cooke
572So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad) - The Everly Brothers
6NEW1My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
7NEW1Mr. Custer - Charlie Drake
846Walk Don't Run - The Venturers

Note: Elvis takes his song back and places it at number one. Mr. Custer now has a new artist too. I'm so confused
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Hi Tempest, thanks for your reply, we had the same sort of thing happening here in Australia (As I mentioned to you when you were doing the charts for 1971) but at least over here they would share the chart position, not go back and forth like over in N.Z. Being as how you are from England, (I don't know when you came to N.Z.) I would have thought you would have had the same thing on the English charts.

Regards John.
When these charts came out I wasn't even born. I was born on Merseyside England in 1961 and moved to New Zealand in 1971. I became aware of music charts whilst watching Top Of The Pops in 1970 with Clive Dunn and T-Rex topping the charts over there. I started collecting charts in 1975 but I wasn't aware of the official New Zealand charts until 1979.
I think it was a global trend back in the early 60's for many different versions of the same song to chart. In America it was worse with the A and B side charting separately.
Is there somewhere I can view vintage Australian charts? Would make great comparisons.
As I stated, charts in 1965 are largely missing but I found an alternate site for radio charts in Australia to fill in gaps. Makes interesting reading.
Hi Tempest, you must of read my mind, I was going to recommend some sites to you at the end of the year, one of which is one called "Rate Your Music" at the moment it is a work in progress, but it has charts from all states both from the large cities as well as some of the regional areas, starting from 1958 the mid to late 80's, (I think, like you they up date the site each time they find more charts.)

Please let me now what you think.

Regards John.
Thanx John. I will look that up when it comes online.
Hi Tempest, I forgot to mention in my post to you if you go to the top right hand corner of this site you'll see a box that says other countries, click on that and you'll see Australia, click on that and that will take you to the "ARIA" archives, on the left hand side (Like this site) you'll see top 40 charts (Singles and albums) click on the singles and that will get you to the main chart, then on the top of the chart you'll see 2 boxes 1 says Year the other says month click on both of those and scroll down to 1988 in the year box and January in the box and up will come that particular chart. If also "Google" "ARIA Year End Chart" it will take you to the "Official ARIA Chart" site where you will find the end of year charts for 1988 - 2014 and they update it every year, from 1988 to the early to mid 90's it's a top 50 end of year chart then from the late 90's to 2014 it's a top 100 chart, and in 2010 they added an end of decade chart as well.

Please let me know what you think.

Regards John.
Hi Tempest, Google "Rate Your Music" then scroll down till you get to "Australian Chart Directory" then click on that which will take you to the site.

Regards John.
Thanx John. Will have a look.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksNovember 17, 1960
1NEW1Lively - Lonnie Donegan And His Group
214It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
3NEW1Tell Laura I Love Her - Eddie Howell With The Silhouettes With Ben Tawhiti And The Matonaires
4NEW1Nine Times Out Of Ten - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
526Apache - The Shadows
662My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
7NEW1Chain Gang - Ronnie Carroll
872Mr. Custer - Charlie Drake

Kiwi Eddie Howell takes over the song Tell Laura I Love Her from Ricky Valance (or is that Ray Peterson) at #3. Another kiwi, Ronnie Carroll, takes over Chain Gang from Sam Cooke.
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Hi Tempest, I've just noticed that in your comments you have Ronnie Carroll taking over Charlie Drake, yet in the chart you have him taking over Sam Cooke.

Regards John.
Gees!!! At least I got the chart right lol. Fixed. Ta.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksNovember 24, 1960
125It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
212Lively - Lonnie Donegan And His Group
363My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
4NEW1Mr. Custer - Ted Lune
542Nine Times Out Of Ten - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
6Re-entry5Tell Laura I Love Her - Ricky Valance
7Re-entry3Chain Gang - Sam Cooke
857Apache - The Shadows

Tell Laura I Love Her and Chain Gang switch artists again. Mr Custer has a new artist.
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The charts from December 1960 are sadly missing but I have made an estimate on what they could have been. If anyone has these missing charts, please let me know.

