The 1960s was an early point for rock ‘n’ roll as a genre. It’s difficult to talk about music history without mentioning the people who became full-fledged legends during that decade.
For starters, Elvis Presley came onto the scene in the 1950s but continued his success throughout the following decade. Few people in music history were as influential in their field as Presley was with rock music. Even in 2024, fans still blast his song and continue falling in love with his deep voice. The way he danced on stage was another reason his legendary life is still revered.
Americans weren’t the only folks making waves in the music industry, though. The Beatles were one of the first international bands to succeed in the United States. Their arrival from England was met with endless anticipation from music lovers. Their fan base is now referred to as Beatlemania. Unlike the majority of rock bands in the globe, each member of The Beatles achieved success on their own, in addition to with the band. The biggest stars were the trio of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon.
Another British band to make their way over from across the pond was The Rolling Stones. Their frontman, Mick Jagger, is another music icon who’s had success both with his band and on his own. During his career, Jagger has won several awards and helped bring music to where it is today. For more music coverage, click here to read about the biggest comebacks in music history.
To compile this list of the most successful rock stars of the 1960s, 24/7 Tempo consulted music-sources. These include Top 40 Weekly, Ultimate Classic Rock, and Digital Dream Door.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, first came onto the scene in the 1950s with his self-titled album “Elvis Presley.” It was all lights and bliss for Presley following the release of the hit soundtrack. Fans around the world adored his work as it quickly became the number one album in both the United States and United Kingdom. Presley’s biggest songs in the 1960s include “Surrender,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Crying in the Chapel.”
Even in 2024, Presley still holds the record for having the most songs in the Billboard Top 40 with 115. After his death, Presley’s home in Tennessee, Graceland, turned into a museum where diehard fans can go to learn more about the musician. It’s one of the most visited places in the Unites States and it will continue to be. There are no signs that his music is going away anytime soon.
Keith Richards
The Rolling Stones also featured guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Keith Richards. The Grammy’s weren’t around when The Rolling Stones were hitting their stride in the 1960s, but they’ve still gained recognition. The now-famous award system honored the group and Richards for their songs “Satisfaction,” “Beggars and Banquet,” and “Let it Bleed.”
Richards and Jagger had an up and down relationship during their time together, as most bandmates do. Even through the mid 2010s, the duo went back and forth about who deserved more credit. On his own, Richards has worked with artists like Bono and Hank Williams. Richards also was a huge part of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, where he played Captain Jack Sparrow’s father.
Paul McCartney
As one of the lead vocals for the band, Paul McCartney was the face of The Beatles when they first migrated to the US. McCartney was also a bass guitarist and helped bring the band fame with songs like “Yellow Submarine,” “Hey Jude,” and “She Loves You.” When the band first came to the United States, they were selling out football stadiums filled with fans on a nightly basis.
On his own, McCartney has worked with several artists. He’s collaborated with U2, Rihanna, and even Kanye West. It goes a long way with the younger generations that McCartney has worked with artists Millennials and Gen-Zera have come to love over the years. McCartney’s won numerous awards including being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and being Knighted by the Queen of England.
Roger Daltrey
British bands truly made their mark on the United States during the 1960s. The Who was a group led by singer Roger Daltrey. As a rock band, they’ve won countless awards and they’ve made lasting impressions on music lovers over the last six decades. Daltrey was the lead vocalist for The Who for songs like “You Better You Bet,” “Pinball Wizard,” and “Under a Raging Moon.”
The Who’s leading man took a massive chance on himself in the 1970s while he was still part of the band. During that time, he released songs on his own like “Walking the Dog,” “Written in the Wind,” and “Under a Raging Moon.” Because of his massive success, Daltrey has been honored with honors like induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys, and induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame.
John Lennon
Another member of The Beatles to share a microphone with Paul McCartney was John Lennon. He played just as pivotal of a role as McCartney did regarding The Beatles and their success story. Lennon was another guitarist and frontman for the group. He helped write songs like “From Me to You,” “Thank You Girl,” and Please Please Me.” Aside from his work with The Beatles, Lennon wrote his own songs and recorded his own albums.
