Posted inUS_1

100 Greatest Songs of the ’60s: A Definitive Playlist of a Revolutionary Decade

No Comments

The 1960s: a decade etched in history for its seismic shifts in culture, society, and, undeniably, music. From the explosion of rock and roll to the soulful depths of Motown and the psychedelic explorations of a generation seeking change, the 100 greatest songs of the ’60s serve as a vibrant soundtrack to this transformative era. These weren’t just songs; they were anthems of revolution, love, protest, and an undeniable spirit of evolution that continues to inspire today.

Imagine a world transitioning from the conservative 50s into a whirlwind of social upheaval. This is the backdrop against which the top songs of the 60s were created. The decade witnessed the British Invasion, spearheaded by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, forever altering the landscape of American pop charts. Suddenly, the airwaves were filled with new sounds, pushing beyond the solo pop artists of the previous decade and birthing a multitude of sub-genres.

Pop music itself fractured into exciting new territories. Bubblegum pop emerged, designed with infectious melodies aimed squarely at teenage hearts. Simultaneously, the decade fostered revolutionary artistry with figures like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix pushing boundaries, while singer-songwriters and instrumentalists of unparalleled talent rose to prominence. The commercial appeal of pop intertwined with genuine artistic innovation, creating a musical tapestry as diverse and dynamic as the decade itself.

To truly capture the essence of this era, we delve into the Nolan Method Top 100 Songs of the 1960s (1960-1969). This meticulously curated chart, developed by Top40Weekly contributor Jarrett Nolan, ranks songs based on their performance on the Billboard Hot 100, considering airplay data and sales figures to reflect true popularity. Join us as we explore this definitive list, crafted under the guidance of radio and music industry veteran Ed Osborne, offering insights into the trends, artists, and songs that shaped the unforgettable sound of the 1960s.

To further enrich your journey through this decade of sound, explore our companion lists of the Top 100 Artists of the 60s and the Top 100 Albums of the 60s. And for the ultimate immersive experience, lose yourself in our 1960s Playlist where you can listen to all these incredible tracks.

Popular Genres of the 1960s: Folk, Surf Rock, Motown and R&B, Psychedelic Rock, Blues-Rock, Hard Rock, Garage Rock, Pop, Soul, Roots Rock, Country, British Invasion, Latin Rock, Protest/Music with a Message.

1960: The Dawn of a Decade

1960 set the stage for the sonic revolution that was to come. While echoes of the 50s lingered, new sounds and artists began to emerge, hinting at the changes on the horizon. This year’s top hits showcased a blend of genres, from country-tinged ballads to instrumental rock and the ever-popular teen idol sounds.

  1. HE’LL HAVE TO GO by Jim Reeves

  2. THEME FROM “A SUMMER PLACE” by Percy Faith

  3. IT’S NOW OR NEVER by Elvis Presley

  4. I’M SORRY by Brenda Lee

  5. THE TWIST by Chubby Checker

  6. EL PASO by Marty Robbins

  7. RUNNING BEAR by Johnny Preston

  8. EVERYBODY’S SOMEBODY’S FOOL by Connie Francis

  9. GREENFIELDS by The Brothers Four

  10. MY HEART HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN by Connie Francis

  11. CATHY’S CLOWN by The Everly Brothers

  12. TEEN ANGEL by Mark Dinning

  13. HANDY MAN by Jimmy Jones

  14. STUCK ON YOU by Elvis Presley

  15. SIXTEEN REASONS by Connie Stevens

  16. WALK, DON’T RUN by The Ventures

  17. ONLY THE LONELY by Roy Orbison

  18. SWEET NOTHIN’S by Brenda Lee

  19. WILD ONE by Bobby Rydell

  20. WHY by Frankie Avalon

  21. CHAIN GANG by Sam Cooke

  22. ITSY BITSY TEENIE WEENIE YELLOW POLKA DOT BIKINI by Brian Hyland

  23. ALLEY OOP by The Hollywood Argyles

  24. WHAT IN THE WORLD’S COME OVER YOU by Jack Scott

  25. SINK THE BISMARCK by Johnny Horton

  26. THEME FROM “THE APARTMENT” by Ferrante & Teicher

  27. THE BIG HURT by Toni Fisher

  28. SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME by The Drifters

  29. PRETTY BLUE EYES by Steve Lawrence

  30. NIGHT by Jackie Wilson

  31. BURNING BRIDGES by Jack Scott

  32. PLEASE HELP ME, I’M FALLING by Hank Locklin

  33. WAY DOWN YONDER IN NEW ORLEANS by Freddy Cannon

  34. BECAUSE THEY’RE YOUNG by Duane Eddy

  35. PAPER ROSES by Anita Bryant

  36. MULE SKINNER BLUES by The Fendermen

  37. MISSION BELL by Donnie Brooks

  38. PUPPY LOVE by Paul Anka

  39. DEVIL OR ANGEL by Bobby Vee

  40. FINGER POPPIN’ TIME by Hank Ballard and The Midnighters

  41. KIDDIO by Brook Benton

  42. GOOD TIMIN’ by Jimmy Jones

  43. BABY (YOU’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES) by Dinah Washington & Brook Benton

  44. MR. CUSTER by Larry Verne

  45. I WANT TO BE WANTED by Brenda Lee

  46. WHERE OR WHEN by Dion and the Belmonts

  47. IT’S TIME TO CRY by Paul Anka

  48. VOLARE by Bobby Rydell

  49. CRADLE OF LOVE by Johnny Preston

  50. LOVE YOU SO by Ron Holden

  51. A MILLION TO ONE by Jimmy Charles

  52. BEYOND THE SEA by Bobby Darin

  53. LET THE LITTLE GIRL DANCE by Billy Bland

  54. YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES by Marv Johnson

  55. HEARTACHES BY THE NUMBERS by Guy Mitchell

  56. GO JIMMY GO by Jimmy Clanton

  57. HE’LL HAVE TO STAY by Jeanne Black

  58. LET IT BE ME by The Everly Brothers

  59. IMAGE OF A GIRL by The Safaris

  60. HARBOR LIGHTS by The Platters

  61. WHITE SILVER SANDS by The Bill Black Combo

  62. SO SAD by The Everly Brothers

  63. THE OLD LAMP-LIGHTER by The Browns

  64. WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS by Fats Domino

  65. AMONG MY SOUVENIRS by Connie Francis

  66. TELL LAURA I LOVE HER by Ray Peterson

  67. LONELY BLUE BOY by Conway Twitty

  68. A ROCKIN’ GOOD WAY (TO MESS AROUND AND FALL IN LOVE) by Dinah Washington & Brook Benton

  69. HOUND DOG MAN by Fabian

  70. DREAMIN’ by Johnny Burnette

  71. MACK THE KNIFE by Bobby Darin

  72. DOWN BY THE STATION by the Four Preps

  73. FOREVER by The Little Dippers

  74. I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE by Marv Johnson

  75. MY HOME TOWN by Paul Anka

  76. WONDERFUL WORLD by Sam Cooke

  77. THE VILLAGE OF ST. BERNADETTE by Andy Williams

  78. LET’S THINK ABOUT LIVIN by Bob Luman

  79. GEORGIA ON MY MIND by Ray Charles

  80. THAT’S ALL YOU GOTTA DO by Brenda Lee

  81. MAMA by Connie Francis

  82. FOOTSTEPS by Steve Lawrence

  83. WE GOT LOVE by Bobby Rydell

  84. MY LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD by Anita Bryant

  85. CHERRY PIE by Skip and Flip

  86. DON’T BE CRUEL by Bill Black’s Combo

  87. SANDY by Larry Hall

  88. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN by Neil Sedaka

  89. SWINGIN’ SCHOOL by Bobby Rydell

  90. YOUNG EMOTIONS by Ricky Nelson

  91. YOU TALK TOO MUCH by Joe Jones

  92. TRACY’S THEME by Spencer Ross

  93. BEATNIK FLY by Johnny and the Hurricanes

  94. WHEN WILL I BE LOVED by The Everly Brothers

  95. HAPPY-GO-LUCKY ME by Paul Evans

  96. YOGI by the Ivy Three

  97. LADY LUCK by Lloyd Price

  98. OVER THE RAINBOW by the Demensions

  99. O DIO MIO by Annette Funicello

  100. LOOK FOR A STAR by Garry Miles

1961: New Sounds Emerge

1961 saw the solidification of new genres and sounds. Instrumental hits remained popular, while girl groups began their ascent, and rock and roll continued to evolve, branching into more diverse styles.

