1960s Wedding Songs: Trending Hits & Classic Dance Tunes

Updated on June 16, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

When you think of classic rock & roll, classic R&B, and classic folk, you have to be thinking of the 1960s.

When you play songs from the sixties at your wedding, you’re unlikely to get complaints.

From songs for the candle ceremony, first dance, and grooving out with your best family and friends, the 1960s has your back.

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique 1960s songs for your wedding day.

Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding songs from the 1960s that include many different music styles.

 
Let’s start with the most popular right now.

Top Trending 1960s Wedding Songs

1. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
2. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
3. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
4. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
5. “My Girl” by The Temptations
6. “Twist And Shout” by The Beatles
7. “At Last” by Etta James
8. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
9. “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
10. “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations
11. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
12. “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra
13. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Franki Valli & the Four Seasons
14. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
15. “Unchained Melody” by Righteous Brothers
16. “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
17. “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
18. “I Can’t Help Myself” by Four Tops
19. “The Twist” by Chubby Checker
20. “You Can’t Hurry Love” by Supremes

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1960s Songs for Your Wedding

Without further ado, we list the very best songs of the 1960s for your wedding. Did we leave out your favorite? Let us know which one in the comments as well as the one you would replace.

R&B Tracks

I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
Released in 1968, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ooo I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooo I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to loss my mind

You’re All I Need To Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Released in 1968, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re all, all the joys under the sun wrapped up into one
You’re all, you’re all I need, you’re all I need, you’re all I need to get by

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
Released in 1968, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Two thousand miles, I roam
Just to make this dock my home
Now I’m just gon’ sit, at the dock of the bay

Chain Of Fools – Aretha Franklin
Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

For five long years
I thought you were my man
But I found out
I’m just a link in your chain

Respect – Aretha Franklin
Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB, oh

You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin
Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause you make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman

When A Man Loves A Woman – Percy Sledge
Released in 1966, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
And trying to hold on to what he needs

Good Lovin’ – The Young Rascals
Released in 1966, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

(Good love) Now come on and gimme that lovin’
(Good love) All I
need is love
(Good love) Good lovin’, baby

Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
Released in 1966, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Mustang Sally now baby, oh Lord
Guess you better slow your mustang down, huh, oh yeah

I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown
Released in 1965, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you

In The Midnight Hour – Wilson Pickett
Released in 1965, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m gonna wait ’til the midnight hour
That’s when my love come tumbling down
I’m gonna wait, way in the midnight hour
That’s when my love begin to shine, just you and I

The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss) – Betty Everett
Released in 1964, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Kiss him and squeeze him tight
And find out what you want to know
If it’s love, if it really is
It’s there in his kiss

Dancing In The Street – Martha & The Vandellas
Released in 1964, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So come on ev’ry guy grab a girl
Everywhere around the world
There’ll be dancing (dancing in the street)

Baby Love – The Supremes
Released in 1964, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Baby love, my baby love
Why must we separate, my love?
All of my whole life through
I never loved no one but you

Green Onions – Booker T. & The MG’s
Released in 1962, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Bring It On Home To Me – Sam Cooke
Released in 1962, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh honey, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me

Stand By Me – Ben E. King
Released in 1961, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

Tossin’ And Turnin’ – Bobby Lewis
Released in 1961, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I couldn’t sleep at all last night
Got to thinkin’ of you
Baby things weren’t right
Well I was tossin’ and turnin’

Last Kiss – J Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers
Released in 1967, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The Lord took her away from me
She’s gone to heaven so I got to be good
So I can see my baby when I leave this world

Hit The Road Jack – Ray Charles
Released in 1961, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more

The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens
Released in 1961, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

In the jungle the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Wee heeheehee weeoh aweem away

Save The Last Dance For Me – The Drifters
Released in 1960, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But don’t forget who’s takin’ you home
And in whose arms you’re gonna be
So darlin’ save the last dance for me

Stay – Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
Released in 1960, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh won’t you stay, just a little bit longer
Please let me hear you say that you will
Say you will

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow – The Shirelles
Released in 1960, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You give your love so sweetly
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes
But will you love me tomorrow?

Georgia On My Mind – Ray Charles
Released in 1960, Genre: R&B

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I said Georgia
Oh Georgia, no peace I find (no peace I find)
Just an old sweet song

Next, read the 1960s love songs list.

Soul Hits

Dance To The Music – Sly & the Family Stone
Released in 1968, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sing, get on up and dance to the music
Get on up and dance to the music

Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
Released in 1968, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Why do you build me up (Build me up)
Buttercup, baby
Just to let me down?

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Released in 1967, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

‘Cause baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough,
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, baby

Soul Man – Sam & Dave
Released in 1967, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Coming to you on a dusty road
Good loving, I got a truck load
And when you get it, you got something
Don’t worry, ’cause I’m coming

Reach Out I’ll Be There – Four Tops
Released in 1966, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Reach out, reach out for me
I’ll be there, to love and comfort you
And I’ll be there, to cherish and care for you

Gimme Some Lovin’ – Spencer Davis Group
Released in 1966, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And I’m so glad we made it
So glad we made it
Why won’t you gimme some lovin’

You’re My, Soul And Inspiration – The Righteous Brothers
Released in 1966, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
You’re all I got to get me by
You’re my soul and my heart’s inspiration
Without you, baby, what good am I?

Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – The Temptations
Released in 1966, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ain’t too proud to beg, sweet darlin’
Please don’t leave me girl (don’t you go)

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – The Four Tops
Released in 1965, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I come a running to you
I’m tied to you, baby
And there’s nothing I can do

Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
Released in 1965, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Lonely rivers sigh
Wait for me, wait for me
I’ll be coming home, wait for me

Treat Her Right – Roy Head & The Traits
Released in 1965, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You’re gonna get a reputation
As a lovin’ man
And you’ll be glad every night
That you treated her right

Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Stevie Wonder
Released in 1965, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

My money’s low and my suit’s out of style
But it’s all right if my clothes aren’t new
Out of sight because my heart is true

Baby I Need Your Loving – The Four Tops
Released in 1964, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Baby, I need your lovin’
Got to have all your lovin’

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye
Released in 1964, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I wanna to stop and thank you baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you

Under The Boardwalk – The Drifters
Released in 1964, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire proof
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I’ll be

My Girl – The Temptations
Released in 1964, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ve got a sweeter song
Than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way
My girl

Duke Of Earl – Gene Chandler
Released in 1962, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And when I hold you
You’ll be my Duchess, Duchess of Earl
We’ll walk through my dukedom
And a paradise we will share

You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me – The Miracles
Released in 1962, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

My love is strong now you really got a hold on me
You really got a hold on me, you really got a hold on me, you really got a hold, baby

Blue Moon – The Marcels
Released in 1961, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The only one my arms would ever, hold
I heard somebody whisper, “Please adore me”
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold

At Last – Etta James
Released in 1960, Genre: Soul

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over

Check out the 1970s wedding songs.

Rock Tunes

Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Released in 1969, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well don’t go around tonight
Well it’s bound to take your life
There’s a bad moon on the rise

Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Released in 1969, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Big wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby, Stills & Nash
Released in 1969, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh, babe have mercy
Don’t let the past remind us of what we are not now
I am not dreaming
I am yours, you are mine, you are what you are

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Released in 1969, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good

Born To Be Wild – Steppenwolf
Released in 1968, Genre: Rock

Lyric Quote:

Like a true nature’s child
We were born
Born to be wild

Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf
Released in 1968, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well, you don’t know what
We can find
Why don’t you come with me little girl
On a magic carpet ride

Jumpin Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones
Released in 1968, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But it’s all right now, in fact, it’s a gas
But it’s all right, I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash
It’s a gas! Gas! Gas

Mony Mony – Tommy James & The Shondells
Released in 1968, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well you make me feel Mony, Mony
So! Mony, Mony
Good! Mony, Mony

A Whiter Shade Of Pale – Procol Harum
Released in 1967, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Released in 1967, Genre: Rock

Lyrics Qutoe:

Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall
Slipping and sliding
All along the waterfall with you
My brown-eyed girl

Devil With A Blue Dress On – Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels
Released in 1966, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Not too skinny, she’s not too fat
She’s a real humdinger and i like it like that
She’s the devil with the blue dress

I’m A Believer – The Monkees
Released in 1966, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer
Not a trace of doubt in my mind
I’m in love

Wild Thing – The Troggs
Released in 1966, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Wild thing, I think I love you
But I wanna know for sure
Come on, hold me tight
I love you

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
Released in 1965, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I can’t get no satisfaction
‘Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try
I can’t get no, I can’t get no

Wooly Bully – Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs
Released in 1965, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Hatty told Matty, “Let’s don’t take no chance
Let’s not be L-seven, come and learn to dance”
Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully

Yesterday – The Beatles
Released in 1965, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Why she had to go
I don’t know, she wouldn’t say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday

Turn! Turn! Turn! – The Byrds
Released in 1965, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
Released in 1964, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Pretty woman, stop awhile
Pretty woman, talk awhile
Pretty woman, give your smile to me

Twist And Shout – The Beatles
Released in 1964, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You know you twist so fine
Come on and twist a little closer now
And let me know that you’re mine

You Really Got Me – The Kinks
Released in 1964, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You got me so I don’t know what I’m doin’, now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can’t sleep at night

Hang On Sloopy – The McCoys
Released in 1964, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sloopy, I don’t care what your daddy do (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
‘Cause you know, Sloopy, girl, I’m in love with you

Sugar Shack – Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs
Released in 1963, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m gonna drink a lotta coffee, spend a little cash
Make that girl love me when I put on some trash
You can understand why I’ve got to get back
To that sugar shack

Surfin’ U.S.A. – The Beach Boys
Released in 1963, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We’ll all be gone for the summer
We’re on surfari to stay
Tell the teacher we’re surfin’
Surfin’ U.S.A.

I Saw Her Standing There – The Beatles
Released in 1963, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh we danced through the night
And we held each other tight
And before too long
I fell in love with her

I Want To Hold Your Hand – The Beatles
Released in 1963, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Oh please, say to me
You’ll let me be your man
And please, say to me
You’ll let me hold your hand

She Loves You – The Beatles
Released in 1963, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She says she loves you
And you know that can’t be bad
Yes, she loves you
And you know you should be glad

Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
Released in 1963, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Three nights and days I sail the sea
Think of girl, constantly
On that ship, I dream she’s there
I smell the rose in her hair

Wipe Out – The Surfaris
Released in 1963, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, wipe out

The Wanderer – Dion
Released in 1961, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m the type of guy that likes to roam around
I’m never in one place I roam from town to town
And when I find myself a-fallin’ for some girl, yeah
I hop right into that car of mine and ride around the world

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Released in 1961, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Take my hand, take my whole life, too
For I can’t help falling in love with you

Peppermint Twist, Part I – Joey Dee & The Starlighters
Released in 1961, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

It’s alright, all night, it’s alright
It’s okay, all day, it’s okay
You’ll learn to do this, the Peppermint Twist

Runaround Sue – Dion
Released in 1961, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The touch of her hand and this girl’s warm embrace
So if you don’t wanna cry like I do
A-keep away from-a Runaround Sue

The Twist – Chubby Checker
Released in 1960, Genre: Rock

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Come on and twist
Yeah, baby, twist
Ooh yeah, just like this
Come on, little miss
And do the twist

Walk Don’t Run – The Ventures
Released in 1960, Genre: Rock

(Instrumental)

Put on your headphones and listen to the 1970s love songs.

Pop Favorites

Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
Released in 1969, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So dog-gone willin’, so kiss him
(I wanna see you kiss him, wanna see you kiss him)
Go on and kiss him goodbye, now

Sugar, Sugar – The Archies
Released in 1969, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ah, sugar, sugar
You are my candy girl
And you got me wanting you

Yummy Yummy Yummy – Ohio Express
Released in 1968, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Yummy, yummy, yummy, I’ve got love in my tummy
And as silly as it may seem
The lovin’ that you’re giving is what keeps me livin’

Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Released in 1967, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it’s real
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Released in 1967, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Daydream Believer – The Monkees
Released in 1967, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Cheer up, sleepy Jean
Oh, what can it mean that
To a daydream believer
And a homecoming queen

Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
Released in 1966, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s giving me excitations (oom bop bop)

I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher
Released in 1965, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Cause I don’t care, with you I can’t go wrong
Then put your little hand in mine
There ain’t no hill or mountain we can’t climb

Do Wah Diddy Diddy – Manfred Mann
Released in 1964, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We walked on (Walked on)
To my door (My door)
We walked on to my door
Then we kissed a little more

I Get Around – The Beach Boys
Released in 1964, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I get around (get around round round I get around)
From town to town (get around round round I get around)

Chapel Of Love – The Dixie Cups
Released in 1964, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Because we’re goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get married
Goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get married
Gee, I really love you

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ – The Righteous Brothers
Released in 1964, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Whoa, that lovin’ feelin’
You lost that lovin’ feelin’
Now it’s gone, gone, gone, whoa-oh

Surf City – Jan & Dean
Released in 1963, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun
You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, ’cause it’s two to one
You know we’re goin’ to Surf City, gonna have some fun, now

Be My Baby – The Ronettes
Released in 1963, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ll make you happy, baby, just wait and see
For every kiss you give me I’ll give you three

The Loco-Motion – Little Eva
Released in 1962, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Come on baby, do the Loco-motion
I know you’ll get to like it if you give it a chance now
Come on baby, do the Loco-motion

He’s So Fine – The Chiffons
Released in 1962, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

He’s so fine
(Oh yeah)
Gotta be mine

Runaway – Del Shannon
Released in 1961, Genre: Pop

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway
I run-run-run-run runaway

Also, know the 1940s music for dancing.

Country Chart Toppers

Stand By Your Man – Tammy Wynette
Released in 1968, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Stand by your man
And show the world you love him
Keep giving all the love you can

King Of The Road – Roger Miller
Released in 1965, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I smoke, old stogies I have found
Short, but not too big around
I’m a man of means, by no means
King of the road

Ring Of Fire – Johnny Cash
Released in 1963, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I went down, down, down
And the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns
The ring of fire

Crazy – Patsy Cline
Released in 1961, Genre: Country

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’m crazy for trying
And crazy for crying
And I’m crazy for loving you

FAQs

Why was the 1960s so special for music?

What makes the 1960s such a special decade for music? Some of it has to do with the natural cycle of style.

Other influences include improvements in technology. And still, there is a “je ne sais quoi” — a mystery — something you can’t quite put your finger on.

As the 1960s began, the pop charts gave us R&B, Soul, and DooWop. At the same time, the 1960s gave us instrumental beach music — surf rock.

And we can’t forget the impact of musical artists from England coming to the USA — the British Invasion. Popular British music groups included the Beatles, the Byrds, and the Turtles.

Another noted creation was created by Detroit Legend, Barry Gordy, Jr. — Motown. Popular Motown artists include Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder. This epic decade came to a close with a historic music festival. Woodstock had 450,000 attendees for the three-day festival.

21st Century Music Owes a Debt to the 1960s

The Best 60s Music was the beginning of a melting pot of different music styles. During the Vietnam War, American bands performed protest songs. Folk artists such as Mama & the Papas and Simon & Garfunkel were also mainstream. DooWop groups ruled the early 60s such as The Shirelles, Dion & The Belmonts, and the Four Seasons. What we call beach music was popular with teens with artists such as The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, and The Ventures. Black rights were at the forefront with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. This helped the rise of R&B and Soul style music with artists like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke.

The 1960s and the British Invasion

The British invasion brought us rock groups like The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Moody Blues, The Yardbirds, and, of course, Cream. We also had some combinations of music styles like rock and blues with groups such as Janis Joplin and Three Dog Night. For many fans, The Beatles are in their own category for the Best 1960s Music — unless you ask a Stones fan, of course.

The 1960s Music Culture

Historical events of the Sixties included the assassinations of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The States was struggling with Civil Rights and the Vietnam War while breaking the frontier of space travel and walking on the moon. Pop culture was all over the map from Beetlemania to Height Ashbury. Teen fashion included hot pants, mini skirts, bold colors known as Mod Fashions, and plaids. Toward the end, it was all about hippies and their psychedelic fashion, bell bottoms, and no bras.

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