60s Music

60s music reflected the social conscience and political upheaval of that decade. With that premise, one could argue that it started with President Kennedy's assassination in November, 1963, and ended with President Nixon's resignation in August, 1974. But to follow the calendar year, 60s music demonstrated a rapid evolution from the social norms and sexual standards of the fifties, to the "get real" elements of the sixties, i.e., the love-ins and sit-ins, experimental drug use, sexual permissiveness, long hair and beads, peace marches and hippies, and of course the British music invasion. In many ways, 60s music reflected the times, and the times reflected 60s music.

Billboard's Top Hits - 60s Music

60s Music - 1960:

  1. The Twist - Chubby Checker
  2. Beyond The Sea - Bobby Darin
  3. Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Elvis Presley
  4. Wild One - Bobby Rydell
  5. Volare - Bobby Rydell
  6. I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
  7. Money (That's What I Want) - Barrett Strong
  8. This Magic Moment - the Drifters
  9. It's Now Or Never - Elvis Presley
  10. Wonderful World - Sam Cooke
  11. You're Sixteen - Johnny Burnette
  12. Cathy's Clown - the Everly Brothers
  13. Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles
  14. Only The Lonely - Roy Orbison
  15. Hot Rod Lincoln - Johnny Bond
  16. Tell Laura I Love Her - Ray Peterson
  17. Harbor Lights - the Platters
  18. Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop - Little Anthony & the Imperials
  19. Chain Gang - Sam Cooke
  20. Save The Last Dance For Me - the Drifters
  21. Stuck On You - Elvis Presley
  22. Where Or When - Dion & The Belmonts
  23. Teen Angel - Mark Dinning
  24. Devil Or Angel - Bobby Vee
  25. Stay - Maurice Williams and the Zodiaks
  26. Swingin' School - Bobby Rydell
  27. Finger Poppin' Time - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
  28. Sweet Nothin's - Brenda Lee
  29. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polk-a-dot Bikini - Brian Hyland
  30. Poetry In Motion - Johnny Tillotson
  31. Last Date - Floyd Cramer
  32. Baby (You've Got What It Takes) - Dinah Washington & Brook Benton
  33. Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go - Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
  34. Puppy Love - Paul Anka
  35. When Will I Be Loved? - the Everly Brothers
  36. Walk, Don't Run - the Ventures
  37. Mama - Connie Francis
  38. Theme From "A Summer Place" - Percy Faith
  39. Running Bear - Johnny Preston
  40. Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles

60s Music - 1961:

  1. At Last - Etta James
  2. Crazy - Patsy Cline
  3. Let's Twist Again - Chubby Checker
  4. Bristol Stomp - Dovells
  5. Please Mr. Postman - Marvelettes
  6. Hit The Road Jack - Ray Charles
  7. Stand By Me - Ben E. King
  8. Runaround Sue - Dion
  9. The Lion Sleeps Tonight - the Tokens
  10. Tossin' and Turnin' - Bobby Lewis
  11. Pretty Little Angel Eyes - Curtis Lee
  12. Shop Around - the Miracles
  13. Some Kind Of Wonderful - the Drifters
  14. Blue Moon - Marcels
  15. Daddy's Home - Shep & the Limelites
  16. There's A Moon Out Tonight - Capris
  17. Runaway - Del Shannon
  18. A Little Bit Of Soap - Jarmels
  19. Cupid - Sam Cooke
  20. Quarter To Three - Gary U.S. Bonds
  21. Barbara-Ann - the Regents
  22. Travelin' Man - Ricky Nelson
  23. Dedicated To The One I Love - Shirelles
  24. Hello Mary Lou - Ricky Nelson
  25. Where The Boys Are - Connie Francis
  26. Take Good Care of My Baby - Bobby Vee
  27. Please Love Me Forever - Cathy Jean & the Roommates
  28. Spanish Harlem - Ben E. King
  29. Mother-In-Law - Ernie K. Doe
  30. Crying - Roy Orbison
  31. Raindrops - Dee Clark
  32. I Fall to Pieces - Patsy Cline
  33. Let There Be Drums - Sandy Nelson
  34. Who Put The Bomp - Barry Mann
  35. Running Scared - Roy Orbison
  36. Ya Ya - Lee Dorsey
  37. Pony Time - Chubby Checker
  38. I Love How You Love Me - Paris Sisters
  39. Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean
  40. Riders In The Sky - the Ramrods

60s Music - 1962:

  1. Stranger on the Shore - Acker Bilk
  2. Miserlou - Dick Dale
  3. Twist and Shout - Isley Brothers
  4. Do You Love Me - Contours
  5. Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
  6. You Belong To Me - Duprees
  7. The Loco-motion - Little Eva
  8. Let's Dance - Chris Montez
  9. Return To Sender - Elvis Presley
  10. Limbo Rock - Chubby Checker
  11. Big Girls Don't Cry - Four Seasons
  12. Party Lights - Claudine Clark
  13. Twistin' The Night Away - Sam Cooke
  14. The Wah Watusi - the Orlons
  15. Duke of Earl - Gene Chandler
  16. Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen - Neil Sedaka
  17. Surfin' USA - Beach Boys
  18. Good Luck Charm - Elvis Presley
  19. Hey! Baby - Bruce Channel
  20. Alley Cat - Bent Fabric
  21. Shout! Shout! (Knock Yourself Out) - Ernie Maresca
  22. Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream) - Roy Orbison
  23. The Stripper - David Rose
  24. Desafinado - Stan Getz & Charlie Byrd
  25. Unchain My Heart - Ray Charles
  26. The Wanderer - Dion
  27. Town Without Pity - Gene Pitney
  28. Green Onions - Booker T. and the MG's
  29. Sherry - Four Seasons
  30. Having A Party - Sam Cooke
  31. I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles
  32. Soldier Boy - Shirelles
  33. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do - Neil Sedaka
  34. Mashed Potato Time - Dee Dee Sharp
  35. Roses are Red (My Love) - Bobby Vinton
  36. Surfin' USA- Beach Boys
  37. Don't Hang Up - the Orlons
  38. Baby Its Cold Outside - Ray Charles & Betty Carter
  39. 409 - Beach Boys
  40. Johnny Angel - Shelley Fabares

60s Music - 1963:

  1. Louie Louie - The Kingsmen
  2. Up On The Roof - Drifters
  3. It's My Party - Leslie Gore
  4. Heat Wave - Martha and the Vandellas
  5. South Street - Orlons
  6. The End Of The World - Skeeter Davis
  7. Pride and Joy - Marvin Gaye
  8. Surfin' U.S.A. - Beach Boys
  9. You Can't Sit Down - Dovells
  10. Walk Like A Man - Four Seasons
  11. My Boyfriend's Back - the Angels
  12. Mickey's Monkey - the Miracles
  13. Remember Then - Earls
  14. Little Duece Coupe - Beach Boys
  15. Wildwood Days - Bobby Rydell
  16. Another Saturday Night - Sam Cooke
  17. Da Doo Ron Ron - Crystals
  18. If You Wanna Be Happy - Jimmy Soul
  19. Surfer Girl - Beach Boys
  20. On Broadway - the Drifters
  21. Denise - Randy and the Rainbows
  22. Let's Stomp - Bobby Comstock
  23. Busted - Ray Charles
  24. Be True To Your School - Beach Boys
  25. So Much In Love - the Tymes
  26. Surf City - Jan and Dean
  27. Tell Him - The Exciters
  28. Our Day Will Come - Ruby & the Romantics
  29. Walking The Dog - Rufus Thomas
  30. Be My Baby - Ronettes
  31. Monkey Time - Major Lance
  32. Then He Kissed Me - Crystals
  33. Hey Paula - Paul and Paula
  34. Sukiyaki - Kyu Sakamoto
  35. He's So Fine - Chiffons
  36. You've Really Got A Hold On Me - the Miracle
  37. I Will Follow Him - Little Peggy March
  38. Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer - Nat King Cole
  39. Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
  40. The Good Life - Tony Bennett

60s Music - 1964:

  1. Twist and Shout - Beatles
  2. Under The Boardwalk - The Drifters
  3. I Saw Her Standing There - Beatles
  4. I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
  5. Viva Las Vegas - Elvis Presley
  6. I Get Around - Beach Boys
  7. Pink Panther Theme - Henry Mancini
  8. My Guy - Mary Wells
  9. Fun, Fun, Fun - Beach Boys
  10. I Want To Hold Your Hand - Beatles
  11. L.O.V.E. - Nat King Cole
  12. People - Barbra Streisand
  13. A Hard Day's Night - The Beatles
  14. Dancing In The Street - Martha and the Vandellas
  15. I Feel Fine - The Beatles
  16. Walk On By - Dionne Warwick
  17. Love Me Do - The Beatles
  18. Where Did Our Love Go - Supremes
  19. Java - Al Hirt
  20. She Loves You - Beatles
  21. Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
  22. California Sun - Rivieras
  23. The Way You Do The Things You Do - Temptations
  24. Chapel Of Love - Dixie Cups
  25. Do Wah Diddy Diddy - Manfred Mann
  26. Can't Buy Me Love - Beatles
  27. You Really Got Me - the Kinks
  28. Baby Love - Supremes
  29. Rag Doll - Four Seasons
  30. A Summer Song - Chad & Jeremy
  31. Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) - Betty Everette
  32. The Best Part of Breakin' Up - The Ronettes
  33. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying - Gerry and the Pacemakers
  34. Come See About Me - the Supremes
  35. Goin' Out Of My Head - Little Anthony and the Imperials
  36. Last Kiss - J. Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers
  37. Stay - The 4 Seasons
  38. You Don't Own Me - Leslie Gore
  39. Baby I Need Your Loving - Four Tops
  40. She's Not There - The Zombies