  1. TOSSIN’ AND TURNIN’ by Bobby Lewis

  2. EXODUS by Ferrante & Teicher

  3. WONDERLAND BY NIGHT by Bert Kaempfert

  4. WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW by The Shirelles

  5. ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT? by Elvis Presley

  6. CALCUTTA by Lawrence Welk

  7. PONY TIME by Chubby Checker

  8. TRAVELIN’ MAN by Ricky Nelson

  9. DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE by The Shirelles

  10. RUNAWAY by Del Shannon

  11. MICHAEL by The Highwaymen

  12. SURRENDER by Elvis Presley

  13. LAST DATE by Floyd Cramer

  14. MOTHER-IN-LAW by Ernie K-Doe

  15. QUARTER TO THREE by Gary U.S. Bonds

  16. THE BOLL WEEVIL SONG by Brook Benton

  17. BLUE MOON by The Marcels

  18. DON’T WORRY by Marty Robbins

  19. NORTH OF ALASKA by Johnny Horton

  20. CRYING by Roy Orbison

  21. RAINDROPS by Dee Clark

  22. A HUNDRED POUNDS OF CLAY by Gene McDaniels

  23. RUNNING SCARED by Roy Orbison

  24. APACHE by Jørgen Ingmann

  25. SHOP AROUND by The Miracles

  26. HIT THE ROAD JACK by Ray Charles

  27. MOODY RIVER by Pat Boone

  28. TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY by Bobby Vee

  29. ANGEL BABY by Rosie and the Originals

  30. WOODEN HEART by Joe Dowell

  31. WHEELS by The String-A-Longs

  32. A THOUSAND STARS by Kathy Young & the Innocents

  33. BRISTOL STOMP by The Dovells

  34. ON THE REBOUND by Floyd Cramer

  35. I LIKE IT LIKE THAT by Chris Kenner

  36. WHERE THE BOYS ARE by Connie Francis

  37. SAILOR (YOUR HOME IS THE SEA) by Lolita

  38. LAST NIGHT by The Mar-Keys

  39. RUNAROUND SUE by Dion

  40. CALENDAR GIRL by Neil Sedaka

  41. DUM DUM by Brenda Lee

  42. RUBBER BALL by Bobby Vee

  43. HELLO MARY LOU by Ricky Nelson

  44. DADDY’S HOME by Shep and the Limelites

  45. HATS OFF TO LARRY by Del Shannon

  46. EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART by the Pips

  47. HE WILL BREAK YOUR HEART by Jerry Butler

  48. YELLOW BIRD by Arthur Lyman

  49. STAND BY ME by Ben E. King

  50. TAKE GOOD CARE OF HER by Adam Wade

  51. (I DON’T KNOW WHY) BUT I DO by Clarence “Frogman” Henry

  52. YOU’RE SIXTEEN by Johnny Burnette

  53. I’VE TOLD EVERY LITTLE STAR by Linda Scott

  54. THIS TIME by Troy Shondell

  55. MY TRUE STORY by The Jive Five

  56. WINGS OF A DOVE by Ferlin Husky

  57. BIG BAD JOHN by Jimmy Dean

  58. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’VE GOT (UNTIL YOU LOSE IT) by Ral Donner

  59. THERE’S A MOON OUT TONIGHT by The Capris

  60. MANY TEARS AGO by Connie Francis

  61. CORINNA, CORINNA by Ray Peterson

  62. YOU CAN DEPEND ON ME by Brenda Lee

  63. LITTLE SISTER by Elvis Presley

  64. MEXICO by Bob Moore

  65. MAMA SAID by The Shirelles

  66. TOGETHER by Connie Francis

  67. LET’S GET TOGETHER by Hayley Mills

  68. THE WRITING ON THE WALL by Adam Wade

  69. THE MOUNTAIN’S HIGH by Dick and Dee Dee

  70. SAD MOVIES (MAKE ME CRY) by Sue Thompson

  71. HURT by Timi Yuro

  72. BABY SITTIN’ BOOGIE by Buzz Clifford

  73. WALK RIGHT BACK by The Everly Brothers

  74. LET’S TWIST AGAIN by Chubby Checker

  75. YA YA by Lee Dorsey

  76. EMOTIONS by Brenda Lee

  77. I LOVE HOW YOU LOVE ME by The Paris Sisters

  78. DOES YOUR CHEWING GUM LOSE ITS FLAVOUR (ON THE BEDPOST OVERNIGHT?) by Lonnie Donegan

  79. BREAKIN’ IN A BRAND NEW BROKEN HEART by Connie Francis

  80. ONE MINT JULEP by Ray Charles

  81. PORTRAIT OF MY LOVE by Steve Lawrence

  82. SCHOOL IS OUT by Gary U.S. Bonds

  83. YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A BEAUTIFUL BABY by Bobby Darin

  84. EBONY EYES by The Everly Brothers

  85. THE FLY by Chubby Checker

  86. SPANISH HARLEM by Ben E. King

  87. GEE WHIZ (LOOK AT HIS EYES) by Carla Thomas

  88. SAN ANTONIO ROSE by Floyd Cramer

  89. THOSE OLDIES BUT GOODIES by Little Caesar & the Romans

  90. PLEASE LOVE ME FOREVER by Cathy Jean and the Roommates

  91. LONELY TEENAGER by Dion

  92. PRETTY LITTLE ANGEL EYES by Curtis Lee

  93. THINK TWICE by Brook Benton

  94. ASIA MINOR by Kokomo

  95. DON’T BET MONEY HONEY by Linda Scott

  96. WHO PUT THE BOMP (IN THE BOMP, BOMP, BOMP) by Barry Mann

  97. HELLO WALLS by Faron Young

  98. POETRY IN MOTION by Johnny Tillotson

  99. I FEEL SO BAD by Elvis Presley

  100. WITHOUT YOU by Johnny Tillotson

1962: The Twist Still Reigns

1962 showcased the enduring popularity of dance crazes like The Twist, while soul and pop continued to climb the charts. Instrumentals and novelty songs also found success, highlighting the diverse tastes of the era.

  1. THE TWIST by Chubby Checker

  2. I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU by Ray Charles

  3. PEPPERMINT TWIST by Joey Dee and the Starliters

  4. STRANGER ON THE SHORE by Acker Bilk

  5. ROSES ARE RED (MY LOVE) by Bobby Vinton

  6. MASHED POTATO TIME by Dee Dee Sharp

  7. JOHNNY ANGEL by Shelley Fabares

  8. THE STRIPPER by David Rose

  9. SOLDIER BOY by The Shirelles

  10. RAMBLIN’ ROSE by Nat King Cole

  11. SHERRY by The Four Seasons

  12. THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT by the Tokens

  13. THE LOCO-MOTION by Little Eva

  14. DUKE OF EARL by Gene Chandler

  15. HEY! BABY by Bruce Channel

  16. THE WANDERER by Dion

  17. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO by Neil Sedaka

  18. RUN TO HIM by Bobby Vee

  19. GOOD LUCK CHARM by Elvis Presley

  20. CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE by Elvis Presley

  21. WALK ON BY by Leroy Van Dyke

  22. MONSTER MASH by Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett

  23. SLOW TWISTIN’ by Chubby Checker & Dee Dee Sharp

  24. THE WAH-WATUSI by The Orlons

  25. SHEILA by Tommy Roe

  26. PALISADES PARK by Freddy Cannon

  27. MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW by Kenny Ball

  28. IT KEEPS RIGHT ON A-HURTIN’ by Johnny Tillotson

  29. NORMAN by Sue Thompson

  30. PATCHES by Dickey Lee

  31. BREAK IT TO ME GENTLY by Brenda Lee

  32. DON’T BREAK THE HEART THAT LOVES YOU by Connie Francis

  33. I KNOW (YOU DON’T LOVE ME NO MORE) by Barbara George

  34. SEALED WITH A KISS by Brian Hyland

  35. GREEN ONIONS by Booker T. & the M.G.’s

  36. WOLVERTON MOUNTAIN by Claude King

  37. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET SIXTEEN by Neil Sedaka

