In February of 1962 the twist dance craze that had exploded in late 1961 was still in full swing -- three of the top ten records were "twist" songs. Both "Peppermint Twist" and "The Twist" had previously been #1 records. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was another previous #1. Also on the chart was Bruce Channel's "Hey Baby" which would climb to the top spot in March. "Can't Help Falling in Love" was a carry-over from the 1961 Elvis Presley movie, "Blue Hawaii" which had peaked at #2.
Vee Jay had released Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl" in January. The record was classic doo-wop and quickly climbed the chart, arriving at the top on February 17th. It would remain the #1 record for three weeks and would spend 15 weeks in Billboard's Top 40.
"Break It To Me Gently" was one of four songs Brenda Lee would have in the top twenty in 1962. |
