1961

What Was Happening in 1961

The space race ignited and a wall divided Berlin as Cold War tensions reached fever pitch.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1961 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Walkin' Back to Happiness"

Helen Shapiro

Helen Shapiro was only 14 years old when this hit reached number one, making her one of the youngest chart-toppers in UK history.

US #1

"Tossin' and Turnin'"

Bobby Lewis

Topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks and became the best-selling single of 1961 in the United States.

Biggest Films of 1961 — Box Office Hits

101 Dalmatians

Box Office: $153 million (lifetime)

Walt Disney's animated feature was the highest-grossing film of 1961 and saved the studio financially after the expensive Sleeping Beauty underperformed.

Fashion and Style of 1961

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1961

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1961

More About 1961

What Was Happening — A journey through the years