  38. LET ME IN by The Sensations

  39. DO YOU LOVE ME by The Contours

  40. PLEASE MR. POSTMAN by The Marvelettes

  41. WHEN I FALL IN LOVE by the Lettermen

  42. HE’S A REBEL by The Crystals

  43. GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD by James Darren

  44. SHE CRIED by Jay and the Americans

  45. DEAR LADY TWIST by Gary U.S. Bonds

  46. LET THERE BE DRUMS by Sandy Nelson

  47. CRYING IN THE RAIN by The Everly Brothers

  48. AHAB THE ARAB by Ray Stevens

  49. ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK A HEART by Gene Pitney

  50. YOU DON’T KNOW ME by Ray Charles

  51. BABY IT’S YOU by The Shirelles

  52. YOUNG WORLD by Ricky Nelson

  53. LOVE LETTERS by Ketty Lester

  54. ALLEY CAT by Bent Fabric

  55. A LITTLE BITTY TEAR by Burl Ives

  56. LET’S DANCE by Chris Montez

  57. SPEEDY GONZALES by Pat Boone

  58. SHE’S NOT YOU by Elvis Presley

  59. TWISTIN’ THE NIGHT AWAY by Sam Cooke

  60. JOHNNY GET ANGRY by Joanie Sommers

  61. LOVER PLEASE by Clyde McPhatter

  62. AL DI LÀ by Emilio Pericoli

  63. PLAYBOY by The Marvelettes

  64. THINGS by Bobby Darin

  65. LOVERS WHO WANDER by Dion

  66. ALL ALONE AM I by Brenda Lee

  67. PARTY LIGHTS by Claudine Clark

  68. COTTON FIELDS by the Highwaymen

  69. THE ONE WHO REALLY LOVES YOU by Mary Wells

  70. SHOUT by Joey Dee and the Starliters

  71. WHAT’S YOUR NAME by Don and Juan

  72. (THE MAN WHO SHOT) LIBERTY VALANCE by Gene Pitney

  73. EVERYBODY LOVES ME BUT YOU by Brenda Lee

  74. OLD RIVERS by Walter Brennan

  75. VENUS IN BLUE JEANS by Jimmy Clanton

  76. THEME FROM DR. KILDARE (THREE STARS WILL SHINE TONIGHT) by Richard Chamberlain

  77. DREAM BABY (HOW LONG MUST I DREAM) by Roy Orbison

  78. UNCHAIN MY HEART by Ray Charles

  79. MOON RIVER by Henry Mancini

  80. SHOUT! SHOUT! (KNOCK YOURSELF OUT) by Ernie Maresca

  81. TWIST, TWIST, SEÑORA by Gary U.S. Bonds

  82. PT-109 by Jimmy Dean

  83. TEEN AGE IDOL by Rick Nelson

  84. I REMEMBER YOU by Frank Ifield

  85. SNAP YOUR FINGERS by Joe Henderson

  86. GINA by Johnny Mathis

  87. WHEN THE BOY IN YOUR ARMS (IS THE BOY IN YOUR HEART) by Connie Francis

  88. YOU BELONG TO ME by The Duprees

  89. GRAVY (FOR MY MASHED POTATOES) by Dee Dee Sharp

  90. HER ROYAL MAJESTY by James Darren

  91. YOU BEAT ME TO THE PUNCH by Mary Wells

  92. LOVE ME WARM AND TENDER by Paul Anka

  93. POPEYE THE HITCHHIKER by Chubby Checker

  94. YOU’LL LOSE A GOOD THING by Barbara Lynn

  95. TOWN WITHOUT PITY by Gene Pitney

  96. SURFIN’ SAFARI by The Beach Boys

  97. CINDY’S BIRTHDAY by Johnny Crawford

  98. LIMBO ROCK by Chubby Checker

  99. BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY by The Four Seasons

  100. NEXT DOOR TO AN ANGEL by Neil Sedaka

1963: Surf Rock and Girl Groups Take Center Stage

1963 witnessed the explosion of surf rock and the continued dominance of girl groups. Themes of youthful romance and carefree fun resonated, while folk music also began to make its presence felt.

