21 classic songs that made the 1960s what they were

“Hey Jude” is a hugely popular song by The Beatles with a touching story behind it. Paul McCartney wrote it to cheer up John Lennon’s son, Julian, when his parents were getting divorced. The song’s hopeful message has made it a favorite for generations.

Starting with a legendary guitar intro, this song captured the feelings of a frustrated and disappointed generation. Its words criticize the focus on money and possessions, and the Rolling Stones quickly became known as rebellious figures in rock music.

Often hailed as one of Bob Dylan’s greatest songs, ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ uniquely combines folk and rock music. The song features Dylan’s signature poetic style and tells the story of a person who lost their privileged life.

Otis Redding first recorded “Respect” in 1965, but Aretha Franklin’s 1967 version became a defining song for both the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights movements. Her addition of spelling out “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” made the song truly memorable.

“Good Vibrations” instantly evokes feelings of sunshine and relaxation. It’s one of the Beach Boys’ most famous hits, and its production was remarkably innovative for its time. The final recording wasn’t created in a single session – it was carefully built from dozens of parts, resulting in a rich, layered sound that felt like a miniature symphony.

This famous Motown love song has appeared in countless TV shows and films. It became The Temptations’ most recognizable hit, largely thanks to the vocals of their lead singer, David Ruffin.

The Ronettes were a singing group of three, named for their lead singer, Veronica Spector, who was known as Ronnie. Ronnie’s strong voice and songs about unrequited love helped create unforgettable ballads.

Marvin Gaye was a key figure in developing the Motown sound of the 1960s. While originally recorded by The Miracles and Gladys Knight & the Pips, his 1968 version of ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ became one of his most famous songs, exploring themes of mistrust and suspected cheating.

Jimi Hendrix is widely considered one of the most influential guitarists ever. He revolutionized rock music with his psychedelic sound, incorporating effects like heavy distortion and feedback – sounds that were new to popular music at the time. People embraced his innovative style, and it’s safe to say the cultural atmosphere of the era played a role in its popularity.

This popular singing and songwriting duo achieved great success in the 1960s. Their famous song explores the difficulties people face when trying to connect and communicate, and it became a beloved classic of the folk-rock genre.

Otis Redding’s heartfelt song, “(Sitting On) The Dock of the Bay,” is one of his most famous recordings. Written shortly before his untimely death, it’s a thoughtful piece about feeling alone and dealing with life’s transitions.

The Kinks were a popular British rock band that first hit the charts with the song ‘You Really Got Me’ in 1964. This song helped launch them into the ‘British Invasion,’ a time when many UK bands became famous in America. The song itself is about a woman the band saw dancing at a club, and it unexpectedly played a role in the birth of heavy metal. They created a unique guitar sound – a ‘fuzz’ effect – by intentionally damaging the speakers on their amplifiers.

During the 1960s, many musicians used their music to speak out against problems like the Vietnam War. A prime example is Creedence Clearwater Revival, whose famous song expressed the frustration and anger felt by a lot of young people regarding class differences and the war itself.

The Supremes’ hit song ‘Where Did Our Love Go’ quickly became number one in 1964, signaling the start of their incredible success. Led by Diana Ross, the Motown group went on to become famous around the world. The song itself is a timeless classic about heartbreak.

The Animals, a well-known British rock band, had a major hit on both sides of the Atlantic with their song ‘House of the Rising Sun’. While originally an American folk song, The Animals transformed it into a powerful rock ballad, telling the story of a place with a troubled past.

The rock band from Los Angeles struck gold with their song ‘Light My Fire’. With Jim Morrison’s captivating voice leading the way, the song explores themes of letting go of restrictions and embracing desire.

The iconic rock band Jefferson Airplane also originated in Southern California. While the band saw many members over time, its most famous lineup consisted of six musicians. Their hit song, ‘Somebody to Love,’ is known for Grace Slick’s incredibly strong and emotive singing, and it expresses a deep desire for human connection. The song has been used in countless other popular tracks and has even heavily influenced the style of the band Florence + the Machine.

Dusty Springfield was a British singer famous for her smooth and emotional voice. She’s best remembered for hits like ‘Son of Preacher Man,’ which she recorded in Memphis. The song’s laid-back rhythm helped make it a timeless soul favorite.

Most people know The Beatles’ version of ‘Twist and Shout,’ but the original by The Isley Brothers is a truly energetic rock and roll song. Its lively back-and-forth vocals and powerful beat make it a classic party song that still gets people dancing today.

Okay, so I was digging through some oldies the other day and stumbled upon ‘Runaway’ by Del Shannon. It’s a classic from the early ’60s, and honestly, it’s a bit of an earworm. The song’s about heartbreak, but what really makes it stand out is the sound. It’s got this cool, slightly sad vibe, but it’s also super catchy – apparently, they used this early electronic keyboard called a Musitron to create that unique sound. It’s a really interesting track!