During the 1960s, music took a sharp turn. English rock bands took the world by storm. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones put out classics that are still blasted on sound systems today. Football stadiums were sold out whenever the bands went on tour. African American artists like Aretha Franklin and The Temptations started getting the recognition they deserved. The landscape of what music entertainment was meant to be shifted.
One of the most popular songs The Beatles ever released was “Come Together.” While it was recorded in 1969, fans who subscribed to Beatlemania consider the bop to be an integral part of the music era. Ironically enough, the song was originally written as a support to Timothy Leary. His goal was to beat Ronald Reagan for governor of California. However, Leary was forced to drop out of the election after being arrested for marijuana possession.
Few songs get group gatherings going quite like “Sweet Caroline.” The famous song is even sung by Boston Red Sox fans during home games. The start of the song is recognizable to tons of folks around the world. However, the message of the song has caused people in 2024 to question whether it should be canceled. Fans say Neil Diamond wrote the song in honor of Caroline Kennedy. At the time of its release, Kennedy was roughly 12 years old. Diamond has since claimed the song is in honor of his wife. For more 1960s content, click here to read about unforgettable moments kids born in the decade will remember.
To compile this list of legendary songs that defined the ’60s, 24/7 Tempo consulted music-related sources. These include uDiscover Music, Billboard, and Pitchfork.
“Come Together” by The Beatles
It’s not possible to talk about music from the 1960s without including The Beatles. The English rock band took the world by storm. They became the first set of international music superstars. Arguably their biggest hit is also one with a fascinating origin story. In 2024, folks still jam out whenever “Come Together” blasts from speakers. Fans recognize the song the instant it hits their eardrums.
The Beatles didn’t write the song for themselves at first. Timothy Leary requested that the group write a song that would assist him in being elected as governor of California. He, along with The Beatles, didn’t agree with the policies then governor Ronald Reagan was creating. While the song became a hit, Leary was arrested for marijuana possession before the election. Because of that, he was forced to drop out of the race.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones
The Beatles weren’t the only British rock band to make a lasting imprint on America during the 1960s. The Rolling Stones also came across the pond. They left a legacy that few bands can compete with. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are two members that fans still eat up. The duo still appears in any media form. Today, The Rolling Stones are still revered for their classic tunes. One of their biggest hits ever is “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
The song is another with a fascinating backstory. Keith Richards allegedly wrote the song without even realizing it. He recorded a demo when he was messing around. The rest is history. Ironically enough, the song was essentially banned from the radio in the United Kingdom. Folks thought the lyrics were too sexual. The only way to listen to the catchy lyrics were to do so on an illegal radio stream.
“Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
Folk music lovers appreciate all that Bob Dylan did to ensure the genre exploded to its current status. His classic guitar and instantly recognizable voice made it easy for folks to fall in love with him. Dylan constantly preached the message of love and peace. These were two popular messages to stand behind during the ’60s decade. However, one song that had aggressive lyrics was “Like a Rolling Stone.”
Dylan spent some of his time in the mid-60s on a long tour through the United Kingdom. It took a toll on him, both physically and mentally. He got out his pen and paper to get his feelings off of his chest. In the song, Dylan directly asks “How does it feel?” This quote still is heard in the ears of people who crank Dylan’s tunes. People loved seeing a different side of Dylan. The song became a hit and is still regarded as one of the biggest from the 1960s.
“(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
During the ’60s, more African Americans were making it in show-business. Thanks to leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights Movement was trending in the right direction. One of the women who took the opportunity she was given and ran with it was Aretha Franklin. The soul music genre was exploding in popularity, with Franklin being the voice nearly all fans of the genre bent the knee to.
Franklin’s hit “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman” was a bop that folks still get excited over in 2024. Her voice meshed perfectly with the lyrics written by Gerry Goffin, Jerry Wexler, and Carole King. The final chorus of the song remains as one of the best works of music history. Franklin was revered by fans all the way until her death in 1998. Motown wouldn’t be the same without “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman.”
“Sinnerman” by Nina Simone
Nina Simone is another African American woman who stepped up to the plate when given her opportunity. Throughout her career, Simone focused on writing songs that uplifted the African American community. Simone started off playing piano in the church she went to as a child in North Carolina. She refers to a time during a recital in which her family was forced to move multiple rows back to make room for white people who wanted to watch. The incident was a catalyst in the music she wrote in the future.
