When 1960 rolled around I was almost three years old. I grew up along with the music itself. These were my favorite songs of the Sixties, not necessarily what I would choose now. As an adult, I have a broader knowledge of music from that era. Conspicuously absent are any Beatles’ songs. My older sister loved them and had their albums. Herman’s Hermits and The Monkees were my favorite groups.

A Little History 

Before about 1963 popular music continued the sound and style of the previous decade. Many of the hit records were by artists who had mainstream success in the 1950s, such as Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and The Everly Brothers. The “British Invasion” began around 1963 with the arrival in the United States of groups such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, and The Zombies, as well as solo singers like Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Donovan, and Tom Jones. 

Along with the music other aspects of British culture, such as hairstyles and fashion, became popular in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement, the war in Vietnam, and growing dissatisfaction with the status quo impacted the mood of American culture and the music began to reflect that change. This all gave birth to the diversity we experience in music today.

From Bob Dylan, The Beatles, to The Rascals . . . it was a fertile decade for folk, rock, and singer-songwriters. I constantly listened to the radio, watched the variety shows on TV which featured all the current artists and groups, and bought 45s and a few albums. I am always amazed at how many of the lyrics I remember from the sixties. I never consciously set out to memorize the songs . . . they seemed to have permeated my memory through osmosis and shaped who I am today.

---

It was such an amazing time for music in the Sixties. When popular music hit me, it was like magic was in the air.

 — Ozzy Osbourne

---

My Experience

During the early sixties I was captive to whatever my parents played on the car radio or what we saw on TV. I remember hearing “Blue on Blue” and “She Wore Blue Velvet” sung by Bobby Vinton and I especially liked those two songs. I had probably never heard the word “heartache” and sang the words “Blue on Blue . . . ironing and ironing” whenever I heard it on the radio.

“Puff, the Magic Dragon” sung by Peter, Paul and Mary was popular in 1963. “King of the Road” written and recorded by Roger Miller came out in 1964. I remember really enjoying the rhymes in that song. 

Trailer for sale or rent
Rooms to let, fifty cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain’t got no cigarettes

Pete Seeger’s “If I Had a Hammer” was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1962 and then by Trini Lopez in 1963. I loved that song!

I remember my first transistor radio which I got for my birthday when I was eight years old in 1965. I could now choose what music I wanted to listen to! I also put a radio in the bathroom and in my bedroom. And, before long I had my own turntable in my room to play records and albums. 

The popular and powerful radio station in the area was WVOK in Birmingham, Alabama. It had 50,000 watts and the popular DJ, Joe Rumore, became a radio legend. The station sponsored a “Shower of Stars” concert every year. Dan Brennan the program director organized the shows, which gained national notice. Every year they featured an impressive line-up of current rock groups. On July 23, 1966 my sister and I went because Herman’s Hermits headlined the show. Other performers and groups at that event were: The Animals, Lou Christie, Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jeanie Seely, Tommy James & the Shondells, The McCoys, and The Hard Times.

I still remember what I wore to the concert. Mother had bought a new school dress and I begged her to let me wear it. The dress had pink and white flowers on a black background with a white collar and cuffs. I wore white knee socks and flat, black t-strap shoes with cut-outs over the toes. The dress had sleeves and was too warm to wear . . . but, I did not care. I felt like a hip teenager in my new clothes! (I was only nine, but having a sister six years older made me imitate her styles.)

---

A lot of people think that the music was responsible for a lot of changes in the Sixties, but I think the music came out of it. The music wouldn’t have happened without the social changes.

— Steve Winwood

---

Looking back at the music I heard during the time, I realize there was a lot of music I do not remember hearing. I have to wonder if WVOK only chose certain groups to play or I only remember the songs that I liked. I don’t know. I did a little research and the station was listed as playing Top 40. 

As a three to twelve year old during the sixties, I did not have the vocabulary to describe or know why I liked certain songs. In putting this list together, it seems that I certainly loved vocal harmonies and colorful instrumentation. Simple lyrics with catchy rhymes caught my attention. Young love, peace, and fun-loving, simple pleasures were themes that I preferred.

That decade gave me a love of music and an optimism for the future. Peace, love, and equality seemed like worthy goals . . . and, they still do. 

The following are my Top Twenty Favorite Songs of the Sixties. These are my favorites during that time. If I made a list of my favorite songs now, the list would be very different.

My Top Twenty Favorite Songs of the Sixties

20. “I’m Into Something Good”

The song was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Herman’s Hermits recorded the song as their debut single in 1964. It’s interesting to realize the Brill Building songwriters were recorded by British invasion groups. This is the first big, hit song I remember paying attention to. I loved the upbeat, cheerful vibe of the music.

19. “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In”

This is actually a medley of two songs written for the 1967 musical Hair by James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and Galt MacDermot. The song was released by the R&B group The 5th Dimension and spent six weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in the spring of 1969. The recording won both the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group for the Grammy Awards of 1970. I remember hearing the song on the radio and loving the lush instrumental opening along with the flowing motion in the song. The words of the lyrics stood out to me . . . “peace and love, harmony and understanding.” 

18. “Downtown”

The song was written by Tony Hatch and recorded by Petula Clark in 1964. It became an international hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song was catchy and I particularly liked the rhythm which seemed to speed up on these lines:

Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty

17. “Traces”

It was written by Buddy Buie, J. R. Cobb, and Emory Gordy Jr. The song was released as a single in January 1969 by the American rock band Classics IV. The song is noted for its use of an oboe in the introduction as well as a string section. It is listed in BMI’s Top 100 Songs of the Century at No. 32. This song is emotional and melancholy. I would sit on my bed, listen to this song and cry. Not sure why I cried . . . only that the song made me feel very sad.

16. “Midnight Confessions”

It was written by Lou T. Josie and made famous by the American rock band The Grass Roots. The song was released in 1968 and was their first single to feature a horn section. The lyrics describe a man who is in love with a married woman and he knows he can never have her. Looking back, that seems a little racy for an eleven-year-old, but I am sure I did not dwell too heavily on what the lyrics were actually saying! I enjoyed the sound of the music.

15. “Happy Together”

The Turtles released this song in February 1967 and knocked the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” out of the number one slot on the US Billboard Hot 100. It stayed there for three weeks. The song was written by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon. I loved the upbeat, strong rhythm and the vocal harmonies. It was one of those songs that you just had to sing along with. The simple words and rhythms made me love the song every time I heard it. Even back then, the one time the song uses the rhyme “together and weather” seemed to come out of left field . . . but it is endearing. 

14. “Cherish”

The song was written by Terry Kirkman and recorded by The Association. It was released in 1966. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in September of that year and remained there for three weeks. I loved the lush harmonies and sweet lyrics. 

13. “It’s Not Unusual”

Written by Les Reed and Gordon Mills, it was recorded by a then unknown Tom Jones. It was the second single that Jones released and it reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in 1965. It was his first hit in the US and he performed the song several times on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1965. In 1969, the song became the theme for his TV variety show, This Is Tom Jones, which I remember watching. I loved the energy of the song. It didn’t hurt that Tom Jones was a sexy and powerful performer although I don’t believe I really understood what I was seeing.

12. “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”

Written by Jimmy Webb, the song was ranked number twenty on BMI’s Top 100 Songs of the Century. Glen Campbell’s version came out in 1967 and won two awards at the 10th Annual Grammys. I loved Glen Campbells voice. The story in the song drew me in. Such a great combination . . . Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb!

11. “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” 

The song was written by Brenda Holloway, Patrice Holloway, Frank Wilson, and Berry Gordy. It was first released in 1967 as a single by Brenda Holloway. In 1969 it became a huge hit for the jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears. The song was their biggest hit and became a gold record. This was probably this first time I remember hearing this style of jazz-rock blend. I would not have known to call it that, but I remember loving the brass and organ at the beginning. Plus, I am sure the romantic idea of finding the perfect mate appealed to my ten-year-old girl idea of love.

10. “Like to Get to Know You”

Spanky and Our Gang recorded this song in 1968. Written by Stuart Scharf, he also got session musicians to create the instrumental backing track with the group providing lead and background vocals. Recorded in Los Angeles, the session musicians include, Larry Knechtel, Hal Blaine, and Robert Dorough. Again, even then, I loved beautiful vocal harmonies! Their voices were so smooth, too.

9. “Daydream Believer”

The song was written by John Stewart and recorded by The Monkees. It reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1967. All four of The Monkees appear on the track. I loved the upbeat, cheerful feel of the song. Also, I think the simplicity and honesty in Davy’s voice was very appealing to a young person. Their TV show was entertaining and wholesome and always featured many of their songs. I probably saw every episode!