60s Music - 1965:

  1. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
  2. My Girl - Temptations
  3. I Can't Help Myself - Four Tops
  4. I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher
  5. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - The Righteous Brothers
  6. I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown
  7. Hang on Sloopy - McCoys
  8. Stop! In The Name Of Love - Supremes
  9. Help! - The Beatles
  10. I Do - Marvelows
  11. King Of The Road - Roger Miller
  12. Woolly Bully - Sam The Sham and the Pharoes
  13. In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
  14. Shotgun - Junior Walker and the All-Stars
  15. What's New Pussycat - Tom Jones
  16. California Girls - Beach Boys
  17. Downtown - Petula Clark
  18. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me - Mel Carter
  19. Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
  20. How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You - Marvin Gaye
  21. Love Potion Number Nine - The Searchers
  22. A Lover's Concerto - the Toys
  23. The "In" Crowd - Ramsey Lewis
  24. I'll Be Doggone - Marvin Gaye
  25. Positively 4th Street - Bob Dylan
  26. I Want Candy - The Strangeloves
  27. Goldfinger - Shirley Bassey
  28. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye
  29. Something About You - Four Tops
  30. Nowhere To Run - Martha and the Vandellas
  31. Let's Hang On! - Four Seasons
  32. 1-2-3 - Len Barry
  33. Go Now! - Moody Blues
  34. Help Me Rhonda - Beach Boys
  35. I'm Henry VIII, I Am - Herman's Hermits
  36. Heart Full of Soul - Yardbirds
  37. Baby, I'm Yours - Barbara Lewis
  38. The Tracks Of My Tears - Miracles
  39. The 81 - Candy and the Kisses
  40. (tie) Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - James Brown/Do You Believe In Magic - The Lovin' Spoonful

60s Music - 1966:

  1. Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra
  2. I'm A Believer - the Monkees
  3. When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge
  4. Wild Thing - The Troggs
  5. Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
  6. This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers
  7. Devil With The Blue Dress - Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels
  8. Yellow Submarine - the Beatles
  9. Ain't Too Proud To Beg - The Temptations
  10. Jenny Take A Ride - Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels
  11. These Boots Are Made For Walkin' - Nancy Sinatra
  12. Get Ready - Temptations
  13. Born Free - Roger Williams
  14. Good Vibrations - Beach Boys
  15. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
  16. You Can't Hurry Love - Supremes
  17. Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me) - The 4 Seasons
  18. Good Lovin' - Rascals
  19. Homeward Bound - Simon and Garfunkle
  20. Paperback Writer - the Beatles
  21. Hold On! I'm a Coming - Sam and Dave
  22. It Was a Very Good Year - Frank Sinatra
  23. That's Life - Frank Sinatra
  24. Hanky Panky - Tommy James
  25. Shake Me Wake Me (When It's Over) - Four Tops
  26. Time Won't Let Me - Outsiders
  27. Going To A Go-Go - The Miracles
  28. Crying Time - Ray Charles
  29. Oh How Happy - Shades Of Blue
  30. Barbara Ann - Beach Boys
  31. But It's Alright - J.J. Jackson
  32. Secret Agent Man - Johnny Rivers
  33. Don't Mess With Bill - The Marvelettes
  34. Rainy Day Women 12 & 35 - Bob Dylan
  35. Along Comes Mary - The Association
  36. Cool Jerk - the Capitols
  37. Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd
  38. Land of 1,000 Dances - Wilson Pickett
  39. My Generation - The Who
  40. I Fought The Law - Bobby Fuller Four

60s Music - 1967:

  1. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
  2. Respect - Aretha Franklin
  3. Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
  4. All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
  5. Jimmy Mack - Martha and the Vandellas
  6. I Second That Emotion - Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
  7. C'Mon Marianne - The 4 Seasons
  8. Gimme Some Lovin' - Spencer Davis Group
  9. I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Gladys Knight and the Pips
  10. Soul Man - Sam and Dave
  11. Light My Fire - Doors
  12. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson
  13. Daydream Believer - Monkees
  14. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You - Frankie Valli
  15. It Takes Two - Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston
  16. The Letter - Box Tops
  17. Sweet Soul Music - Arthur Conley
  18. Expressway To Your Heart - Soul Survivors
  19. Strawberry Fields Forever - Beatles
  20. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix Experience
  21. Baby, I Need Your Lovin' - Johnny Rivers
  22. I Can See For Miles - The Who
  23. Standing In The Shadows Of Love - Four Tops
  24. Penny Lane - The Beatles
  25. Ruby Tuesday - Rolling Stones
  26. I'm A Man - Spencer Davis Group
  27. Bernadette - Four Tops
  28. Hello Goodbye - The Beatles
  29. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - Monkees
  30. Happy Together - Turtles
  31. The Look of Love - Dusty Springfield
  32. The Beat Goes On - Sonny and Cher
  33. To Sir With Love - Lulu
  34. Try a Little Tenderness - Otis Redding
  35. Kind Of A Drag - Buckinghams
  36. With This Ring - The Platters
  37. Let's Spend The Night Together - Rolling Stones
  38. Sunday Will Never Be The Same - Spanky and Our Gang
  39. I Think We're Alone Now - Tommy James and the Shondells
  40. Tiny Bubbles - Don Ho

