R&B Through History
The Hits of 1962
1962 R&B TOP SINGLES
Explore the defining R&B and Soul single releases of 1962. Click any card to load its details, source album, and a fun fact below! (← Back to Main Dashboard)
1962
Motown Stars / Instrumental SoulTop 30 Single Releases
Selected Song Details
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Key Takeaways: 1962 Singles
In 1962, the soul music landscape diversified and solidified its major players. **Motown** established its first solo stars with **Mary Wells** ("The One Who Really Loves You," "You Beat Me to the Punch") and showcased the songwriting genius of Smokey Robinson with **The Miracles'** "You've Really Got a Hold on Me." Down in Memphis, **Stax Records** delivered one of the most iconic instrumentals of all time, "Green Onions" by **Booker T. & the M.G.'s**, defining the label's house sound. **Ray Charles** broke new ground by blending country and R&B with his landmark album and its hit single, "I Can't Stop Loving You." Meanwhile, producer **Phil Spector** began perfecting his "Wall of Sound" with **The Crystals'** "He's a Rebel," and dance crazes continued to sweep the nation with hits like "The Loco-Motion."