This weekLast weekNo. weeksDecember 1, 1960
11 It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
23 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
34 Mr. Custer - Ted Lune
42 Lively - Lonnie Donegan And His Group
56 Tell Laura I Love Her - Ricky Valance
65 Nine Times Out Of Ten - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
7NEW Save The Last Dance For Me - The Drifters
87 Chain Gang - Sam Cooke

Last edited:
This chart is missing and just an estimate of what may have happened.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksDecember 8, 1960
13 Mr. Custer - Ted Lune
21 It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
32 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
45 Tell Laura I Love Her - Ricky Valance
54 Lively - Lonnie Donegan And His Group
67 Save The Last Dance For Me - The Drifters
76 Nine Times Out Of Ten - Cliff Richard and the Shadows
8NEW How About That! - Adam Faith
This chart is missing and just an estimate of what may have happened.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksDecember 15, 1960
11 Mr. Custer - Ted Lune
2NEW Dreamin' - Johnnny Burnett
32 It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
46 Save The Last Dance For Me - The Drifters
58 How About That! - Adam Faith
63 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
7NEW Devil Or Angel - Bobby Vee
85 Lively - Lonnie Donegan And His Group
G'day, great work as always Tempest...

This is a beautiful mess... charts missing, estimated charts, confirmed charts and bizarre chart anomaly's (which artist gets credit for a singular tune/track from one week to another...)

Love it

Looking forward to the rest of this list and the rest of the early 60's.
Thanx Joe. I agree, a beautiful mess and one I found quite frustrating when I first discovered the charts. From 1961 onwards there are no missing charts until you get to 1965 so that side of it will be fixed. Multiple artist versions of songs continues a bit longer unfortunately, then you get to The Beatles. Now that will be a fun read...
This chart is missing and just an estimate of what may have happened.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksDecember 22, 1960
15 How About That! - Adam Faith
24 Save The Last Dance For Me - The Drifters
31 Mr. Custer - Ted Lune
42 Dreamin' - Johnnny Burnett
57 Devil Or Angel - Bobby Vee
63 It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
7NEW Theme From The Apartment - Ferrante And Teicher
86 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie Francis
This chart is missing and just an estimate of what may have happened.
This weekLast weekNo. weeksDecember 29, 1960
11 How About That! - Adam Faith
22 Save The Last Dance For Me - The Drifters
37 Theme From The Apartment - Ferrante And Teicher
45 Devil Or Angel - Bobby Vee
53 Mr. Custer - Ted Lune
6NEW Milord - Édith Piaf
76 It's No Or Never - Elvis Presley
84 Dreamin' - Johnnny Burnett

Last edited:
Hi Tempest, just a slight typo, I think you mean "Milord" you've got "Milford" isn't that a town in N.Z. "Milford Sound"? (Ha, Ha, Ha.)

Regards John.
You know John I thought I had that one right, so it wasn't a typo. Gees. Fixed it and thanx.
Hi Tempest. Congratulations on yet another outstanding year of great memories and new (Disc) discoveries, (Sorry, I just can't resist.) In particular the charts from 1972-1975 as I've mentioned several times throughout the year as being part of my teenage years, also your month long 40th anniversary tribute that you did early this year, I'm sure a lot of time and research went into compiling it all.

You mentioned a few times throughout the year that you've had trouble locating some of the charts, I've come across a couple of sites I thought you might be interested in, one of which you might already know about called "New Zealand Charts The Genesis" through "Audio Culture" it give the whole history of the New Zealand charts and includes a "Top 40 Chart" from 8/6/1963.

The other site is called "Las SOLANAS. Com. ARSA Surveys," which you can search by radio station and it has a "Top 40 Chart" from 2ZC dated 8/6/1963 and a "Top 10 Chart" from 1YZ dated 8/8/1964.

While were on the subject of charts, that now brings me to the current charts, I've noticed a few mistakes and I don't who to report the to, the first one being the chart dated 14/8/1977, it lists David Dundas's song as "Daisy Star" yet in "Dean Scapolo's book as well as the official "Top 40" site as being a double sided hit with "Another Funny Honeymoon", the other mistake is the chart dated 17/1/1988 "Run To Paradise" listed as "Nick Skitz vs The Choirboys" when it should be just "The Choirboys", the "Nick Skitz" version didn't chart till 18/7/2004 so who ever is compiling these charts for "Charts.org.NZ" should do better research.

