Ah, one of my favorite decades of music. Usually, when I mention to older populations that I’m into “oldies music,” they are quick to ask, “well what is considered ‘old’ to you?” In which I respond, “1960s and 70s.” This answer usually calms their worries about being old. If you grew up in the 1960s and made it through, I am jealous and scared.
The 1960s was an extremely influential decade to the music and the culture of the time and also today. Many current artists styles speak to those of the 1960s. It was a time that continued and transformed Rock & Roll.
There were many more subgenres of rock during this decade. For example, there was folk rock, which was lead primarily by Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel. The music in this genre spoke mainly to the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. Both were
prevalent issues of the time and the music reflects that.
Rock & Roll was completely dominated by The Beatles, a band from Liverpool who can’t even spell their name correctly (That is a joke.) Their popularity began when they were on the Ed Sullivan Show and lasted 
throughout the decade.
They also were apart of the “British Invasion” era where other English bands came over to America and ultimately grew in popularity. Some of these bands include The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, etc.
Then there was Motown and more R&B musicians like The Marvelettes, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Frankin, and so many more. Similar to folk
rock, Motown music also aided The Civil Rights Movement through their bluesy style and impactful lyricism.
With that there were Surf rock bands that played softer music, more suited for the radio—like The Beach Boys.
There were also artists that tested the limits of music and created a harder, edgier sound. These genres were known as Psychedelic Rock, with musicians like The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. There was also Acid Rock, with prime star Jimi Hendrix.
All of these artists were incredibly successful in their music and many of them played at the largest and most successful 
music festival of the decade—Woodstock.
Woodstock took place in New York for 3 ½ days in 1969. Artists came from all over and played their music all throughout the night.
The goal of this festival was to bring people together through music and to just be happy. Though, many believed it was a terrible idea that would only end poorly. These ideas came when hundreds began showing up without tickets…
The place was so overcrowded that the governor of New York threatened to send 10,000 troops from the national guard to calm things down. Many people were fearful that riots and violence would be happening.
However, Woodstock was so full of peace, love, and music that it became a large success! All the “Hippies” in the counterculture, at the time, came together in a peaceful way and enjoyed the music they all loved. This gave much hope to the counterculture, anti-war movement of the time.
Now for the top 5 songs of the decade, according to Binaural Records:
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough- Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- Fortunate Son- Creedence Clearwater Revival
- House Of The Rising Sun- The Animals
- Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison
- All Along The Watchtower- The Jimi Hendrix Experience
And for my top 10 songs of the 1960s:
- Dedicated To The One I Love- The Mamas & The Papas
- Forever- The Beach Boys
- A Day In The Life- The Beatles
- Elenore- The Turtles
- Stormy Weather- Etta James
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You- Frankie Valli
- My Way- Frank Sinatra
- For Once In My Life- Stevie Wonder
- Be My Baby- The Ronettes
- Daydream Believer- The Monkees
These songs will send you right into The Brady Bunch!
Next up the 1970s!
Cited:
Buy New & Used Vinyl Records Online – Binaural Records
60’s Culture and Society | R&B Music Evolution (gsu.edu)
1960s: Music | Encyclopedia.com
1960s Music: What Songs Were The Most Popular? (retrowaste.com)
Let It Bleed: Woodstock, Altamont, and the Death of the 60s (factinate.com)
gmg5656
September 23, 2022 — 2:17 pm
I really enjoyed reading this! I like learning about the history and most popular bands at the time and become aware of things that I did not know before! I also like how you added your personal opinions and favorite songs throughout the blog.
jij5368
September 23, 2022 — 2:17 pm
This is probably my top 5 blog. I really enjoy music of all generations and this blog just shows the appreciation of music. I will definitely be following this blog.
gmg5656
September 23, 2022 — 2:17 pm
I really enjoyed reading this! I liked learning about the history and most popular bands at the time and become aware of things that I did not know before! I also like how you added your personal opinions and favorite songs throughout the blog.
Kai
September 23, 2022 — 2:29 pm
Oo! The 1960’s! Thank you so much for writing about this! I’ve been looking for new music to listen to and this has helped me tremendously. Also, I loved reading about the impacts that music had during that time!