1961
The Residents were not active in this year. They were teenagers. At this time it is likely that they observed a the emerging R&B scene.
May
- The Residents finish their Sophomore year at C. E. Byrd High School.
June
- Ray Charles releases Hit the Road Jack
August
- 8th: Elvis Presley releases Little Sister / His Latest Flame, two songs The Residents would go on to cover for their King & Eye album.
September
- The Residents likely start their Junior year at C. E. Byrd High School.
October
- 11th: King of Kings is released. The Residents later sample the film's soundtrack on their In Between Screams CD
November
- James Brown and the Famous Flames release I Don’t Mind
- James Brown releases Lost Someone