60s Music - 1968:

  1. Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
  2. Dance To The Music - Sly and the Family Stone
  3. Mony Mony - Tommy James & the Shondells
  4. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
  5. Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf
  6. La La Means I Love You - the Delphonics
  7. Hey Jude - Beatles
  8. Jumpin' Jack Flash - Rolling Stones
  9. Nobody But Me - Human Beinz
  10. Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf
  11. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing - Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
  12. All Along The Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix Experience
  13. Magic Bus - The Who
  14. Love Me Two Times - Doors
  15. Who's Makin Love - Johnny Taylor
  16. Hello I Love You - Doors
  17. Street Fighting Man - Rolling Stones
  18. A Beautiful Morning - The Rascals
  19. Lady Madonna - Beatles
  20. White Cream - Cream
  21. Susie-Q - Creedence Clearwarer Revival
  22. Different Drum - Stone Ponys featuring Linda Ronstadt
  23. Fire - The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
  24. Young Girl - Gary Puckett and Union Gap
  25. Tighten Up - Archie Bell and the Drells
  26. The Impossible Dream - Roger Williams
  27. Classical Gas - Mason Williams
  28. Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream
  29. Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
  30. Both Sides Now - Judy Collins
  31. Girl Watcher - O'Kaysions
  32. Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Escimo) - Manfred Mann
  33. Midnight Confessions - Grass Roots
  34. Elenore - The Turtles
  35. The Unicorn - Irish Rovers
  36. I Thank You - Sam and Dave
  37. Piece of my Heart - Big Brother and Holding Company Featuring Janis Joplin
  38. Turn Around, Look at Me - The Vogues
  39. Chain Of Fools - Aretha Franklin
  40. D-I-V-O-R-C-E - Tammy Wynette

60s Music - 1969:

  1. Build Me Up Buttercup - Foundations
  2. Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
  3. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye - Steam
  4. More Today Than Yesterday - Spiral Staircase
  5. Mah-Na-Mah-Na (Mahna Mahna) - Piero Umiliani
  6. Son Of A Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
  7. My Way - Frank Sinatra
  8. Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival
  9. Something - the Beatles
  10. Sugar Sugar - Archies
  11. Stand By Your Man - Tammy Wynette
  12. Touch Me - Doors
  13. Honky Tonk Women - Rolling Stones
  14. Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
  15. Hooked On A Feeling - B.J. Thomas
  16. I Can't Get Next To You - Temptations
  17. Come Together - the Beatles
  18. Grazing In The Grass - Friends of Distinction
  19. Traces - Classics IV & Dennis Yost
  20. Hawaii 5-0 - Ventures
  21. It's Your Thing - The Isley Brothers
  22. My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
  23. Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly and the Family Stone
  24. Someday We'll Be Together - Diana Ross and the Supremes
  25. Everybody's Talkin' - Nilsson
  26. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
  27. Everyday People - Sly & Family Stone
  28. Crimson and Clover - Tommy James and the Shondells
  29. Time of the Season - Zombies
  30. Down On The Corner - CCR
  31. Twenty Five Miles - Edwin Starr
  32. Worst That Could Happen - Brooklyn Bridge
  33. Love's Been Good To Me - Frank Sinatra
  34. Ruben James - Kenny Rogers & the First Edition
  35. A Boy Named Sue - Johnny Cash
  36. Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' - Crazy Elephant
  37. You've Made Me So Very Happy - Blood, Sweat and Tears
  38. Give Peace A Chance - John Lennon
  39. Get Back - Beatles
  40. Wedding Bell Blues - The 5th Dimension

60s Music - the Best Ever?

60s music was rich and diverse - evolving from the soft, folksy, saxophone sounds of the fifties to produce new and distinct genres - and sub-genres - of pop and rock in the sixties. Not limited by geography either, 60s music produced popular artists and groups from all parts of the US and the United Kingdom, and influencing one another.

For all of its messages - and now the memories - 60s music might have been the best decade ever!


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