Most of his solo work revolved around being peaceful and loving each other. He was against the Vietnam was and even got kicked out of the country by Richard Nixon for his opposition. In 1980, Lennon was murdered by a crazed fan named Mark David Chapman. Lennon supporters around the world wonder how much his legendary tale would have grown if it wasn’t for his death.
Ringo Starr
It’s rare to find drummers who’ve gained so much success and fame like Ringo Starr did in the 1960s. During this time with the group, Starr maintained the beat that drummers provide their other band members. He also lent his voice to songs like “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
Starr was part of the band who won countless awards like the 1971 Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. He also was one of the first members to leave the band to pursue his own work. During this time, Starr worked with the Sherman Brothers to come up with the song “You’re Sixteen.”
Mick Jagger
The Rolling Stones was another British band that came to the United States to take over the music industry. They certainly succeeded at the task. Their frontman, Mick Jagger, has gone down in music history as an icon of rock and roll. Jagger is credited with writing most of the songs (along with fellow guitar player Keith Richards) for the band.
During that time, songs like “Little Red Rooster,” “Satisfaction,” and “Get Off of My Cloud” ascended to the tops of music charts around the world. These hit tracks allowed Jagger to become a true leader in music. During his solo ventures, Jagger has worked with artists like will.i.am, The Jacksons, and Peter Tosh. Maroon 5, a popular band for Millennials and Gen-Zers, based their song “Moves Like Jagger” off of Mick Jagger himself. The song describes men who dance well enough to impress women they’re interested in.
Brian Wilson
The Beach Boys provided audiences with rock music they could enjoy and relax to in the 1960s. Brian Wilson was the man behind the famous group with an undeniable voice. Wilson helped write successful songs like “Surf City,” “I Get Around,” and “Good Vibrations.”
Despite reaching such impressive levels of success, Wilson has had countless bouts with mental health issues that have gotten in the way of his performances. In fact, he retired from performing and writing lyrics countless times during the 1960s and 1970s. He’s made comebacks numerous times and appears to have his mental health under control now. In general, fans are happy to see the positive changes since he’s been able to work with artists like Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Janelle Monae.
Mike Love
Another member of The Beach Boys who lent his voice to countless songs for the rock group is Mike Love. The songs in question include “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” and “Good Vibrations.” During their time as a band, The Beach Boys garnered enough critical acclaim and attention to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Their song titles have been added to the Library of Congress.
Aside from singing and creating unforgettable music, Love enjoys practicing meditation and taking in nature at his home in Lake Tahoe. He’s also known for being related to some athletically talented brothers, His brothers are NBA player Stan Love and former All-Star Kevin Love. It appears the Love family has great genetics that go beyond the music industry.
Syd Barrett
Pink Floyd has one of the most recognizable logos for any band in history. While their logo is instantly noticed by fans, the song writing and sining of Syd Barrett is the reason that the band reached the levels of success they did. Barrett helped come up with the psychedelic rock genre.
Barrett went off on his own for a little while, creating albums like “The Madcap Laughs” and “Barrett.” Pink Floyd has been honored countless times throughout history. These include two Grammy wins, being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and winning an MTV Music Award. Barrett is a massive contributing factor to Pink Floyd’s success story.
Ozzy Osbourne
Black Sabbath is another English band who’s left their mark on American culture ever since they arrived. Their lead vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne, has gone down in history for his singing ability. The band first came about in 1969, capping off a decade of British dominance. He was the voice behind countless hits which include “Paranoid,” “The Wizard,” and “Black Sabbath.”
Aside from music, Osbourne has continued to stay in the public spotlight. His wife Sharron is part of “The View” talk show, which is something he supports. He makes red carpet appearances ever year, reminding fans of how popular of a figure he was at the height of his career. For more music content, click here to read about concert tours with the highest ticket prices in 2024.