Best music and songs of the 1960s, a selection of the most famous hits of this legendary period with author, title, release year and original videos on Youtube.
Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Berthold Auerbach
One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.
Bob Marley
Music – it’s motivational and just makes you relax.
Taika Waititi
The 1960s were a transformative decade in music, producing some of the most iconic songs and artists in history. It was a time of social upheaval, cultural change, and musical experimentation, giving rise to rock, pop, soul, and folk genres that continue to influence musicians today. Here are some highlights:
1. The Rise of Rock ‘n’ Roll
The Beatles: No discussion of the ’60s is complete without mentioning The Beatles. With albums like Revolver, Rubber Soul, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, they reshaped rock, pushing the boundaries of what pop music could be.
The Rolling Stones: Known for their bluesy, rebellious sound, The Rolling Stones helped popularize rock’s edgier side with hits like “Paint It Black,” “Satisfaction,” and “Sympathy for the Devil.”
The Doors and Jimi Hendrix: Both acts contributed a darker, psychedelic edge to rock, exemplified by songs like “Light My Fire” and “Purple Haze.”
2. Folk and Protest Music
Bob Dylan: With songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” Dylan became a voice for social change, blending folk traditions with politically charged lyrics.
Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary: These artists also contributed to the folk scene, bringing attention to issues of civil rights and anti-war sentiments.
3. The Motown Sound and Soul Music
Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding: Their powerful voices brought emotion and gospel influences into pop, and Franklin’s “Respect” became an anthem for both civil rights and women’s rights.
Motown Records: Founded by Berry Gordy, Motown brought black music into mainstream America. The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations were just a few of the artists who topped charts with songs that mixed soul, pop, and R&B.
4. Psychedelia and Experimental Sounds
The late ’60s saw the rise of psychedelic rock, with artists experimenting with unusual sounds, lyrical themes, and new recording techniques. Bands like Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, and The Grateful Dead exemplified this genre, creating music that often mirrored the countercultural movements of the time.
Albums like The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper showed how music production was becoming an art form, influencing bands for decades.
5. Pop and Iconic Singles
The Supremes, The Beach Boys, and The Monkees: Songs like “Good Vibrations” and “I’m a Believer” showcased the fun, accessible side of ’60s music, providing catchy, upbeat tunes that captured the lighter side of the decade.
The music of the 1960s was revolutionary because it not only reflected the era’s social changes but also shaped them, making the decade unforgettable in music history. Each genre pushed creative and lyrical boundaries, paving the way for modern music across the board.
Best music and songs of the 1960s
The Platters – Only You, And You Alone – 1955
Peggy Lee – Fever – 1956
Chuck Berry – Roll Over Beethoven – 1956
Paul Anka – Diana – 1957
Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock – 1957
Domenico Modugno – Volare – 1958
Rocco Granata – Marina – 1959
Mina – Tintarella di Luna – 1959
Everly Brothers – Cathy’s Clown – 1960
Nico Fidenco – Legata a un granello di sabbia – 1961
Tony Renis – Quando quando quando – 1962
Gianni Morandi – Fatti mandare dalla mamma – 1962
Gianni Morandi – Andavo a cento all’ora – 1962
Chris Montez – Let’s Dance – 1962
Gino Paoli – Sapore di sale – 1963
Edoardo Vianello – Abbronzatissima – 1963
The Ronettes – Be My Baby – 1963
Peppino di Capri – St. Tropez Twist – 1962
Edoardo Vianello – Guarda Come Dondolo – 1962
Let’s Dance – Chris Montez – 1962
Bob Dylan – Blowin’ in the Wind – 1962
Françoise Hardy – Tous les garçons et les filles – 1962
Piero Focaccia – Stessa spiaggia, stesso mare – 1963
Nossa – Mas Que Nada – 1963
Bobby Vinton -Blue Velvet – 1963
Los Marcellos Ferial – Sei diventata nera – 1964
The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – 1964
Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence – 1964
I bisonti – La casa del sole – 1965
Bobby Solo – Una lacrima sul viso – 1964
Under the Boardwalk – The Drifters – 1964
Solomon Burke – Everybody Needs Somebody To Love – 1964
Adamo – La notte – 1965
Pino Donaggio – Io che non vivo più di un’ora senza te – 1965
Our Playlist of best music and songs of the 1960s
Jimmy Fontana – Il Mondo – 1965
Michelle Phillips – California Dreamin’ – 1965
The Rolling Stones – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – 1965
Gianni Pettenati – Bandiera gialla – 1966
Los Bravos – Black Is Black – 1966
Frank Sinatra – Strangers In The Night – 1966
Gianni Morandi – Notte di Ferragosto – 1966
Gianni Morandi – C’era Un Ragazzo Che Come Me – 1966
Aphrodite’s Child – It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World – 1966
Albano – Nel sole – 1967
Adriano Celentano – Azzurro – 1968
Jimmy Fontana – La nostra favola – 1968
Adamo – Affida Una Lacrima Al Vento – 1968
Osibisa – Sunshine Day – 1968
Riccardo Del Turco – Luglio – 1969
Mario Tessuto – Lisa dagli occhi blu – 1969
Beatles – Yellow Submarine – 1969
Louiselle – Andiamo a mietere il grano – 1965
Marvin Gaye – Sunny – 1966
Rocky Roberts – Stasera mi butto – 1967
Spencer Davis Group – I’m a Man – 1967
Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade Of Pale – 1967
Luigi Tenco – Ciao amore, ciao – 1967
The Beach Boys – Surfin’ USA – 1963
The Beach Boys – California Girls – 1965
Scott McKenzie – San Francisco – 1967
Summer in the City – The Lovin’ Spoonful – 1966
Giuliano e i notturni – Il ballo di Simone – 1968
Tom Jones – Delilah – 1968
Harry Nilsson – Everybody’s Talking – 1968
Frank Sinatra – My Way – 1969
B.J. Thomas – Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head – 1969
Aphrodite’s Child – It’s 5 O Clock – 1969
The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun – 1969
If you love music and songs you can also visit:
Best music and songs of the 1960s
Best music and songs of the 1970s
Best music and songs of the 1980s
Best music and songs of the 1990s
Best music and songs of the 2000s
Best music and songs from 2010s onwards
