The Sixties Music That Rocked the World

The sixties were a time of great change and upheaval. The music of the time reflected the spirit of the age. In this blog, we explore the sixties music that rocked the world.

The Beatles

No other band has had as profound an impact on popular music as the Beatles. Nothing can match the band’s perfect blend of songwriting, musicianship, and showmanship. The Beatles changed the very face of rock ‘n’ roll, and their influence can still be felt today.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). The band’s primary songwriters, Jagger and Richards, assumed leadership after Andrew Loog Oldham became the group’s manager. Jones left the band less than a month before his death in 1969, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974. After Taylor’s departure, Ronnie Wood took his place in 1975. Since Wyman’s retirement in 1993, Darryl Jones has served as their bassist.

The Stones were at the forefront of the British Invasion of bands that became popular in the US in 1964–65. At first noted for their long hair as much as their music, they are identified with the youthful and rebellious counterculture of the 1960s. They were instrumental in making blues a major part of rock and roll, and of changing the international focus of blues culture to Britain from the US.

The band continued to release commercially successful records through the 1970s and sales declined sharply thereafter despite some critical acclaim; by 2013 none of their albums released in the 1970s made Billboard’s top 40 chart.[16] Nevertheless, they are considered one of the most influential rock bands of all time

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys were 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 friend Al Jardine. The Beach Boys began as a garage band led by Brian Wilson, whose creative ambitions later fueled the band’s transformation into a commercial powerhouse.

The group’s early recordings were characterized by innovative vocal harmonies and unconventional mixes of instruments. Their signature sound lay in Brian’s innovative production techniques and utilization of various recording studio technologies, which resulted in intricate layered tracks with extensive reverb and other effects. The Beach Boys’ frequent use of double-tracked lead vocals and multi-part harmony arrangements also set them apart from other contemporary pop acts.

The Beach Boys released their debut album, Surfin’ Safari, in 1962. It peaked at No. 14 on the US Billboard 200 chart and spawned two hit singles: “Surfin’ Safari” and “409”. Brian’s composing skills rapidly matured during this period; his songs “Surfin'”, “Surfin’ Safari”, “Shut Down”, and “In My Room” all attained popularity on national radio.

Bob Dylan

No musician was more influential in shaping the sound and style of the 1960s than Bob Dylan. A singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Dylan was at the forefront of a musical revolution that saw folk music transformed into something new, fresh, and exciting. His lyrics conveyed a deep understanding of the social and political issues of the day, and his music spoke to a generation of young people who were looking for something more than the empty pop songs that dominated the charts. Dylan’s influence can still be felt today, and his music remains as relevant as ever.

Simon and Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel were one of the most successful musical duos of the 1960s. Their music was marked by Paul Simon’s songwriting, Art Garfunkel’s countertenor vocals, and their distinctive harmonies. They are best known for their hits “The Sound of Silence,” “Bridge over Troubled Water,” and “Mrs. Robinson.” Simon and Garfunkel’s music was featured in several films, including The Graduate, Catch-22, and Theosta.

The Doors

Formed in Los Angeles in 1965, the Doors were one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the 1960s. The group was founded by singer/songwriter Jim Morrison and keyboardist Ray Manzarek, and they were later joined by guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore.

The Doors blended elements of rock, blues, jazz, and classical music to create a unique and distinctive sound. They were known for their psychedelic lyrics and dramatic live performances, which often featured Morrison’s spontaneous, improvised singing.

The band released eight studio albums between 1967 and 1971, including the classics The Doors (1967) and L.A. Woman (1971). They sold over 100 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

The Doors’ music has been hugely influential, particularly in the arena of rock music. Many subsequent bands have cited them as an inspiration, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

The Mamas and the Papas

The Mamas and the Papas were a California-based folk rock vocal group who recorded and performed from 1965 to 1968, releasing five studio albums during their initial run. The group was composed of John Phillips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot, and Michelle Phillips (nee Gilliam). All four members sang lead and background vocals, with John Phillips and Michelle Phillips writing most of the band’s material. They became one of the winningest acts of the sixties music era. The Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for their contributions to the music industry.

The Byrds

The Byrds were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) being the only consistent member. Although they only managed to attain the huge commercial success of their peers the Beach Boys and the Beatles, the Byrds are considered one of the most influential bands of their era. Their signature blend of clear harmony singing and chiming 12-string Rickenbacker guitars, buffalo Springfield andBob Dylan influences gave them a distinctive and influential sound. The band also created their own version of neo-psychedelia that differed from San Francisco’s music scene.

The original five-piece lineup of the Byrds consisted of Jim McGuinn (laterRoger McGuinn) (vocals, guitar), Gene Clark (vocals, tambourine), David Crosby (vocals), Chris Hillman (bass guitar), and Michael Clarke (drums). However, this version of the band was relatively short-lived; by early 1966, Clark had left due to creative tensions with he other members, while Crosby was fired for his increasingly rebellious behavior. Both Clark and Crosby went on to have successful solo careers. The 5th Dimension succeeded them with John York taking over on bass and Kevin Kelley on drums.

Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane was a rock band that formed in San Francisco in the 1960s. The band was one of the pioneering groups of the psychedelic rock genre and their music was a major influence on the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The band’s hits include “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit”.

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

Iconic foursome Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young first came together in 1968, and their unique blend of folk, rock, and country quickly made them a sensation. With hits like “Woodstock” and “Teach Your Children,” the group became the voice of a generation, protesting social injustice and promoting peace. They were also known for their extended jams, which frequently stretched beyond the ten-minute mark. CSNY’s ability to captivate audiences with both their social commentary and their musical virtuosity made them one of the most successful groups of the 1960s.