Top 10 Greatest Music Artists of the 1960s

Well, I took the time to make a list of the top ten artists and bands that were active during the sixties.

Of course, a top ten list is way too small to put all those bands in, but I've tried to put down the best ones here.

1. The Beatles

   

   The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of the 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular... read more

   I know they are over-popularized, but still, The Beatles is the most influential, innovative, successful group that ever hit the ground. John, Paul, George, and Ringo formed the base of the British Invasion, were one of the first bands to write their own songs, and influenced the whole world in a way that was never seen before.

   It would be a big assignment to find a bad song of The Beatles. Their songs vary from very good to perfect. I'll give you some examples: The Fool on the Hill, In My Life, Something.

   The Beatles are just the best! They started psychedelic rock and are the best-selling band of all time. They just can't be beat! Love their early stuff too.

2. The Doors

   

   The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, comprising vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most influential and occasionally controversial rock acts of the 1960s, largely due to Morrison's poetic... read more

   One of the most legendary bands of the last century. Led by the genius of Ray Manzarek and the mighty voice of the ill-fated Jim Morrison, The Doors wrote a page for themselves in the big book of music history. Some of their great songs are Light My Fire, Unknown Soldier, and The End.

   Mr. Mojo Risin defined the sixties here, my friends. Nothing was better than The Doors.

3. The Rolling Stones

   

   The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. The first settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums).... read more

   Again, a lot of people will lynch me because I didn't put them higher. But in my opinion, 4 is the place the Stones deserve. If you take their whole career, they surely would enter the top 3, but I'm only looking at the sixties.

   The Stones, led by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, conquered the world with songs like Satisfaction, Ruby Tuesday, and As Tears Go By.

   Greatest guitar riffs of all time. Not just one or two, but many: Satisfaction, Gimme Shelter, Street Fighting Man, Monkey Man, and on and on.

4. Bob Dylan

   

   Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and artist who has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. He gained fame in the 1960s with songs that became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements. In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in... read more

   Born Robert Zimmerman, this American guy fought his way to the top as a folk-rocker. His biggest influence was Woody Guthrie, which you can clearly hear in his sixties songs. As a songwriter, he is unmatched. As a singer, however, he couldn't be worse, some people say.

   On the other hand, when someone covers a Dylan song, the song just misses something: Dylan's voice. Some of his masterpieces are Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin', and Like a Rolling Stone.

5. The Beach Boys

   

   The Beach Boys are an American pop rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The original lineup included brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. They are widely recognized for their vocal harmonies and innovative studio work, especially... read more

   Many people despise the Beach Boys for their "surf music," but that was only the beginning. They are responsible for one of the most influential albums of the last century: "Pet Sounds." Little jewels like "Good Vibrations," "Kokomo," and "God Only Knows" may convince you to give them a special place in your heart.

6. Jimi Hendrix

   

   Jimi Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Though his mainstream career lasted only about four years from 1966 to 1970, he's widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in popular music.... read more

   There will probably be a lot of people who won't agree with me and will probably spam the comment page completely full, but I don't mind. It's a fact: Jimi Hendrix was one of the most gifted guitar players ever. I seriously doubt that there will ever be someone who can match him.

   Anyway, about Jimi. It's written Jimi, and not Jimmy, as a lot of people think. Jimi had his first big hit with Hey Joe in 1966, although it wasn't very successful initially. His biggest hit was Purple Haze, and another popular song, yet again a cover of Bob Dylan, was All Along the Watchtower.

7. Elvis Presley

   

   Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor, widely dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll" and regarded as a pivotal cultural icon of the 20th century. His energetic musical interpretation and provocative performance style, bridging racial music traditions in a shifting era, both fueled his fame... read more

8. Simon and Garfunkel

   

   Simon and Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo composed of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson, and Bridge Over Troubled Water. The duo is known for their harmonious vocals and socially conscious... read more

   Paul Simon and Arthur Garfunkel, two boys from New York, conquered the world with their incredibly strong, mostly vocal songs. Songs like The Boxer, Mrs. Robinson, and The Sounds of Silence belong to their masterpieces.