8. “Monday, Monday”

This 1966 song was written by John Phillips and recorded by The Mamas & the Papas. Background instruments were played by members of the Wrecking Crew. It was the group’s only number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was the first time a song by a mixed gender group reached the top of the charts. In 1967 they won a Grammy Award for this song in the category Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Such a beautiful vocal blend they always had . . . it made all their music very special to me. It was also interesting to me that the group included girls. There were not a lot of female singer role models during that time . . . except for several solo artists.

7. “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” 

It was released in May of 1967. The song was written by John Phillips and performed by Scott McKenzie. It was used to promote the Monterey International Pop Music Festival held in June of that year. McKenzie’s version has been dubbed “the unofficial anthem of the counterculture movement of the 1960s, including the Hippie, Anti-Vietnam War and Flower Power movements.” I had no idea at the time about the Monterey Pop Festival or that this would become “the summer of love.” However, I enjoyed the light, peaceful feeling to the music. The line about meeting “some gentle people there” resonated with me even at that age.

6. “Those Were the Days”

Gene Raskin put a new English lyric to a Russian romance song which was composed by Boris Fomin with words by poet Konstantin Podrevsky. The song was Mary Hopkin’s debut single in 1968. It was produced by Paul McCartney on the Apple label. I loved this song and bought the 45. I would sing it all the time. In my young, idealistic mind, I imagined that I would live the lines.

We’d sing and dance forever and a day 
We’d live the life we choose 
We’d fight and never lose

5. “Bus Stop”

Written by UK songwriter Graham Gould, the song was released as a single by the British band The Hollies in 1966. It was The Hollies’ first US top ten hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard charts in September 1966. I simply adored the sound and the harmonies. I remember when it came on the radio, I had to listen to hear the story through to the end. And, loved when it got to the last line, “ . . . by August she was mine.”

4. “Time of the Season”

The song was written by keyboardist Rod Argent and recorded at Abbey Road Studios in August 1967. Recorded by the British rock band the Zombies, the song became a surprise hit in the US over a year after its release. The song uses call-and-response vocals interwoven with fast psychedelic keyboard improvisation. The a cappella harmonies are wonderful. That is probably what attracted me to the song. But it also has a vibe and energy all its own.

3. “Get Together”

It was written in the mid-1960s by American singer-songwriter Chet Powers (aka Dino Valenti). The American rock band The Youngbloods recorded it for their 1967 self-titled debut album The Youngbloods. The song promotes peace and brotherhood. I remember hearing the song and loving the lyrics and feel. 

Come on people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another right now

2. “I Wanna Be Free”

Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, it is on The Monkees’ 1966 debut album, The Monkees. The instrumentation incorporates a string quartet along with acoustic guitar and harpsichord. Davy Jones sang the vocals. His voice sounded vulnerable and poignant.

This helped make the song a wistful coming of age song for many preteens of that time—including me.

1. “California Dreamin’”

The song was written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips. The Mamas & the Papas released it as a single in 1965. The song is No. 89 in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The opening guitar always pulled me into the story. I remember hearing the song and loving how the sound of the music reflected the lyrics. I could feel the winter chill.

My Top Twenty Favorite Songs of the Sixties – Honorable Mentions

Sonny & Cher: “The Beat Goes On”
Otis Redding: (“Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay”
Nancy Sinatra: “You Only Live Twice”
The Lettermen: “Goin’ Out of My Head / Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”
Tommy James and the Shondells: “Crystal Blue Persuasion”
The Cowsills: “I Love the Flower Girl” (“The Rain, the Park & Other Things”)
The Beach Boys: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
Dusty Springfield: “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass: “A Taste of Honey”

In a Group to Themselves

The Rascals (initially known as The Young Rascals) were active between 1966 and 1968. According to sources, they embraced soul music and became one of the best-known examples of blue-eyed soul music. I would not have known that at the time. All I knew was that I loved all their songs. To me, their music had a feeling of joy and freedom. I liked the sound as well as the lyrical topics. These were my favorites:

“Good Lovin’” (1966)
“Groovin’” (1967)
“How Can I Be Sure” (1967)
“A Girl Like You” (1967)
“People Got to Be Free” (1968)
“A Beautiful Morning” (1968)

Conclusion

I owe much of my musical sensibilities to the music of the sixties. Growing up knowing how music can make you feel, how lyrics can promote peace and love, and comment on world happenings . . . all that showed me how important music is to society. This idealism has remained with me. To strive for a better world through music is one of the great privileges of being a musician. To have a soundtrack to our lives with songs that take us back to the first time we heard them and lets us feel those same emotions again—that is magic.