  1. GO AWAY LITTLE GIRL by Steve Lawrence

  2. HE’S SO FINE by The Chiffons

  3. BLUE VELVET by Bobby Vinton

  4. HEY PAULA by Paul & Paula

  5. MY BOYFRIEND’S BACK by The Angels

  6. FINGERTIPS by Little Stevie Wonder

  7. RHYTHM OF THE RAIN by The Cascades

  8. SUGAR SHACK by The Fireballs

  9. SUKIYAKI by Kyu Sakamoto

  10. THE END OF THE WORLD by Skeeter Davis

  11. TELSTAR by the Tornados

  12. WALK LIKE A MAN by The Four Seasons

  13. I WILL FOLLOW HIM by Little Peggy March

  14. SURF CITY by Jan & Dean

  15. SURFIN’ U.S.A. by The Beach Boys

  16. SO MUCH IN LOVE by The Tymes

  17. IT’S MY PARTY by Lesley Gore

  18. WALK RIGHT IN by The Rooftop Singers

  19. PUFF, THE MAGIC DRAGON by Peter, Paul & Mary

  20. LIMBO ROCK by Chubby Checker

  21. CAN’T GET USED TO LOSING YOU by Andy Williams

  22. YOU’RE THE REASON I’M LIVING by Bobby Darin

  23. EASIER SAID THAN DONE by The Essex

  24. IF YOU WANNA BE HAPPY by Jimmy Soul

  25. BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND by Peter, Paul & Mary

  26. OUR DAY WILL COME by Ruby & the Romantics

  27. BE MY BABY by The Ronettes

  28. RUBY BABY by Dion

  29. WIPE OUT by The Surfaris

  30. THE NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES by Bobby Vee

  31. HEAT WAVE by Martha & the Vandellas

  32. YOU CAN’T SIT DOWN by The Dovells

  33. BOBBY’S GIRL by Marcie Blane

  34. BUSTED by Ray Charles

  35. BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY by The Four Seasons

  36. CANDY GIRL by The Four Seasons

  37. IF I HAD A HAMMER by Trini Lopez

  38. DEEP PURPLE by Nino Tempo & April Stevens

  39. BLUE ON BLUE by Bobby Vinton

  40. PIPELINE by The Chantays

  41. SURFER GIRL by The Beach Boys

  42. CRY BABY by Garnet Mimms & and the Enchanters

  43. SOUTH STREET by The Orlons

  44. RETURN TO SENDER by Elvis Presley

  45. I LOVE YOU BECAUSE by Al Martino

  46. MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE by Lonnie Mack

  47. DA DOO RON RON by The Crystals

  48. BLAME IT ON THE BOSSA NOVA by Eydie Gormé

  49. WASHINGTON SQUARE by The Village Stompers

  50. HELLO STRANGER by Barbara Lewis

  51. HELLO MUDDAH, HELLO FADDAH! (A LETTER FROM CAMP) by Allan Sherman

  52. MEAN WOMAN BLUES by Roy Orbison

  53. TELL HIM by The Exciters

  54. SALLY GO ‘ROUND THE ROSES by The Jaynetts

  55. UP ON THE ROOF by The Drifters

  56. (YOU’RE THE) DEVIL IN DISGUISE by Elvis Presley

  57. IN DREAMS by Roy Orbison

  58. HOTEL HAPPINESS by Brook Benton

  59. BABY WORKOUT by Jackie Wilson

  60. TWO FACES HAVE I by Lou Christie

  61. TIE ME KANGAROO DOWN, SPORT by Rolf Harris

  62. JUDY’S TURN TO CRY by Lesley Gore

  63. STILL by Bill Anderson

  64. MY DAD by Paul Petersen

  65. FOOLISH LITTLE GIRL by The Shirelles

  66. TWO LOVERS by Mary Wells

  67. THEN HE KISSED ME by The Crystals

  68. LOSING YOU by Brenda Lee

  69. WILD WEEKEND by The Rebels

  70. THOSE LAZY-HAZY-CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER by Nat King Cole

  71. WHAT WILL MY MARY SAY by Johnny Mathis

  72. YOU’VE REALLY GOT A HOLD ON ME by The Miracles

  73. I CAN’T STAY MAD AT YOU by Skeeter Davis

  74. MOCKINGBIRD by Inez & Charlie Foxx

  75. IT’S ALL RIGHT by The Impressions

  76. THE MONKEY TIME by Major Lance

  77. DONNA THE PRIMA DONNA by Dion DiMucci

  78. THE LONELY BULL (EL SOLO TORO) by the Tijuana Brass featuring Herb Alpert

  79. ONE FINE DAY by The Chiffons

  80. FROM A JACK TO A KING by Ned Miller

  81. OUR WINTER LOVE by Bill Pursell

  82. RELEASE ME by Esther Phillips “Little Esther”

  83. LOOP DE LOOP by Johnny Thunder

  84. MARIA ELENA by Los Indios Tabajaras

  85. IT’S UP TO YOU by Rick Nelson

  86. MORE by Kai Winding

  87. DENISE by Randy & the Rainbows

  88. I’M LEAVING IT UP TO YOU by Dale & Grace

  89. DON’T SAY NOTHIN’ BAD (ABOUT MY BABY) by The Cookies

  90. ZIP-A-DEE DOO-DAH by Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans

  91. FOOLS RUSH IN by Rick Nelson

  92. DON’T HANG UP by The Orlons

  93. MICKEY’S MONKEY by The Miracles

  94. YOUNG LOVERS by Paul & Paula

  95. YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE by Ray Charles

  96. PRIDE AND JOY by Marvin Gaye

  97. WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! by The Tymes

  98. REVEREND MR. BLACK by The Kingston Trio

  99. TAKE THESE CHAINS FROM MY HEART by Ray Charles

  100. PEPINO, THE ITALIAN MOUSE by Lou Monte

1964: The British Invasion Arrives

1964 marked a pivotal moment with the arrival of the British Invasion. The Beatles led the charge, transforming popular music and culture, while American artists adapted and evolved alongside the new sounds.

  1. HELLO, DOLLY! by Louis Armstrong

  2. I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND by The Beatles

  3. SHE LOVES YOU by The Beatles

  4. I GET AROUND by The Beach Boys

  5. OH, PRETTY WOMAN by Roy Orbison

  6. A HARD DAY’S NIGHT by The Beatles

  7. EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY by Dean Martin

  8. MY GUY by Mary Wells

  9. LOUIE LOUIE by The Kingsmen

  10. WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO by The Supremes

  11. DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY by Manfred Mann

  12. THERE! I’VE SAID IT AGAIN by Bobby Vinton

  13. RAG DOLL by The Four Seasons

  14. CHAPEL OF LOVE by The Dixie Cups

  15. WE’LL SING IN THE SUNSHINE by Gale Garnett

  16. LOVE ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART (CUANDO CALIENTA EL SOL) by The Ray Charles Singers

  17. BREAD AND BUTTER by The Newbeats

  18. LOVE ME DO by The Beatles

  19. A WORLD WITHOUT LOVE by Peter and Gordon

  20. LAST KISS by J. Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers

  21. DAWN (GO AWAY) by The Four Seasons

  22. DANCING IN THE STREET by Martha and the Vandellas

  23. JAVA by Al Hirt

  24. THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN by The Animals

  25. CAN’T BUY ME LOVE by The Beatles

  26. UNDER THE BOARDWALK by The Drifters

  27. TWIST AND SHOUT by The Beatles

  28. PEOPLE by Barbra Streisand

  29. POPSICLES AND ICICLES by the Murmaids

  30. DOMINIQUE by the Singing Nun

  31. SUSPICION by Terry Stafford

  32. FORGET HIM by Bobby Rydell

  33. PLEASE PLEASE ME by The Beatles

  34. MEMPHIS by Johnny Rivers

  35. LITTLE CHILDREN by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas

  36. YOU DON’T OWN ME by Lesley Gore

  37. GLAD ALL OVER by The Dave Clark Five

  38. HEY LITTLE COBRA by The Rip Chords

  39. SINCE I FELL FOR YOU by Lenny Welch

  40. DON’T LET THE RAIN COME DOWN (CROOKED LITTLE MAN) by The Serendipity Singers

  41. BABY LOVE by The Supremes

  42. THE LITTLE OLD LADY FROM PASADENA by Jan and Dean

  43. UM, UM, UM, UM, UM, UM by Major Lance

  44. BITS AND PIECES by The Dave Clark Five

  45. REMEMBER (WALKING IN THE SAND) by The Shangri-Las

  46. SURFIN’ BIRD by The Trashmen

  47. WISHIN’ AND HOPIN’ by Dusty Springfield

  48. DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET by The Beatles

  49. G.T.O. by Ronny & the Daytonas

  50. DEAD MAN’S CURVE by Jan and Dean

  51. WALK ON BY by Dionne Warwick

  52. MY BOY LOLLIPOP by Millie Small

  53. LET IT BE ME by Betty Everett & Jerry Butler

  54. OUT OF LIMITS by The Marketts

  55. BECAUSE by The Dave Clark Five

  56. DON’T LET THE SUN CATCH YOU CRYING by Gerry and the Pacemakers

  57. IT HURTS TO BE IN LOVE by Gene Pitney

  58. THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA by Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto

  59. C’MON AND SWIM by Bobby Freeman

  60. THE SHOOP SHOOP SONG (IT’S IN HIS KISS) by Betty Everett

  61. CAN’T YOU SEE THAT SHE’S MINE by The Dave Clark Five

  62. FUN, FUN, FUN by The Beach Boys

  63. HAVE I THE RIGHT? by The Honeycombs

  64. CALIFORNIA SUN by the Rivieras

  65. NAVY BLUE by Diane Renay

  66. COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER (#3*) by Jay and the Americans

  67. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A BABY TO CRY by the Caravelles

  68. FOR YOU by Rick Nelson

  69. A SUMMER SONG by Chad & Jeremy

  70. BABY I NEED YOUR LOVING by the Four Tops

  71. RONNIE by The Four Seasons

  72. THE NITTY GRITTY by Shirley Ellis

  73. TALK BACK TREMBLING LIPS by Johnny Tillotson

  74. ANYONE WHO HAD A HEART by Dionne Warwick

  75. (JUST LIKE) ROMEO AND JULIET by The Reflections

  76. IT’S OVER by Roy Orbison

  77. LEADER OF THE PACK by The Shangri-Las

  78. DANG ME by Roger Miller

  79. KEEP ON PUSHING by The Impressions

  80. WHITE ON WHITE by Danny Williams

  81. LITTLE HONDA by The Hondells

  82. DRIP DROP by Dion DiMucci

  83. THE DOOR IS STILL OPEN TO MY HEART by Dean Martin

  84. QUICKSAND by Martha and the Vandellas

  85. DRAG CITY by Jan and Dean

  86. THE WAY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO by The Temptations

  87. WHEN I GROW UP (TO BE A MAN) by The Beach Boys

  88. I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY by Al Martino

  89. CHUG-A-LUG by Roger Miller

  90. MIDNIGHT MARY by Joey Powers

  91. AS USUAL by Brenda Lee

  92. SEE THE FUNNY LITTLE CLOWN by Bobby Goldsboro

  93. BAD TO ME by Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas

  94. MY HEART BELONGS TO ONLY YOU by Bobby Vinton

  95. HOW DO YOU DO IT? by Gerry and the Pacemakers

  96. STOP AND THINK IT OVER by Dale and Grace

  97. HAUNTED HOUSE by Jumpin’ Gene Simmons

  98. WALK, DON’T RUN ’64 by The Ventures

  99. I WANNA LOVE HIM SO BAD by The Jelly Beans

  100. NEEDLES AND PINS by The Searchers

1965: Rock and Soul Solidify Their Reign

1965 saw rock and roll mature and diversify, with folk-rock and soul gaining prominence. The British Invasion continued to influence trends, while American artists pushed musical boundaries further.