Arguably the most important song Simone ever put out was her version of “Sinnerman.” While the original was released during the 1950s, it was Simone’s 10 minute version of the tune that made the song famous. The lyrics shape the tune into an African American spirit song. Musicians in 2024 still sample Simone’s version of the classic. It’s regarded as one of the most important pieces of music ever released.
“My Girl” by The Temptations
Women weren’t the only African Americans to take over the music industry. In the 60’s, Melvin Franks, Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin came together to form The Temptations. They originated out of Detroit, Michigan. The town is widely regarded as the birthplace of soul music. Through their time together, The Temptations have released banger after banger.
There’s no arguing that one of their most iconic songs is “My Girl.” Folks in 2024 still enjoy listening to the exquisite voice of Ruffin during his first performance with the group. The upbeat instruments hit the souls of those listening to the song whenever it’s on. Music lovers enjoy listening to the sweet lyrics. Many people still recite the words Ruffin sang to their loved ones in 2024 to confess their love.
“I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown
Is there anyone else in show business who’s worked harder than James Brown? His numerous nicknames include “the Hardest Working man in show business” and “the Godfather of soul.” Audiences around the globe came from all over to give their ears the pleasure of listening to Brown sing. He redefined the soul genre during the 1960s. He was one of the first members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Few songs sang by Brown hit the same way as “I Got You (I Feel Good).” The various instruments playing behind brown only add to the allure of the classic song. Brown’s raspy voice meshed perfectly with the rhythm behind him. Even in 2024, the ending of the song is mimicked by fans around the world. Brown influenced plenty of musicians and genres during his career. His vocals and performance style are still part of the entertainment industry.
“My Generation” by The Who
The Who are yet another classic rock band to migrate from Europe to the United States. Folks everywhere continue to sit back and listen to The Who when they’re cruising down the road. The group has won countless Grammy awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s challenging to find someone who hasn’t listened to a classic the British band put out. One of the most recognizable tunes from The Who is “My Generation.”
Pete Townshend, one of the guitar players for The Who, wrote the song while sitting on a train. The tune was allegedly written about Queen Elizabeth. She had Townshend’s car towed because she didn’t like how it sat in the street during her daily drive. Townshend has talked about the song being a piece about trying to find himself and what he was meant to do. There’s no arguing Townshend figured out his path in life.
“(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
Otis Redding was once thought of as the next great soul musician. His vocals checked nearly every box people have when looking to find someone to continue the tradition of the soul genre. During his short career, he won two Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Redding died at the young age of 26. He was starting to hit his stride in the music industry before he passed.
Three days before the flight that took his life, Redding recorded arguably his biggest song. The classic “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” was written by Redding while staying on a houseboat during time in California. It features waves crashing and whistling, which were added to the song after Redding died. There are claims that Redding didn’t think the song was ready to be released and wanted to continue recording it.
“I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s life started off by living in fear of his father. There are numerous stories about his father running his home like a dictatorship. There were countless rules Gaye and is siblings were forced to follow. Most of them surrounded Gaye’s father’s intense religious beliefs. Gaye made it big in the music industry and hoped to help his parents out however he could. One song that assisted Gaye was “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.”
The classic single was sung by Gaye. His version was the third to be released to the public, but gained the most notoriety of anyone who lent their vocals to the lyrics. Gaye was known for his instantly recognizable raspy voice, which blended perfectly with the rhythm the song provided.
“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond is widely considered one of the greatest music icons in history. He grew up in New York City and originally went to college to study pre-med. Diamond was known by folks around town as one of the best fencers in the city. However, Diamond realized his passion lied in music more than medicine. He started to take the train to various parts of the city with the hopes of making it big.
There’s no secret that Diamond’s biggest hit is “Sweet Caroline.” While there are many people who are convinced the song is about Caroline Kennedy, Diamond has claimed it’s actually in reference to his wife. “Sweet Caroline” has become a go-to bop for anyone participating in karaoke. It also is routinely played at Boston Red Sox games. Fans stand and belt out in song whenever the tune comes over the loudspeaker.
“Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles
Ray Charles was one of the first blind people to make it big in show business. He was born with the ability to see, but lost his vision early on in his life. That didn’t impact his ability to create music that folks quickly grew to fond over. He became known for putting out iconic soul music during his career.
One of the most recognized songs by Charles is “Georgia on My Mind.” While the song was first released Hoagy Carmichael talking about his sister, Georgia, Charles made it his own. Charles grew up in Georgia, which meant he had tons to say about his home state. Rolling Stone Magazine listed Charles’ version of the hit as the 44th greatest song ever. For more 1960s content, click here to read about the most relatable television characters from the decade.