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.
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.
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 controversial rock acts of the 1960s, primarily due to Morrison's lyrics and voice,... 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.
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.
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. 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.
The Beach Boys are an American pop rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. 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.
Jimi Hendrix (born November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter.Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most... 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.
Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. 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.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined... read more
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
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. 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.
Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (Vocal), Jimmy Page (Guitar), John Paul Jones (Bass, Keyboard) and John Bonham (Drums) and was very much the child of Jimmy Page who even financed their first tour. He had tasted... read more
The Supremes were an American female singing group and the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.
The Byrds were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple line-up changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn remaining the sole consistent member, until the group disbanded in 1973. Although they only managed to attain the huge commercial... read more
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. 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!
Creedence Clearwater Revival, often shortened to Creedence and abbreviated as CCR, was an American rock band active in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Cream were a 1960s British rock supergroup power trio consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton.
The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England in 1964. The most recognizable lineup was 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, and... read more
The Mamas & the Papas were an American folk rock vocal group formed in Los Angeles, California which recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968. The group was a defining force in the music scene of the counterculture of the 1960s. The group was composed of Americans John Phillips, Cass Elliot, and Michelle... read more
The Temptations are an American vocal group notable for their success with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s.
Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. The band consisted of 5 members - David Gilmour (Vocals and Guitar), Syd Barrett (Vocals and Guitar), Nick Mason (Drums), Roger Waters... read more
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an English-American rock band that formed in Westminster, London, in September 1966. Composed of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jimi Hendrix, bassist and backing vocalist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Mitchell, the band was active until June 1969. During this time... read more
John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author, who was widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He died of... read more
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.
Ray Charles Robinson, professionally known as Ray Charles, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer.
The Animals are an English band of the 1960s, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, during the early part of the decade. This band was created in 1962 and first hit the billboards in the US in 1964. They are remembered for great songs such as "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," an incredibly good cover of Bob Dylan's "House of the Rising Sun," and of course "We've Got to Get Out of This Place."