Anyway I want to wish you and your family as well as Warwick (Was Was) and his family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New year, and I look forward to your remaining charts in 2016.

Regards John.
Thanx John. There are a few variations I have noticed on this site with the charts. I guess that came from his original research. He does a great job in my opinion.
Thanx for the website suggestions. I was aware of those two. They are very good. Its just a pity there are so many unknown areas surrounding the Lever charts. I was a teenager from 1974 onwards so those charts for me bring back memories too.
A review of this years charts is on tge way.
Have a wonderful blessed Christmas both you and your family.
Thanks for these charts - amazingly interesting.

I may be speaking out of turn here but I wonder if the "Flip-flopping" between artists is down to these being SONG charts rather than RECORD charts; that is, all available versions of a song were ranked together. Radio then chose which one to play for the countdown, sometimes sticking with one cersion, sometimes switching from week to week. As, if I have understood correctly, the charts we have were written down by listeners each week, the flip-flopping is merely a record of WHICH recording was played in a given week - it does not imply that it was necessarily the best selling version that week. Or have I got this wrong?
That's a very good explanation CatoFur. I hadn't thought about it that way. I think you are onto something there. Thanx.
Hello tempest

I´ve found a chart from 1960 in the Cashbox Magazine (US - Competitor to Billboard) Issue April 2, 1960 (A Source is not given)

New Zealand´s Best Sellers

1 Running Bear - Johnny Preston
2 What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For - Emile Ford
3 Way Down Yonder In New Orleans - Freddy Cannon
4 Among My Souvenirs -Connie Francis
5 We Got Love - Bobby Rydell
6 The Big Hurt - Toni Fisher
7 Oh Carol - Neil Sedaka
8 Robbin´ the Cradle - Red Hewitt
9 Hound Dog Man - Fabian
10 Marina - Joe Vina
Found 3 more 1960´s Charts in the Cashbox Magazine


Issue February, 27, 1960

New Zealand´s Best Sellers

1 What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For - Emile Ford
2 Morgen - Billy Vaughan
3 Kissin´ Time - Bobby Rydell
4 In The Mood - Ernie Fields
5 Way Down Yonder In New Orleans - Freddy Cannon
6 Heartaches By The Number - Guy Mitchell
7 Why - Frankie Avalon
8 The Big Hurt - Toni Fisher
9 Misty - Johnny Mathis
- Sarah Vaughan
10 We Got Love - Bobby Rydell



Issue February, 13, 1960

New Zealand´s Best Sellers


1 Red River Rock - Johnny & The Hurricanes
2 Danny Boy - Conway Twitty
3 Morgen - Ivo Robic
4 Travellin´Light - Cliff Richard
5 Mona Lisa - Conway Twitty
6 I´m Gonna Get Married - Lloyd Price
7 Broken-Hearted Melody - Sarah Vaughan
8 Teen Beat - Sandy Nelson
9 Deck Of Cards - Wink Martindale
10 Only Sixteen - Craig Douglas



