6 of the 60s: 4/17/13 (1963)...

Well after a couple weeks of vacation 6 of the 60s is back, with a half-dozen more nuggets from 1963, the year General Hospital debuts on ABC-TV.

The Essex - "Easier Said Than Done"
from the album Easier Said Than Done (1963)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1

Former Marines (two from New Jersey) score a chart-topping hit with their charmer that's half girl-group and half soul-doo-wop.

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The Cascades - "Rhythm Of The Rain"
from the album Rhythm Of The Rain (1963)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3

San Diego lite-pop band's big hit is one of the most enduring one-offs of the year, even making an appearance in the Who's Quadrophenia movie.

Eydie Gorme - "Blame It On The Bossa Nova"
from the album Blame It On The Bossa Nova (1963)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #7

The leader of the "bossa nova" fad records sweeping the year, this record had the girl-group the Cookies ("Don't Say Nothin' Bad About My Baby") on backup.

The Dixiebelles - "(Down At) Papa Joe's"
from the album Down At Papa Joe's (1963)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #9

Nashville group glorifies the best of soul cooking with this jumpy little number...

The Beach Boys - "Little Duece Coupe"
from the album Surfer Girl (1963)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #15

Of all the songs about cars done by the boys, this was my favorite.It's about the Ford Model B from 1932, a thirty-year-old classic at the time...

Steve Lawrence - "Poor Little Rich Girl"
from the single
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #27

Eydie's husband also scored in 1963 solo with this Carole King/Gerry Goffin song.