  1. YOU’VE LOST THAT LOVIN’ FEELIN’ by The Righteous Brothers

  2. WOOLY BULLY by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs

  3. MRS. BROWN, YOU’VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER by Herman’s Hermits

  4. I CAN’T HELP MYSELF (SUGAR PIE HONEY BUNCH) by Four Tops

  5. DOWNTOWN by Petula Clark

  6. (I CAN’T GET NO) SATISFACTION by The Rolling Stones

  7. COME SEE ABOUT ME by the Supremes

  8. I FEEL FINE by The Beatles

  9. MY GIRL by The Temptations

  10. HELP! by The Beatles

  11. THIS DIAMOND RING by Gary Lewis & the Playboys

  12. YOU WERE ON MY MIND by We Five

  13. STOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE by The Supremes

  14. HANG ON SLOOPY by The McCoys

  15. KING OF THE ROAD by Roger Miller

  16. MR. LONELY by Bobby Vinton

  17. HELP ME, RHONDA by The Beach Boys

  18. THE ‘IN’ CROWD by Ramsey Lewis Trio

  19. CRYING IN THE CHAPEL by Elvis Presley

  20. THE BIRDS AND THE BEES by Jewel Akens

  21. I GOT YOU BABE by Sonny & Cher

  22. LOVE POTION NO. 9 by The Searchers

  23. MR. TAMBOURINE MAN by The Byrds

  24. YESTERDAY by The Beatles

  25. EVE OF DESTRUCTION by Barry McGuire

  26. CAN’T YOU HEAR MY HEART BEAT by Herman’s Hermits

  27. TICKET TO RIDE by The Beatles

  28. I’LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU by The Seekers

  29. SHOTGUN by Junior Walker & the All Stars

  30. UNCHAINED MELODY by The Righteous Brothers

  31. GOIN’ OUT OF MY HEAD by Little Anthony & the Imperials

  32. A LOVER’S CONCERTO by The Toys

  33. CARA MIA by Jay and the Americans

  34. GAME OF LOVE by Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders

  35. BACK IN MY ARMS AGAIN by The Supremes

  36. SILHOUETTES by Herman’s Hermits

  37. I’M HENRY THE EIGHTH, I AM by Herman’s Hermits

  38. WHAT’S NEW PUSSYCAT? by Tom Jones

  39. THE NAME GAME by Shirley Ellis

  40. EIGHT DAYS A WEEK by The Beatles

  41. YES, I’M READY by Barbara Mason

  42. THE JERK by The Larks

  43. TREAT HER RIGHT by Roy Head

  44. I KNOW A PLACE by Petula Clark

  45. THE JOLLY GREEN GIANT by The Kingsmen

  46. KEEP ON DANCING by The Gentrys

  47. GET OFF OF MY CLOUD by The Rolling Stones

  48. CALIFORNIA GIRLS by The Beach Boys

  49. I’M TELLING YOU NOW by Freddie and the Dreamers

  50. COUNT ME IN by Gary Lewis & the Playboys

  51. LIKE A ROLLING STONE by Bob Dylan

  52. WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE by Jackie DeShannon

  53. THE SEVENTH SON by Johnny Rivers

  54. FERRY CROSS THE MERSEY by Gerry and the Pacemakers

  55. SAVE YOUR HEART FOR ME by Gary Lewis & the Playboys

  56. WONDERFUL WORLD by Herman’s Hermits

  57. SHE’S NOT THERE by the Zombies

  58. HOLD ME, THRILL ME, KISS ME by Mel Carter

  59. JUST ONCE IN MY LIFE by The Righteous Brothers

  60. YOU’RE THE ONE by The Vogues

  61. KEEP SEARCHIN’ (WE’LL FOLLOW THE SUN) by Del Shannon

  62. HOW SWEET IT IS (TO BE LOVED BY YOU) by Marvin Gaye

  63. EVERYBODY LOVES A CLOWN by Gary Lewis and the Playboys

  64. CATCH US IF YOU CAN by The Dave Clark Five

  65. FOR YOUR LOVE by The Yardbirds

  66. IT’S THE SAME OLD SONG by Four Tops

  67. RED ROSES FOR A BLUE LADY by Bert Kaempfert

  68. CAST YOUR FATE TO THE WIND by Sounds Orchestral

  69. GOLDFINGER by Shirley Bassey

  70. TIRED OF WAITING FOR YOU by The Kinks

  71. ALL DAY AND ALL OF THE NIGHT by The Kinks

  72. SHE’S A WOMAN by The Beatles

  73. YOU TURN ME ON by Ian Whitcomb

  74. SHA LA LA by Manfred Mann

  75. PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG by James Brown

  76. 1-2-3 by Len Barry

  77. HOLD WHAT YOU’VE GOT by Joe Tex

  78. RINGO by Lorne Greene

  79. SHAKE by Sam Cooke

  80. TELL HER NO by The Zombies

  81. JUST A LITTLE by The Beau Brummels

  82. BABY DON’T GO by Sonny & Cher

  83. DOWN IN THE BOONDOCKS by Billy Joe Royal

  84. IT’S NOT UNUSUAL by Tom Jones

  85. I GO TO PIECES by Peter and Gordon

  86. NOWHERE TO RUN by Martha and the Vandellas

  87. IT AIN’T ME BABE by The Turtles

  88. DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC by The Lovin’ Spoonful

  89. I’LL BE DOGGONE by Marvin Gaye

  90. HUSH, HUSH, SWEET CHARLOTTE by Patti Page

  91. BABY, I’M YOURS by Barbara Lewis

  92. BABY THE RAIN MUST FALL by Glenn Yarbrough

  93. YOU’VE GOT YOUR TROUBLES by The Fortunes

  94. DON’T JUST STAND THERE by Patty Duke

  95. A TASTE OF HONEY by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

  96. HEART FULL OF SOUL by The Yardbirds

  97. LIAR, LIAR by the Castaways

  98. AMEN by the Impressions

  99. RESCUE ME by Fontella Bass

  100. GO NOW by The Moody Blues

1966: Soul, Folk Rock, and Garage Rock Explode

1966 saw music continue to diversify further. Soul reached new heights of sophistication, folk-rock became a dominant force, and garage rock brought raw energy to the airwaves.

  1. BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS by SSgt. Barry Sadler

  2. 96 TEARS by ? and the Mysterians

  3. (YOU’RE MY) SOUL AND INSPIRATION by The Righteous Brothers

  4. WE CAN WORK IT OUT by The Beatles

  5. THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN’ by Nancy Sinatra

  6. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ by The Mamas & the Papas

  7. REACH OUT I’LL BE THERE by Four Tops

  8. YOU CAN’T HURRY LOVE by The Supremes

  9. LI’L RED RIDING HOOD by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs

  10. LAST TRAIN TO CLARKSVILLE by The Monkees

  11. CHERISH by The Association

  12. GOOD LOVIN’ by The Young Rascals

  13. STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT by Frank Sinatra

  14. MONDAY, MONDAY by The Mamas & the Papas

  15. KICKS by Paul Revere & the Raiders

  16. SUNSHINE SUPERMAN by Donovan

  17. SUMMER IN THE CITY by The Lovin’ Spoonful

  18. THE SOUND OF SILENCE by Simon & Garfunkel

  19. SUNNY by Bobby Hebb

  20. WILD THING by The Troggs

  21. FIVE O’CLOCK WORLD by The Vogues

  22. PAINT IT, BLACK by The Rolling Stones

  23. PAPERBACK WRITER by The Beatles

  24. WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN by Percy Sledge

  25. HANKY PANKY by Tommy James and the Shondells

  26. DAYDREAM by The Lovin’ Spoonful

  27. SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER by The Happenings

  28. A GROOVY KIND OF LOVE by The Mindbenders

  29. 19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN by The Rolling Stones