Issue January, 30, 1960

New Zealand´s Best Sellers


1 Seven Little Girls - Paul Evans/The Curls
2 Kissin´ Time - Bobby Rydell
3 Mr. Blue - Fleetwoods
4 Heartaches By The Number - Guy Mitchell
5 Misty - Johnny Mathis
6 Worried Man - Kingston Trio
7 Deck Of Cards - Wink Martindale
8 Teen Beat - Sandy Nelson
9 Travellin´Light - Cliff Richard
10 Like Young - Ann Henry
Hi, I have just spent a hell of a long time working out the missing last five weeks of 1960 (Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15, Dec 22, Dec 29). Please read carefully, as it has been a complex exercise.
The original data for the Lever charts was given to me by a chap named Roy. Roy’s data had 1961 through to early 1965 (already updated on this site by John Tempest). He had stated that he did have a notebook with data for 1960, but has never been able to find it.
However before he started with the 1961 data he listed the following:
A list of the hits from the Lever charts for 1960 (with 20 points or more) in order (top to bottom). He lists the points that the song gained plus the number of weeks the song spent on the chart. On checking the points, it’s clear that Roy gives 8 points for number 1, 7 for number two etc, right down to 1 point for position 8. Some of these songs has a small ‘e’ beside them, either beside the points gained or the weeks spent in the top 8. This ‘e’ is noted as being an ‘estimate’, which means that some of the data is not entirely known. However going by the rest of the Lever charts he provided (Through me), this will be very close to being accurate. Please note again: He did not list songs earning under 20 points.
He then lists the points gained by every artist. Initially he listed all that gained 20 points or more, but then added all those under 20 points right down to 3 points for the last artist (The Browns).
The next important info he provides is a list of the songs that appear in the first chart for 1961, that appeared on the last charts for 1960. He gives us their correct chart run up leading up to the beginning of 1961. Therefore we now know for sure the following is correct:
_____________________________________________________________
DEC 15 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
- - 7 Theme From "The Apartment" - FERRANTE and TEICHER ( 1 )
- - 8 Dreaming - Johnny BURNETTE ( 1 )

_____________________________________________________________
DEC 22 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
- 7 1 Theme From "The Apartment" - FERRANTE and TEICHER ( 1 )
- - 4 Dreaming - Johnny BURNETTE ( 1 )
- - 7 Devil Or Angel - Bobby VEE ( 1 )
- - 8 Milord - Edith PIAF ( 1 )
_____________________________________________________________
DEC 29 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
7 1 1 Theme From "The Apartment" - FERRANTE and TEICHER ( 1 )
8 4 2 Dreaming - Johnny BURNETTE ( 1 )
- 7 3 Devil Or Angel - Bobby VEE ( 1 )
- - 5 Save The Last Dance For Me - DRIFTERS ( 1 )
- - 6 How About That - Adam FAITH ( 1 )
- 8 7 Milord - Edith PIAF ( 1 )

As you can see (for example) that December 29th has two songs missing (Number 4 and 8).
Now the fun starts. I looked at the songs that were on the November 24 chart, calculated their points earned, and weeks on charts up till then and then compared this to Roy’s final totals. I found the following:
“It’s now or never” earned 38 points and spent 6 weeks on the chart up to the November chart, but Roy had the songs total at 58 points and 9 weeks. Therefore it must have spent another 3 weeks on the chart earning an additional 20 points (58-38).
Here are the rest:
“Lively” two more weeks to add, 5 points to add.
“My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own”, 4 weeks, 26 points
“Nine Times Out Of Ten” Was not listed as having 20 points or more, but as an artist Cliff earned 117 points. His other hits account for 102 of these so there are 15 more points to allocate. Therefore there is a strong possibility that some points may be allocated to his song “Travelling light” leaving the chart at the beginning of 1960, however ‘Nine times out of Ten’ probably had some of the extra missing points. Because the song “Nine times etc..) didn’t appear as a hit with 20 points or more, and the song has already notched up 9 points, then it could only gain another 10 points maximum (of the 15 remaining).
“Tell Laura I Love Her” no more points or weeks
“Chain Gang” Song did not earn 20 points but “Sam Cooke” earned 13. Checking through the data for all charts (NZ) for 1960 I cannot see him having another hit, so as “Chain gang” has already got 12 points, there is 1 more point to allocate, which almost certainly means at number 8 for December 1.
“Apache” no more points or weeks.
“Kiddio - Brook BENTON” charted on other local NZ charts late 1960 and “Brook Benton” has 14 points. As with Sam Cooke, I cannot see him with an earlier hit for 1960, so “Kiddio” has probably got all of those 14 points.
“Georgia on my mind – Ray Charles” The same can be said for this song. Artist earned 7 points.
“I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda LEE” is on Roy’s list as getting 29 points – 5 weeks (Both as estimates). Therefore if 5 weeks is correct then this song spends a week on every one of the missing charts.
Now a small problem: When trying to work out their chart runs there were some big gaps. The biggest problem is that “Mr. Custer” is not mentioned earning 20 points or more. Charlie Drake is not mentioned in gaining any points as an artist either! John Tempest in his chart estimate has this song done by Ted Lune. However Ted is not mentioned in the lists as well. On that note, when I was growing up, I only ever heard Charlie Drake’s version on the radio. Therefor as “Mr. Custer” had already earned 8 points up until the end of November, and Roy hasn’t mentioned the song or the artist in his list, I can only assume that he missed this out in error. In my estimates I have included this song as continuing its chart run.
“Anita Bryant” Earned 11 points earlier in the year with “Paper Roses”. However she in the artist points is listed as having 15 points, so I assume her only other big song “In my little corner of the world” earned 4 points. This charts on local charts at the end of 1960, therefore it’s safe to assume to add this song. With only 4 points this can only be. – 5 -, -6 8 -, -7 7 -, -8 6 -, -7 8 8 -, -8 7 8 -, -8 8 7 -, or -8 8 8 8 -.
On all this data I was able to work out a more likely chart for each of the five weeks. It ended up that Cliff Richard’s “Nine times out of ten” earned another 9 points and “Mr. Custer” another 16.
So, in summary: (Song – Artist – Points to add, weeks to add (If known)):

It's Now Or Never - Elvis PRESLEY   20 3
Lively - Lonnie DONEGAN    5 2
My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie FRANCIS 26 4
Chain Gang - Sam COOKE    1 1
I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda    29 5
Kiddio - Brook BENTON     14
Georgia On My Mind - Ray CHARLES   7
In My Little Corner Of The World - Anita BRYANT 4
Mr. Custer - Charlie DRAKE     16*
Nine Times Out Of Ten - Cliff RICHARD  9*

And now… The charts:
_____________________________________________________________
DEC 1 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
6 3 1 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie FRANCIS
2 1 2 It's Now Or Never - Elvis PRESLEY
8 4 3 Mr. Custer - Charlie DRAKE
4 5 4 Nine Times Out Of Ten - Cliff RICHARD
1 2 5 Lively - Lonnie DONEGAN
- - 6 I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda LEE
- - 7 In My Little Corner Of The World - Anita Bryant
7 7 8 Chain Gang - Sam COOKE
_____________________________________________________________
DEC 8 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
3 1 1 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie FRANCIS
1 2 2 It's Now Or Never - Elvis PRESLEY
- 6 3 I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda LEE
4 3 4 Mr. Custer - Charlie DRAKE
5 4 5 Nine Times Out Of Ten - Cliff RICHARD
- - 6 Kiddio - Brook Benton
- 7 7 In My Little Corner Of The World - Anita Bryant
2 5 8 Lively - Lonnie DONEGAN

_____________________________________________________________
DEC 15 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
6 3 1 I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda LEE
1 1 2 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie FRANCIS
2 2 3 It's Now Or Never - Elvis PRESLEY
3 4 4 Mr. Custer - Charlie DRAKE
- 6 5 Kiddio - Brook Benton
- - 6 Georgia On My Mind - Ray CHARLES
- - 7 Theme From "The Appartment" - FERRANTE and TEICHER
- - 8 Dreaming - Johnny BURNETTE

_____________________________________________________________
DEC 22 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
7 1 Theme From "The Appartment" - FERRANTE and TEICHER
3 1 2 I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda LEE
6 5 3 Kiddio - Brook Benton
- 8 4 Dreaming - Johnny BURNETTE
- 6 5 Georgia On My Mind - Ray CHARLES
1 2 6 My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own - Connie FRANCIS
- - 7 Devil Or Angel - Bobby VEE
- - 8 Milord - Edith PIAF

_____________________________________________________________
DEC 29 60
Chartrun Song (Weeks)
_____________________________________________________________
7 1 1 Theme From "The Appartment" - FERRANTE and TEICHER
8 4 2 Dreaming - Johnny BURNETTE
- 7 3 Devil Or Angel - Bobby VEE
1 2 4 I Want To Be Wanted - Brenda LEE
- - 5 Save The Last Dance For Me - DRIFTERS
- - 6 How About That - Adam FAITH
- 8 7 Milord - Edith PIAF
5 3 8 Kiddio - Brook Benton
Wow. Great work Warwick. I think we can now assume one of the many gaps are filled. Thank you for sharing.
I've added some cose charts into June and 14 July. Thank you to Steve Bowden for supplying them.


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