60s and 70s Rock Music: The Best of Both Eras

The best of both eras, 60s and 70s rock music is still as popular today as it was back then. Here’s a look at some of the best songs from each decade.

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band that became arguably the most successful act of the 20th century. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. Their songs and images carrying powerful messages of love, peace, and helped define the counterculture of the 1960s.

The Rolling Stones

Formed in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones quickly became one of the most influential and iconic bands in rock and roll history. With their signature blues-infused sound, The Rolling Stones produced some of the most popular songs of the 60s and 70s, including “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” and “Start Me Up.” The Rolling Stones are widely considered to be one of the best rock bands of all time, and their influence can still be heard in today’s music.

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. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when he became an informal chronicler and a reluctant figurehead of the American anti-war and civil rights movements. His career began in the 1950s, when he started playing guitar and singing for a local radio show in Minnesota. He rose to prominence in the early 1960s with a series of hit songs, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin'” that incorporated socially conscious lyrics with folk-rock melodies.

Jimi Hendrix

Regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of rock music, Jimi Hendrix’s style combined rhythm and blues with psychedelic and anthem rock. In 1967, he released his first album, Are You Experienced, which included the hits “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” and “The Wind Cries Mary.” His three-album follow-up, Electric Ladyland, is often regarded as one of the best rock albums ever made. Hendrix died in 1970 at the age of 27 from an accidental drug overdose.

The Doors

The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore. They were one of the most controversial and influential rock acts of the 1960s and beyond, mostly because of Morrison’s lyrics and wild behavior. After Morrison’sdeath in 1971, the remaining members continued as a trio until finally disbanding in 1973.

Despite having a relatively short lifespan as a band, The Doors released eight studio albums between 1967 and 1971. All of their albums were commercially successful, with their self-titled debut album going to Number 2 on the Billboard charts, and three of their albums – Morrison Hotel (1970), L.A. Woman (1971) and Strange Days (1967) – reaching Number 1. In addition to their studio work, The Doors also released live albums, compilations and bootleg recordings.

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin was an English rock band that formed in 1968. The group consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. The band’s heavy, guitar-driven sound has led them to be cited as one of the progenitors of heavy metal. Their style drew from a wide variety of influences, including blues, psychedelia, and folk music.

The band rose to prominence in the early 1970s with their debut album, Led Zeppelin (1969), and an extensive touring schedule. Following media speculation about the band’s possible disbandment after Bonham’s death in 1980, they re-formed in 2007 for a one-off benefit concert.

David Bowie

David Bowie was one of the most influential and groundbreaking musicians of the 20th century. He was a true innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of music and fashion. His career spanned several decades and his music evolved along with the times, making him both a product and a pioneer of his era.

Bowie first came to prominence in the late 1960s with his self-titled debut album. This was followed by a string of successful albums throughout the 1970s, including “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” and “Aladdin Sane.” Bowie also found success as a actor, starring in films such as “The Man Who Fell to Earth” and “Labyrinth.”

In the 1980s, Bowie continued to experiment with his sound, releasing the critically acclaimed albums “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)” and “Let’s Dance.” He also maintained his presence in the world of film, appearing in such films as “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” and “The Hunger.”

Bowie’s influence is still felt today, nearly two decades after his death. He was a true icon of music and culture, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was one of the most popular and influential musicians of the 20th century. He is often credited with helping to popularize rock and roll and he had a major impact on both the music and culture of the 1960s and 1970s. Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1935 and he began his musical career in 1954 when he signed with Sun Records. He released his first single, “That’s All Right,” in July 1954. Elvis quickly became a sensation, appearing on television and releasing a string of hit singles and albums. He also starred in a number of films throughout his career. Elvis died in 1977 at the age of 42, but his music continued to be popular after his death.

The Who

The Who is an English rock band formed in 1964. The primary lineup consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and singer Pete Townshend, bass guitarist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, selling over 100 million records worldwide. The Who’s classic line-up was registered as a group in the United Kingdom in 1978.

10)Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. Formed in 1965, the band achieved success in the late 1960s with their psychedelic and space rock sound. They continued to evolve in the 1970s, experimenting with different sounds and styles, and released some of their most iconic albums, such as “The Wall” and “Dark Side of the Moon.”