  30. LIGHTNIN’ STRIKES by Lou Christie

  31. RED RUBBER BALL by The Cyrkle

  32. NOWHERE MAN by The Beatles

  33. NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE (YOUR STOMACH’S IN) by The T-Bones

  34. I AM A ROCK by Simon & Garfunkel

  35. YOU DON’T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME by Dusty Springfield

  36. WHAT BECOMES OF THE BROKENHEARTED by Jimmy Ruffin

  37. MY LOVE by Petula Clark

  38. SHE’S JUST MY STYLE by Gary Lewis & The Playboys

  39. DID YOU EVER HAVE TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND? by The Lovin’ Spoonful

  40. POOR SIDE OF TOWN by Johnny Rivers

  41. SECRET AGENT MAN by Johnny Rivers

  42. BANG BANG (MY BABY SHOT ME DOWN) by Cher

  43. OVER AND OVER by The Dave Clark Five

  44. TIME WON’T LET ME by The Outsiders

  45. SLOOP JOHN B by The Beach Boys

  46. I GOT YOU (I FEEL GOOD) by James Brown

  47. I’M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY by B. J. Thomas

  48. TURN! TURN! TURN! (TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON) by The Byrds

  49. YELLOW SUBMARINE by The Beatles

  50. RAINY DAY WOMEN by Bob Dylan

  51. COOL JERK by The Capitols

  52. WALK AWAY RENÉE by The Left Banke

  53. HOMEWARD BOUND by Simon & Garfunkel

  54. BORN A WOMAN by Sandy Posey

  55. LET’S HANG ON! by The Four Seasons

  56. THE PIED PIPER by Crispian St. Peters

  57. ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY by Bob Lind

  58. UPTIGHT (EVERYTHING’S ALRIGHT) by Stevie Wonder

  59. BUS STOP by The Hollies

  60. SWEET PEA by Tommy Roe

  61. BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP by The Temptations

  62. BARBARA ANN by The Beach Boys

  63. IF I WERE A CARPENTER by Bobby Darin

  64. CRYING TIME by Ray Charles

  65. HOORAY FOR HAZEL by Tommy Roe

  66. BAREFOOTIN’ by Robert Parker

  67. EBB TIDE by The Righteous Brothers

  68. MY WORLD IS EMPTY WITHOUT YOU by The Supremes

  69. JUST LIKE ME by Paul Revere & the Raiders

  70. I SAW HER AGAIN by The Mamas & the Papas

  71. FLOWERS ON THE WALL by the Statler Brothers

  72. BLACK IS BLACK by Los Bravos

  73. CHERRY, CHERRY by Neil Diamond

  74. LISTEN PEOPLE by Herman’s Hermits

  75. PSYCHOTIC REACTION by Count Five

  76. FEVER by The McCoys

  77. DANDY by Herman’s Hermits

  78. LAND OF 1000 DANCES by Wilson Pickett

  79. DON’T MESS WITH BILL by The Marvelettes

  80. GLORIA by The Shadows of Knight

  81. HUNGRY by Paul Revere & the Raiders

  82. OH HOW HAPPY by The Shades of Blue

  83. SOMEWHERE MY LOVE by Ray Conniff Singers

  84. WORKING IN THE COAL MINE by Lee Dorsey

  85. DAY TRIPPER by The Beatles

  86. A MUST TO AVOID by Herman’s Hermits

  87. THE MEN IN MY LITTLE GIRL’S LIFE by Mike Douglas

  88. GUANTANAMERA by The Sandpipers

  89. AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG by The Temptations

  90. MOTHER’S LITTLE HELPER by The Rolling Stones

  91. MESSAGE TO MICHAEL by Dionne Warwick

  92. MAKE THE WORLD GO AWAY by Eddy Arnold

  93. WOULDN’T IT BE NICE by The Beach Boys

  94. IT’S A MAN’S MAN’S MAN’S WORLD by James Brown

  95. GREEN GRASS by Gary Lewis & The Playboys

  96. SWEET TALKIN’ GUY by the Chiffons

  97. I FOUGHT THE LAW by Bobby Fuller Four

  98. I’VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN by The Four Seasons

  99. YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO BE SO NICE by The Lovin’ Spoonful

  100. THE DUCK by Jackie Lee

1967: The Summer of Love and Psychedelia

1967, the Summer of Love, saw psychedelia bloom fully in popular music. Themes of peace, love, and social change permeated lyrics, while musical experimentation reached new heights.

  1. I’M A BELIEVER by The Monkees

  2. LIGHT MY FIRE by The Doors

  3. WINDY by The Association

  4. ODE TO BILLIE JOE by Bobbie Gentry

  5. CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU by Frankie Valli

  6. HAPPY TOGETHER by The Turtles

  7. THE LETTER by The Box Tops

  8. LITTLE BIT O’ SOUL by The Music Explosion

  9. SOMETHIN’ STUPID by Frank & Nancy Sinatra

  10. GROOVIN’ by The Young Rascals

  11. SNOOPY VS. THE RED BARON by The Royal Guardsmen

  12. NEVER MY LOVE by The Association

  13. COME BACK WHEN YOU GROW UP by Bobby Vee

  14. TELL IT LIKE IT IS by Aaron Neville

  15. I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER by Stevie Wonder

  16. RESPECT by Aretha Franklin

  17. I THINK WE’RE ALONE NOW by Tommy James and the Shondells

  18. GEORGY GIRL by The Seekers

  19. TO SIR WITH LOVE by Lulu

  20. SWEET SOUL MUSIC by Arthur Conley

  21. KIND OF A DRAG by The Buckinghams

  22. WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL by The New Vaudeville Band

  23. RUBY TUESDAY by The Rolling Stones

  24. APPLES, PEACHES, PUMPKIN PIE by Jay & the Techniques

  25. LOVE IS HERE AND NOW YOU’RE GONE by The Supremes

  26. A WHITER SHADE OF PALE by Procol Harum

  27. REFLECTIONS by The Supremes

  28. A LITTLE BIT ME, A LITTLE BIT YOU by The Monkees

  29. ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE by The Beatles

  30. THE HAPPENING by The Supremes

  31. COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT by Every Mother’s Son

  32. DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE by The Mamas & the Papas

  33. SUGAR TOWN by Nancy Sinatra

  34. SAN FRANCISCO (BE SURE TO WEAR FLOWERS IN YOUR HAIR) by Scott McKenzie

  35. RELEASE ME (AND LET ME LOVE AGAIN) by Engelbert Humperdinck

  36. SOUL MAN by Sam & Dave

  37. EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR HEART by The Soul Survivors

  38. GOOD THING by Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay

  39. THAT’S LIFE by Frank Sinatra

  40. MELLOW YELLOW by Donovan

  41. I GOT RHYTHM by The Happenings

  42. THIS IS MY SONG by Petula Clark

  43. BABY I LOVE YOU by Aretha Franklin

  44. (WE AIN’T GOT) NOTHIN’ YET by Blues Magoos

  45. PENNY LANE by The Beatles

  46. YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

  47. BABY I NEED YOUR LOVIN’ by Johnny Rivers

  48. THEN YOU CAN TELL ME GOODBYE by The Casinos

  49. FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH (STOP, HEY WHAT’S THAT SOUND) by Buffalo Springfield

  50. IT MUST BE HIM by Vikki Carr

  51. THERE’S A KIND OF HUSH by Herman’s Hermits

  52. DEVIL WITH A BLUE DRESS ON/GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY by Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels

  53. WORDS OF LOVE by The Mamas & the Papas

  54. HOW CAN I BE SURE by The Young Rascals

  55. DON’T YOU CARE by The Buckinghams

  56. GIMME LITTLE SIGN by Brenton Wood

  57. PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY by The Monkees

  58. (YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME) HIGHER AND HIGHER by Jackie Wilson

  59. MERCY, MERCY, MERCY by The Buckinghams

  60. SOCK IT TO ME-BABY! by Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels

  61. UP, UP AND AWAY by The 5th Dimension

  62. STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE by Four Tops

  63. BERNADETTE by Four Tops

  64. YOU’RE MY EVERYTHING by The Temptations

  65. JIMMY MACK by Martha and the Vandellas

  66. MY CUP RUNNETH OVER by Ed Ames

  67. SOMEBODY TO LOVE by Jefferson Airplane

  68. 98.6 by Keith

  69. GOOD VIBRATIONS by The Beach Boys

  70. WESTERN UNION by Five Americans

  71. I NEVER LOVED A MAN (THE WAY I LOVE YOU) by Aretha Franklin

  72. BROWN EYED GIRL by Van Morrison

  73. SHE’D RATHER BE WITH ME by The Turtles

  74. ON A CAROUSEL by The Hollies

  75. INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS by Strawberry Alarm Clock

  76. SILENCE IS GOLDEN by The Tremeloes

  77. FUNKY BROADWAY by Wilson Pickett

  78. CARRIE ANNE by The Hollies

  79. GET ON UP by The Esquires

  80. GIMME SOME LOVIN’ by The Spencer Davis Group

  81. COLD SWEAT by James Brown

  82. LITTLE OLE MAN (UPTIGHT, EVERYTHING’S ALRIGHT) by Bill Cosby

  83. THE BEAT GOES ON by Sonny & Cher

  84. HIM OR ME – WHAT’S IT GONNA BE by Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay

  85. CLOSE YOUR EYES by Peaches & Herb

  86. WHITE RABBIT by Jefferson Airplane

  87. LET’S LIVE FOR TODAY by The Grass Roots

  88. A NATURAL WOMAN (YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE) by Aretha Franklin

  89. YOU KEEP ME HANGIN’ ON by The Supremes

  90. PLEASE LOVE ME FOREVER by Bobby Vinton

  91. A GIRL LIKE YOU by The Young Rascals

  92. DON’T SLEEP IN THE SUBWAY by Petula Clark

  93. ALL I NEED by The Temptations

  94. (I KNOW) I’M LOSING YOU by The Temptations

  95. STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER by The Beatles

  96. YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES by the Dave Clark Five

  97. NASHVILLE CATS by The Lovin’ Spoonful

  98. I HAD TOO MUCH TO DREAM (LAST NIGHT) by The Electric Prunes

  99. MIRAGE by Tommy James and the Shondells

  100. TELL IT TO THE RAIN by the Four Seasons

1968: Transition and Turmoil Reflected in Music

1968 was a year of social and political upheaval, and this turbulence was mirrored in the music. While pop and soul continued to thrive, harder rock and more introspective singer-songwriters gained prominence.

