The 1960’s was the era of social and cultural revolution as well as the doorway to radical change in the music industry. Breaking down conservative walls and paving the road to music as we know it today, it was the decade in which Motown made its debut featuring such artists as Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and many other legendary artists. All time greats such as Elvis Presley and Bobby Darin carried the spotlight over from the 1950’s into the 1960s while The Beatles broke records when they topped the charts with their release of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in 1967. Various trends hit the airways during this decade from soul to British rock bands to pop funk.
Below I have listed 10 top songs of the 1960’s by year along with a few facts and qualities about the songs that helped place them on my top 10 list.
1960:
‘Stay’ by Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs
Though it has a simple chorus and its duration only a minute and half, this catchy little tune is brought to life by its falsetto singing chorus. Stay’ was written in 1953 by a then 15 year old Maurice Williams and is noted for its “fifties” quality. It was not released until October 1960 and hit the number one spot late November of that year. It is a song which I could listen to over and over and not tire of. To date, ‘Stay’ has sold over 8 million copies.
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1961:
‘Stand By Me’ By Ben E. King
‘Stand By Me’ was released in 1961 and transcends through time. Not only does its harmonic progression continue to keep pace with changing music throughout the decades, but its lyrics carry a powerful message that I believe to be the focal point of its popularity and one that its listeners will never outgrow. The song hit number four on the charts after its 1961 release and has been re-recorded by several artists and continued to rank on the charts over the years.
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1962:
‘Sherry‘ by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Hitting number one on the charts on September 15, 1962, ‘Sherry’ written by Bob Gaudio and performed by the Four Seasons remained number one for five consecutive weeks. Although it was a 60’s hit, its sock hop quality creates a 50’s diner or drive-in blast from the past for the listener. The song was written for Jacqueline Kennedy and originally named “Jackie Baby. Gaudio then changed it to “Terri Baby” and finally ended with the title ‘Sherry’. According to an interview with Gaudio, the song only took 15 minutes to write.
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1963:
‘She Love You’ by the Beatles
One of my favorite Beatles songs, ‘She Loves You’ was one of five Beatles songs to hit the top of the charts in 1963. ‘She Loves You’, ‘I Saw Her Standing There’, ‘Please Please Me’ and ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ all competed with each other for the number one spot in that same year. It was one of the Beatles first hits in the U.S. and the fans’ reaction made history. Its fast tempo and frequently repeated chorus has an alluring and unique quality that only The Beatles can deliver.
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1964:
‘My Girl’ by The Temptations
This 1964 hit was written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White and originally performed by The Temptations. By 1965 it hit the top of the charts and was the group’s first hit. Its finger snapping tempo, harmonizing vocals and instrumentals made it one of the best songs of the 60’s and 70’s.
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1965:
‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ by The Righteous Bros.
This classic hit has maintained its popularity throughout the years. Placing number one in 1965 it was the most played song of the 20th century. One of the biggest music hits of all time, and has been featured in some of the best scenes of award winning movies such as ‘Top Gun’ (1986).
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1966:
‘Good Vibrations’ The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys third number one hit, ‘Good Vibrations’ was released in November 1966 and hit number one on the charts in December 1966. The Beach Boys have a unique sound and quality to their music that has yet to be duplicated. The smooth vocals, unique use of instruments and surf and sand quality helped put it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will still hear this song being played on the beaches of California today.
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1967:
‘Respect‘ by Aretha Franklin
Respect was written and released by Otis Redding in 1965 and then performed by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin in 1967. The song earned the artist two Grammy Awards in 1968 and remains one of the best songs of all time. It was released during the 1960’s feminist movement which helped it to gain ground quickly. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame as well as the Library of Congress.
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1968:
‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye
One of Marvin Gaye’s most popular hits, ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ was written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield in 1965. Originally it was performed by The Miracles and then again by Gladys Knight and the Pips. It did not become popular, however, until it was picked up and re-recorded by Marvin Gaye. It is now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and one of the greatest Motown hits ever recorded. Gaye’s vocals and style made this otherwise unsuccessful song the hit it was then and remains today.
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1969:
‘Proud Mary’ by Credence Clearwater Revival
Approaching the 70’s, Credence Clearwater Revival (CCR) emerged with their first hit, ‘Proud Mary’ which reached number two on the charts. The song was written by John Fogerty who played with the band during the recording of this song. reaching number two on the charts. It has a Southern Rock quality though the band originates from San Francisco, California. Their unique sound pushed open the door into the next era of music, the 70’s.
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(www.allmusic.com) (www.wikipedia.com)
