UK Number Ones 1961 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Poetry

Reaching the number one spot in the UK on the 12th January 1961, 'Poetry in Motion' stayed at the top of the charts for two weeks.

*Useless information* It is claimed that the song was inspired by the writers, Mike Anthony and Paul Kaufman, seeing a group of girls from a nearby school walking past their work place every day.
A Czechoslovakian version of the song was released by Marie Pojkarová called 'Pejskové se kousou' which translates to 'Dogs Bite Each Other'.

Answer: Are You Lonesome Tonight?

'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' is a song that was first released in 1926. Recorded by many artists, including Al Jolson, Elvis' is the best known version.

*Useless information* In 1980 RCA released a version of this song in the UK. This reached the UK top 30 in 1982. In this version Elvis seems to have a 'Giggle-Fit' after changing the lyrics slightly. Instead of singing 'Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there' he sings 'Do you gaze at your bald head and wish you had hair'. He follows this with further fits of laughter and comments to his backing singers.
I remember owning this record, it really is funny.

Answer: Petula Clark

'Sailor' was a hit in Australia, Germany and the US in 1960 when sung in the original German by Lolita - In America this was interspersed by a spoken English translation.
'Downtown' and Don't Sleep in the Subway' were both hits for Petula Clark in the 1960s.

*Useless information* 'Sailor' was released at the same time in the UK, by two separate artists, Petula Clark and Anne Shelton. It marked a milestone for both singers, Anne Shelton's final chart appearance and Petula Clark's first number one.
Petula Clark released a number of recordings in various European languages, including, German, French, Italian and Spanish.

Answer: Del Shannon

A 'give away' question. Of course it was Del Shannon. This was number one in the UK for three weeks from 29th June.

*Useless information* 'Runaway' is listed at number 466 according to Rolling Stone's '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' (2004 listing)

Answer: You Don't Know

'You Don't Know' was number one for three weeks beginning August 10th 1961 and was Helen Shapiro's first number one single.

*Useless information* Helen Shapiro was only 14 years and 316 days old when 'You Don't Know Me' reached number one making her the youngest female chart topper in the UK.
In 1963 The Beatles' first ever national tour of the UK was as a support act to Helen Shapiro.
At an early age Helen was singing in a school band, Susie and the Hula Hoops (or Susie and the Hoops); the guitarist in the band was one Mr Marc Feld, better known as Marc Bolan.

Answer: Johnny Remember Me

'Johnny Remember Me' was a song about a man who could hear the voice of his dead sweetheart in the sound of the wind across the moors.
John Leyton was an actor turned singer; his first major role was starring as Ginger in a British TV version of 'Biggles'. He recorded 'Johnny Remember Me' after appearing in another British TV programme, 'Harpers West One'.

*Useless information* John Leyton has appeared in a number of top films including 'The Great Escape' and 'Von Ryan's Express'.

Answer: 2

'Walk Right Back' / 'Ebony Eyes' reached number one in March and 'Temptation' in July.

*Useless information* 'Ebony Eyes' is a song about a boy waiting at the airport for his girl; inevitably the aeroplane crashes just leaving him the memory of her 'Ebony Eyes'. 'Walk Right Back' was originally the 'B' side of the single but after the BBC banned the playing of 'Ebony Eyes' (it was too depressing) 'Walk Right Back' was changed to become the 'A' side.

Answer: GI Blues

'GI Blues' was released in 1960. Unfortunately there is not much that can be said about the film, the record or Elvis that hasn't been said many times before.

Answer: Yes

'Michael' was released in the UK in 1961 and spent one week in the top spot in October.
'Michael' was an updated version of 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore' a song that was first noted on the slave plantations of St Helena, part of an island group off of the coast of South Carolina.

*Useless information* 'Michael Row the Boat Ashore' was first written down in a book called 'Slave Songs of the United States', published in 1867.

Answer: False

Danny Williams sang 'Moon River'; this was the Christmas number one in the UK in 1961. 'Blue Moon' was released by The Marcels and reached number one in the UK in May 1961.

*Useless information* 'Moon River' was Andy Williams' theme song although this version never charted.
Originally written for Audrey Hepburn to perform in the movie 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'Moon River' won the 1961 Academy Award for Best Original Song.