9. Aretha Franklin

   

   Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister... read more

10. The Monkees

    

    The Monkees were an American rock and pop band originally active between 1966 and 1971, with reunion albums and tours in the decades that followed. The band was formed for a television series of the same name and included members Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones. They are known... read more

    This band was formed in an American program and would be the predecessor of, for example, Hannah Montana. Their music, on the other hand, is quite different. They scored big hits with Last Train to Clarksville and Daydream Believer, but above all, they will be remembered for I'm a Believer, a song written by Neil Diamond.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Serge Gainsbourg

    

    Serge Gainsbourg, born Lucien Ginsburg on April 2, 1928, and died on March 2, 1991, was a French singer, songwriter, pianist, film composer, poet, painter, screenwriter, actor, and director.

    He is regarded as one of the most important figures in French popular music. Gainsbourg was known for his... read more

12. ?

    Eartha Kitt

    
The Contenders

13. Led Zeppelin

    

    Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboard), and John Bonham (drums). The band was largely the brainchild of Jimmy Page, who even financed their first tour... read more

14. The Supremes

    

    The Supremes were an American female singing group and the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s. They became one of the best‑selling girl groups in history, featuring Diana Ross as lead singer. Their string of hits like Where Did Our Love Go and Baby Love helped define the Motown sound and... read more

15. The Byrds

    

    The Byrds were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. They achieved early commercial success and played a significant role in popularizing folk rock. While they did not maintain the same level of popularity as the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, their influence on 1960s rock... read more

16. The Kinks

    

    The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1964 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are regarded as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 1960s. Their music was integral to the development of British rock, with hits like You Really Got Me and... read more

    This British rock group succeeded in moving a lot of people with their catchy songs, performed by the Davies brothers and company. Famous songs are You Really Got Me, Mr. Pleasant, and Waterloo Sunset.

    They were churning out the heavy metal riff before heavy metal arrived!

17. Creedence Clearwater Revival

    

    Creedence Clearwater Revival, commonly abbreviated as CCR or simply Creedence, was an American rock band formed in El Cerrito, California. The band consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty. His brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty. Bassist Stu Cook. And drummer... read more

18. Cream

    

    Cream was a 1960s British rock supergroup power trio consisting of bassist and vocalist Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist and vocalist Eric Clapton. The band was known for its blend of blues, psychedelic rock, and hard rock. Cream is often regarded as one of the first supergroups and was... read more

19. The Who

    

    The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1964. The most recognizable lineup consisted of Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass guitar), and Keith Moon (drums). They are best known for their live performances and hit songs "Baba O'Riley," "My Generation... read more

20. The Mamas and the Papas

    

    The Mamas & the Papas were an American folk rock vocal group formed in Los Angeles, California, who recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968. The group was a defining force in the music scene of the 1960s counterculture. The members were Americans John Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips, and... read more

21. Ray Charles

    

    Ray Charles Robinson, professionally known as Ray Charles, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He pioneered the genre of soul music during the 1950s by combining blues, jazz, and gospel styles. Charles won 17 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame... read more

22. The Temptations

    

    The Temptations are an American vocal group notable for their success with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. They became one of the most successful acts in music history with hits like My Girl, Papa Was a Rollin' Stone, and Ain't Too Proud to Beg. The group is also known for its choreography,... read more

23. Pink Floyd

    

    Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

24. The Jimi Hendrix Experience

    

    The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an English-American rock band formed in Westminster, London, in September 1966. The group featured Jimi Hendrix on vocals and guitar, Noel Redding on bass and backing vocals, and Mitch Mitchell on drums... read more

25. Johnny Cash

    

    John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author. He is widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 90 million records sold worldwide... read more

26. Janis Joplin

    

    Janis Joplin (1943-1970) was an American singer who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. She was known for her powerful voice, emotive performances, and distinctive hippie style. Joplin remains an iconic figure of 1960s counterculture and... read more

27. The Zombies

    

    The Zombies are an English rock band formed in 1962 in St Albans and led by keyboardist and vocalist Rod Argent and vocalist Colin Blunstone. They are best known for their hit singles She's Not There, Tell Her No, and Time of the Season. The band's 1968 album Odessey and Oracle is widely regarded as... read more