  1. HEY JUDE by The Beatles

  2. LOVE IS BLUE by Paul Mauriat

  3. (SITTIN’ ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY by Otis Redding

  4. HONEY by Bobby Goldsboro

  5. PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE by The Rascals

  6. WOMAN, WOMAN by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

  7. JUDY IN DISGUISE (WITH GLASSES) by John Fred & His Playboy Band

  8. THIS GUY’S IN LOVE WITH YOU by Herb Alpert

  9. YOUNG GIRL by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

  10. HARPER VALLEY PTA by Jeannie C. Riley

  11. MRS. ROBINSON by Simon & Garfunkel

  12. TIGHTEN UP by Archie Bell & the Drells

  13. THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY by Hugo Montenegro

  14. HELLO, I LOVE YOU by The Doors

  15. DAYDREAM BELIEVER by The Monkees

  16. GREEN TAMBOURINE by The Lemon Pipers

  17. BEND ME, SHAPE ME by The American Breed

  18. CRY LIKE A BABY by The Box Tops

  19. LITTLE GREEN APPLES by O. C. Smith

  20. SPOOKY by Classics IV

  21. I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE by Gladys Knight & the Pips

  22. FIRE by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown

  23. STONED SOUL PICNIC by The 5th Dimension

  24. HELLO GOODBYE by The Beatles

  25. BORN TO BE WILD by Steppenwolf

  26. (SWEET SWEET BABY) SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE by Aretha Franklin

  27. THE HORSE by Cliff Nobles

  28. (THEME FROM) VALLEY OF THE DOLLS by Dionne Warwick

  29. MONY MONY by Tommy James and the Shondells

  30. I SECOND THAT EMOTION by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

  31. LADY WILLPOWER by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

  32. CHAIN OF FOOLS by Aretha Franklin

  33. LADY MADONNA by The Beatles

  34. I WISH IT WOULD RAIN by The Temptations

  35. GRAZING IN THE GRASS by Hugh Masekela

  36. A BEAUTIFUL MORNING by The Rascals

  37. JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH by The Rolling Stones

  38. LIGHT MY FIRE by José Feliciano

  39. MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS by The Grass Roots

  40. CLASSICAL GAS by Mason Williams

  41. LA-LA (MEANS I LOVE YOU) by The Delfonics

  42. SIMON SAYS by 1910 Fruitgum Company

  43. THE BALLAD OF BONNIE AND CLYDE by Georgie Fame

  44. TURN AROUND, LOOK AT ME by The Vogues

  45. YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY by Ohio Express

  46. GIRL WATCHER by The O’Kaysions

  47. COWBOYS TO GIRLS by The Intruders

  48. SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE by Cream

  49. THE LOOK OF LOVE by Sérgio Mendes

  50. DANCE TO THE MUSIC by Sly & the Family Stone

  51. MACARTHUR PARK by Richard Harris

  52. ANGEL OF THE MORNING by Merrilee Rush

  53. THOSE WERE THE DAYS by Mary Hopkin

  54. NOBODY BUT ME by The Human Beinz

  55. HURDY GURDY MAN by Donovan

  56. 1, 2, 3, RED LIGHT by 1910 Fruitgum Company

  57. I GOT THE FEELIN’ by James Brown

  58. I’VE GOTTA GET A MESSAGE TO YOU by The Bee Gees

  59. OVER YOU by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

  60. SLIP AWAY by Clarence Carter

  61. REVOLUTION by The Beatles

  62. REACH OUT OF THE DARKNESS by Friend & Lover

  63. THINK by Aretha Franklin

  64. DIFFERENT DRUM by the Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt

  65. VALLERI by The Monkees

  66. GOIN’ OUT OF MY HEAD/CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU by The Lettermen

  67. LOVE IS ALL AROUND by The Troggs

  68. YOU KEEP ME HANGIN’ ON by Vanilla Fudge

  69. BOOGALOO DOWN BROADWAY by the Fantastic Johnny C.

  70. BABY, NOW THAT I’VE FOUND YOU by The Foundations

  71. THE UNICORN by The Irish Rovers

  72. ELENORE by The Turtles

  73. THE FOOL ON THE HILL by Sérgio Mendes

  74. HOLD ME TIGHT by Johnny Nash

  75. AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

  76. BOTTLE OF WINE by The Fireballs

  77. HUSH by Deep Purple

  78. HERE COMES THE JUDGE by Shorty Long

  79. SUSAN by the Buckinghams

  80. JUST DROPPED IN (TO SEE WHAT CONDITION MY CONDITION WAS IN) by the First Edition

  81. STAY IN MY CORNER by The Dells

  82. YOU’RE ALL I NEED TO GET BY by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

  83. I WONDER WHAT SHE’S DOING TONIGHT by Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart

  84. WHITE ROOM by Cream

  85. TIME HAS COME TODAY by The Chambers Brothers

  86. I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER by Aretha Franklin

  87. SKINNY LEGS AND ALL by Joe Tex

  88. LOVE CHILD by The Supremes

  89. THE MIGHTY QUINN by Manfred Mann

  90. TAKE TIME TO KNOW HER by Percy Sledge

  91. THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT by Aretha Franklin

  92. SAY IT LOUD – I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD by James Brown

  93. IF YOU CAN WANT by The Miracles

  94. INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS by Strawberry Alarm Clock

  95. INDIAN LAKE by The Cowsills

  96. I THANK YOU by Sam and Dave

  97. SUZIE Q. by Creedence Clearwater Revival

  98. THE RAIN, THE PARK & OTHER THINGS by The Cowsills

  99. MY SPECIAL ANGEL by the Vogues

  100. YOU BETTER SIT DOWN KIDS by Cher

1969: The Decade Closes with Diverse Sounds

1969, the final year of the decade, showcased a musical landscape brimming with diversity. From bubblegum pop to hard rock, soul, and country-rock, the charts reflected the decade’s eclectic journey.

