Top Songs of 1958 – Billboard Hot 100

The ‘50s were a transformative period for music. Rock ‘n’ Roll was at its zenith, with legends like Elvis Presley shaking up the scene. The R&B genre was also gaining ground, and ballads had a massive appeal.

Before the Hot 100, several charts measured song popularity, but there wasn’t a comprehensive list that combined various factors. Recognizing this gap, Billboard introduced the Hot 100 in August 1958. It was a composite of top-selling singles and radio airplay, giving a rounded view of a song’s overall popularity.

The world was witnessing the beginning of something monumental in the music industry.

Ranking on the Hot 100 became the dream. It was a seal of validation and an indication of mainstream success. The competition was fierce, and artists now had a weekly ranking system to measure their success against their peers.

Let’s go back to 1958 and see what songs were on the Hot 100.

№1. “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)” by Domenico Modugno

Now, this was a sensation. An Italian song ruling an American chart? Unthinkable! But that’s exactly what happened. Domenico Modugno’s “Volare” not only topped the charts but also bagged two Grammys. The song’s catchy tune, combined with its passionate delivery, had people crooning “Nel blu dipinto di blu” even if they couldn’t speak a word of Italian!

№4 “Witch Doctor” by David Seville

Remember that weirdly catchy song where chipmunk voices chant “Oo ee oo ah ah, ting tang walla walla bing bang”? Yep, that’s “Witch Doctor” for you. What’s surprising is that this quirky track was a predecessor to the whole Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise. Who would’ve thought?

№8 “Tequila” by The Champs

Okay, let’s be honest. How many instrumental tracks can you think of that not only hit the Hot 100 but dominated it? “Tequila” is a rare gem in that sense. With its irresistible Latin beat and that one-word chorus, it’s no surprise this tune had everyone shaking a leg.

№9 “It’s All in the Game” by Tommy Edwards

This was a ballad that struck chords and topped charts. Interestingly, the melody of the song was written by a former US Vice President, Charles G. Dawes, in 1911. The lyrics were added in 1951, and voila! Tommy Edwards gave it a soulful touch in 1958, making it a timeless hit.

№20 “At the Hop” by Danny & the Juniors

Before it rocketed to stardom on the Hot 100, “At the Hop” was actually a B-side track. Can you believe it? This anthem for teen dances during the ’50s was almost overshadowed, but once it got airplay, there was no looking back.

№24 “Poor Little Fool” by Ricky Nelson

Ricky Nelson, a heartthrob of the era, crooned this song with such finesse that it’s no wonder it became a massive hit. The track’s blend of pop and rockabilly was emblematic of the period’s sound.

The Unsung Artists of 1958

• Bobby Darin with “Splish Splash” brought fun and frolic to the airwaves.
• The Everly Brothers harmonized their way into hearts with “All I Have to Do Is Dream.”
• Chuck Berry, the rock ‘n’ roll legend, made waves with “Johnny B. Goode.”
• Peggy Lee‘s sultry voice in “Fever” ensured the track was on repeat on many a record player.

Full List of Billboard Top Songs 1958

No.	Title	Singer / Band
1	“Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu)”	Domenico Modugno
2	“All I Have to Do Is Dream” / “Claudette”	The Everly Brothers
3	“Don’t” / “I Beg of You”	Elvis Presley
4	“Witch Doctor”	David Seville
5	“Patricia”	Perez Prado
6	“Sail Along, Silv’ry Moon” / “Raunchy”	Billy Vaughn
7	“Catch a Falling Star” / “Magic Moments”	Perry Como
8	“Tequila”	The Champs
9	“It’s All in the Game”	Tommy Edwards
10	“Return to Me”	Dean Martin
11	“It’s Only Make Believe”	Conway Twitty
12	“The Purple People Eater”	Sheb Wooley
13	“Bird Dog” / “Devoted to You”	The Everly Brothers
14	“Get a Job”	The Silhouettes
15	“Little Star”	The Elegants
16	“Twilight Time”	The Platters
17	“Stood Up” / “Waitin’ in School”	Ricky Nelson
18	“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”	Laurie London
19	“Secretly”	Jimmie Rodgers
20	“At the Hop”	Danny & the Juniors
21	“Yakety Yak”	The Coasters
22	“Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” / “Doncha’ Think It’s Time”	Elvis Presley
23	“Rockin’ Robin” / “Over and Over”	Bobby Day
24	“Poor Little Fool”	Ricky Nelson
25	“A Wonderful Time Up There” / “It’s Too Soon to Know”	Pat Boone
26	“Just a Dream”	Jimmy Clanton
27	“Sugartime”	The McGuire Sisters
28	“Tom Dooley”	The Kingston Trio
29	“Sweet Little Sixteen”	Chuck Berry
30	“Topsy II” / “Topsy I”	Cozy Cole
31	“Looking Back” / “Do I Like It”	Nat King Cole
32	“Book of Love”	The Monotones
33	“Tea for Two Cha Cha”	Tommy Dorsey Orchestra & Warren Covington
34	“Tears on My Pillow”	Little Anthony and the Imperials
35	“Short Shorts”	The Royal Teens
36	“Great Balls of Fire”	Jerry Lee Lewis
37	“Lollipop”	The Chordettes
38	“Splish Splash”	Bobby Darin
39	“Who’s Sorry Now?”	Connie Francis
40	“My True Love” / “Leroy”	Jack Scott
41	“Endless Sleep”	Jody Reynolds
42	“Do You Want to Dance?”	Bobby Freeman
43	“When”	The Kalin Twins
44	“To Know Him Is to Love Him”	The Teddy Bears
45	“April Love”	Pat Boone
46	“Rebel-‘Rouser”	Duane Eddy
47	“Oh Julie”	The Crescendos
48	“The Stroll”	The Diamonds
49	“Hard Headed Woman” / “Don’t Ask Me Why”	Elvis Presley
50	“Peggy Sue”	Buddy Holly
Tie	“Oh Lonesome Me”	Don Gibson