  1. SUGAR, SUGAR by The Archies

  2. AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN by The 5th Dimension

  3. CRIMSON AND CLOVER by Tommy James and the Shondells

  4. HONKY TONK WOMEN by The Rolling Stones

  5. GET BACK by The Beatles with Billy Preston

  6. I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE by Marvin Gaye

  7. I CAN’T GET NEXT TO YOU by The Temptations

  8. EVERYDAY PEOPLE by Sly & the Family Stone

  9. DIZZY by Tommy Roe

  10. CRYSTAL BLUE PERSUASION by Tommy James and the Shondells

  11. HAIR by The Cowsills

  12. BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP by The Foundations

  13. LOVE THEME FROM “ROMEO AND JULIET” by Henry Mancini

  14. IN THE YEAR 2525 by Zager & Evans

  15. I’M GONNA MAKE YOU LOVE ME by The Supremes & The Temptations

  16. SPINNING WHEEL by Blood, Sweat & Tears

  17. IT’S YOUR THING by The Isley Brothers

  18. A BOY NAMED SUE by Johnny Cash

  19. PROUD MARY by Creedence Clearwater Revival

  20. BAD MOON RISING by Creedence Clearwater Revival

  21. GREEN RIVER by Creedence Clearwater Revival

  22. TOUCH ME by The Doors

  23. ONE by Three Dog Night

  24. HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME by Sly & the Family Stone

  25. JEAN by Oliver

  26. I’LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN by Tom Jones

  27. TOO BUSY THINKING ABOUT MY BABY by Marvin Gaye

  28. SWEET CAROLINE by Neil Diamond

  29. EASY TO BE HARD by Three Dog Night

  30. YOU’VE MADE ME SO VERY HAPPY by Blood, Sweat & Tears

  31. GET TOGETHER by The Youngbloods

  32. SUSPICIOUS MINDS by Elvis Presley

  33. LOVE (CAN MAKE YOU HAPPY) by Mercy

  34. LITTLE WOMAN by Bobby Sherman

  35. GOOD MORNING STARSHINE by Oliver

  36. WHAT DOES IT TAKE (TO WIN YOUR LOVE) by Jr. Walker & The All Stars

  37. WITCHITA LINEMAN by Glen Campbell

  38. IN THE GHETTO by Elvis Presley

  39. SOULFUL STRUT by Young-Holt Unlimited

  40. HOOKED ON A FEELING by B.J. Thomas

  41. GRAZING IN THE GRASS by The Friends of Distinction

  42. ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE by Jerry Butler

  43. TIME OF THE SEASON by The Zombies

  44. MY CHERIE AMOUR by Stevie Wonder

  45. FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE by Stevie Wonder

  46. GALVESTON by Glen Campbell

  47. THESE EYES by The Guess Who

  48. WEDDING BELL BLUES by The 5th Dimension

  49. TRACES by Classics IV

  50. THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN by Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge

  51. RUNAWAY CHILD, RUNNING WILD by The Temptations

  52. LOVE CHILD by The Supremes

  53. CAN I CHANGE MY MIND by Tyrone Davis

  54. BABY IT’S YOU by Smith

  55. PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART by Jackie DeShannon

  56. INDIAN GIVER by 1910 Fruitgum Company

  57. ATLANTIS by Donovan

  58. THIS GIRL’S IN LOVE WITH YOU by Dionne Warwick

  59. BABY, I LOVE YOU by Andy Kim

  60. LAY LADY LAY by Bob Dylan

  61. SOMETHING by The Beatles

  62. THIS MAGIC MOMENT by Jay and the Americans

  63. COME TOGETHER by The Beatles

  64. BABY, BABY DON’T CRY by The Miracles

  65. CLOUD NINE by The Temptations

  66. GITARZAN by Ray Stevens

  67. THE BOXER by Simon & Garfunkel

  68. MOTHER POPCORN by James Brown

  69. I LOVE HOW YOU LOVE ME by Bobby Vinton

  70. COLOR HIM FATHER by The Winstons

  71. OH HAPPY DAY by Edwin Hawkins Singers

  72. TIME IS TIGHT by Booker T & the M.G.’s

  73. STORMY by the Classics IV featuring Dennis Yost

  74. HAWAII FIVE-O by The Ventures

  75. WHO’S MAKING LOVE by Johnnie Taylor

  76. TWENTY-FIVE MILES by Edwin Starr

  77. CINNAMON by Derek

  78. RUBY, DON’T TAKE YOUR LOVE TO TOWN by Kenny Rogers & The First Edition

  79. THE BALLAD OF JOHN AND YOKO by The Beatles

  80. TRACY by The Cuff Links

  81. I’VE GOTTA BE ME by Sammy Davis, Jr.

  82. EVERYBODY’S TALKIN’ by Harry Nilsson

  83. YOU SHOWED ME by The Turtles

  84. HANG ‘EM HIGH by Booker T & the M.G.’s

  85. GAMES PEOPLE PLAY by Joe South

  86. ABRAHAM, MARTIN AND JOHN by Dion

  87. THIS GIRL IS A WOMAN NOW by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

  88. SON-OF-A PREACHER MAN by Dusty Springfield

  89. OH, WHAT A NIGHT by The Dells

  90. I STARTED A JOKE by the Bee Gees

  91. THAT’S THE WAY LOVE IS by Marvin Gaye

  92. GOING UP THE COUNTRY by Canned Heat

  93. MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY by Spiral Starecase

  94. HURT SO BAD by The Lettermen

  95. POLK SALAD ANNIE by Tony Joe White

  96. MY WHOLE WORLD ENDED (THE MOMENT YOU LEFT ME) by David Ruffin

  97. BLACK PEARL by Checkmates, Ltd.

  98. LAUGHING by The Guess Who

  99. SWEET CHERRY WINE by Tommy James and the Shondells

  100. IF I CAN DREAM by Elvis Presley

The Enduring Legacy of 60s Music

The 100 greatest songs of the ’60s, as presented in this list, are more than just a collection of popular tunes. They represent a cultural phenomenon, a decade of innovation, experimentation, and profound social change reflected in melody and lyric. From the youthful exuberance of the early 60s to the introspective and revolutionary sounds of the late decade, these songs continue to resonate, proving the lasting power of 60s music hits.

Genres born and refined in this era, from surf rock and Motown to psychedelic rock and folk-rock, became foundational for much of the music that followed. The artists who created these top songs of the 60s became legends, their influence stretching across generations. Whether you lived through the decade or are discovering its music now, exploring the best 60s songs offers a powerful connection to a time of incredible transformation and musical brilliance.

Dive deeper into the sounds of this iconic decade with our curated playlists and artist features at Top40Weekly.com, and continue to celebrate the timeless legacy of the greatest songs of the 60s.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1960s Music

What songs were popular in the 1960s?

The 1960s were a golden age for popular music, giving rise to countless top songs of the 60s that remain beloved classics. This decade saw the explosion of rock and roll evolve into diverse subgenres, alongside the rise of soul, Motown, folk, and psychedelic music. Legendary artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, and Bob Dylan dominated the charts, creating a soundtrack for a generation undergoing profound social and cultural shifts. Iconic hits such as The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” were not just chart-toppers; they became anthems embodying the spirit of the era. The impact of these 60s music hits is undeniable, mirroring the revolutionary changes and passions of the time and continuing to inspire musicians and listeners today.

What were the top 10 songs of the 60s?

Defining the definitive “top 10” is subjective, but consistently ranked among the best 60s songs are tracks that topped charts, broke ground musically, and continue to be played and loved decades later. These often include a mix of rock, pop, and soul masterpieces, showcasing the decade’s diverse musical landscape. While opinions vary, frequently cited top 10 songs of the 60s include:

  1. “Hey Jude” – The Beatles
  2. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones
  3. “Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys
  4. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
  5. “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan
  6. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
  7. “My Girl” – The Temptations
  8. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles
  9. “Blowin’ in the Wind” – Bob Dylan
  10. “Light My Fire” – The Doors

This is just a snapshot, and many other songs could easily be included in a “top 10” list, reflecting the richness and depth of music from the 60s.

What was the biggest hit of the 60s?

Pinpointing the absolute “biggest hit” is complex, as it depends on the criteria used (sales, chart performance, cultural impact). However, “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, released in 1968, is overwhelmingly cited as the biggest hit of the 60s and is consistently featured in lists of the 100 greatest songs of the ’60s. This epic ballad became an anthem of the era, showcasing The Beatles’ unparalleled songwriting prowess and emotional depth. “Hey Jude” achieved global chart-topping success, solidifying its place in music history as a defining piece of 60s music. Its universal message of hope and resilience continues to resonate, making it a truly timeless classic.

Who has the most top 40 hits in the 1960s?

The Beatles undeniably dominated the Billboard charts in the 1960s and hold the record for the most Top 40 hits in the 1960s. Their groundbreaking impact on the Billboard Top 40 was unprecedented, with an astonishing number of singles reaching the top positions. This British band’s influence transcended mere chart success; they fundamentally transformed the landscape of pop and rock music. The Beatles’ constant innovation, coupled with their consistent ability to produce chart-topping hits of the 60s, cemented their legacy as one of the most influential and beloved bands of the decade and of all time.

What were the top hits of the 60s and 70s?

The top hits of the 60s and 70s represent two distinct yet interconnected decades of musical evolution. The 60s were characterized by the revolutionary sounds of rock and roll, soul, and folk, with iconic songs like The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction,” Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” and The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” capturing the spirit of change. The 70s then built upon this foundation, embracing genres like glam rock, disco, funk, and early punk. 70s hits such as Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” showcased the decade’s musical diversity and theatrical flair. Both decades are celebrated for their groundbreaking 60s music hits and the subsequent emergence of new sounds that continued to shape the future of music, creating a rich tapestry of genres and styles that continue to influence artists and listeners today.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *