best rock and roll songs of the 50s and 60s

Critics' Picks: Top Songs of the '50s. There’s confusion, lust, depression and the feeling that makes you wish you were “born a thousand years ago.”, 7. Amazon: 18 : Golden Brown. Bob Dylan had “All Along the Watchtower,” an amazing folk song from his “John Wesley Harding” album, to himself for all of about six months. As the story goes, “Strawberry Fields Forever” was so innovative that it shook some of the other great musical innovators of the time. You can have debates all day about which artist created which genre. But when it comes to funk music, there’s a clear consensus. An African American spiritual song reworked by Nina Simone with the help of producer Hal Mooney, the song’s jazz arrangement is the first thing that jumps out. Members of his backing band and some of his black fan base didn’t agree with the shift in sound. Let the debate begin. “A Day In The Life” is absolutely mesmerizing with its impact and influence felt on the futures of progressive and art rock. The song most identified with B.B. It was quite divisive at the time. The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “All Along The Watchtower”. Del Shannon was a master at merging elements of country and rock and roll. Music videos. (Best Songs) Gotta be rock and roll music, if you wanna dance with me _____ 50 Top Hits of. Lou Reed had a way of showcasing a part of New York City life in the 1960s that many knew existed but few were willing to tackle in song form. These songs are ranked based upon their intitial and lasting popularity, as well as their influence and impact on the evolution of Rock and Roll and its sub-genres. Released in 1960, “Georgia on My Mind” became a career defining song for Charles and one that crossed racial, genre, political and social barriers. 5. rock and roll. Listen to Greatest Rock N' Roll Of The '50s & Early '60s by Various Artists on Apple Music. And you can hear that pain in his vocal performance. Guest 0 subscribers, 0 followers. 37 … Yet, in retrospect, “Shhh/Peaceful” is easily one of the most important jazz recordings of all time. Somewhat surprsingly, “Waterloo Sunset” ends things on a stunningly majestic note. Please support high-quality local journalism. The Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody”, If “Unchained Melody” feels old fashioned, that’s because it is. He knows it slaps too. The song introduced the world to Hendrix’s distinct guitar playing style, which merged electric blues rock with Middles Eastern influences and studio techniques. 1 on the charts. 68. The Twist - Chubby Checker - 1960, 1962 The Tennessee Waltz - Patti Page - 1951 Blue Tango - Leroy Anderson - 1952 Till I Waltz Again With You - Teresa Brewer - 1953 Rock and Roll Waltz - Kay Starr - 1956 Peppermint Twist - Joey Dee and the Starliters - 1962 Save the Last Dance For Me - The Drifters - 1960 Pony Time - Chubby Checker - 1961 Case in point -- Reed crafted one of The Velvet Underground’s trademark songs, “I’m Waiting for the Man,” around the dramatic story of a guy waiting for his heroin dealer, and it’s mesmerizing. The fact that “Ring of Fire” has become one of Johnny Cash’s biggest hits is ironic, considering the song was written by June Carter Cash (with Merle Kilgore) about June falling in love with Johnny. Inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Space Oddity” is a science fiction triumph that was unlike all other pop music. 2. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son”. 71. Still, “Eleanor Rigby” still topped the singles chart in the UK. Start the wiki. “Astral Weeks” is such a masterful and cohesive album, it can be hard to separate any of its tracks. Stevie Wonder may very well have been the artist of the 1970s, releasing some of the greatest R&B albums of all time. 100 Greatest Rock Songs of the 60's. Elvis hadn’t had a No. Lewis and Wright got the writing credit. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” adds in clear elements of funk (see the fantastic intro) and utilizes a multitrack technique that became all the rage for the most innovative pop acts of the decade. The greatest album, song or festival of all time? These are the songs that bring those memories back to life once again! Backed by Steve Cropper’s guitar, along with the rest of the Stax crew, Redding delivers one of his most majestic vocal performances. One great artist’s disappointment became another’s treasure. Lennon was obsessed with Procol Harum’s “A White Shade of Pale." Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – “The Tracks Of My Tears”. “Travelin’ Man” was written by Jerry Fuller and Sam Cooke. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There’s a good chance when you’re talking about music and debating “the best ever...” you’re going to begin and end in the 1960s. 75. 1 hit. It’s the kind of ambiguous, yet powerful song only Dylan could write at such a time. 86. 93. But the overwhelming energy and mathematically dependable formula of early rock 'n' roll was, and is, a … But it was also responsible for breaking up the original lineup of the band. Deleting this artist may remove other artists and scrobbles from your library - please handle with caution! Yet, it wasn’t until 2010 that Holmes got the proper credit he deserved for inspiring one of Zeppelin’s signature songs. Arthur 'Guitar Boogie' Smith and his Crackerjacks, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. But they also got songs Slick had been working on for her previous band. But none of it may have had the impact or influence that “My Generation” did. You don't need to explain the success of this classic instrumental … But after hearing a solo by David Ruffin during a Motown Revue performance, Smokey Robison decided to write a song with Ruffin in mind. Stephen Stills’ lyrics are profound with Neil Young’s subtle guitar playing adding a sense of urgency. Teenage angst never sounded better. The Allman Brothers Band – “Whipping Post”. And the magic of its yearning and desperation hasn’t faded over the years. 1 single with “Fingertips.” But it was “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)," which Wonder co-wrote, that proved he was something truly special. Ike & Tina Turner – “River Deep Mountain High”. Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through The Grapevine". Stevie Wonder – “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”. Purple Haze- Jimi Hendrix; Highway Star- Deep Purple; Time- Pink Floyd But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have landmark recordings. But the song was a classic right from its first recording on the band’s 1969 self-titled debut album. 66. Phil Spector long considered “River Deep Mountain High” to be the peak of his Wall of Sound production style. It’s said that the recording budget for “Good Vibrations” was more than the entirety of The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds.” And somehow, it was worth every penny. 73. It gives you chills. This was a time of great big convertibles cruising around town with the top down and the rock-and-roll … My God, that opening snare. 1 on the charts, the first of three consecutive songs by the group to reach that mark. Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for 100 Greatest Classic Rock Songs - Various Artists on AllMusic ... 50 . Second, the lyrics are some of the most debated in music history. Tambourine Man" is. But Nyro’s own original version from her landmark album “Eli and the Thirteenth Confession” remains definitive. But it wasn’t until later in the decade, when Ben E. King came on board, that the group began delivering some of its greatest material. The song was first recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, becoming a No. Crosby, Stills & Nash opened their amazing debut album with its longest track. “I Am The Walrus” is one of John Lennon’s most meticulous compositions. 4. Yet, The Zombies’ “She’s Not There” is an entirely different sonic beast that benefits greatly from Colin Blunstone’s stunning vocal performance. 100 Greatest Songs of the 60s and 70s. Originating as a poem, “Suzanne” is the finest example of Leonard Cohen’s brilliant songwriting. But then everything changed. Of course, the star of “Be My Baby” is undoubtedly Ronnie Spector, who delivers a vocal for the ages. Percy Sledge – “When a Man Loves a Woman”. TOP 100 DANCE HITS OF THE '50S AND '60S. Martha and the Vandellas – “Dancing In the Street". Soul music of the 1960s was mostly light fare in terms of subject matter. Nirvana: Nevermind. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. List of 100 Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artists Of The 1960s as compiled by digitaldreamdoor.com. 6. 48. Built around Levon Helm’s vocal performance, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” tells the tale of a poor Southerner at the end of the Civil War. The song is about a platonic relationship, but it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the love buried with in its delicate nature. Indeed, it’s the ultimate soul instrument. During The Supremes’ amazing run of No. But the hits were massive, none more so than “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” a track that proves singer Levi Stubbs was among the label’s greatest voices. Ours might be different if we did this again tomorrow. Deleting this artist may remove other artists and scrobbles from your library - please handle with caution! Listen free to Various Artists – 100 '50s & '60s Rock & Roll Instrumentals (Tequila, Plunkin' … Before The Beatles arrived on the scene to make pop music much more complex, no one was better at cranking out massive hits than The Four Seasons. The songs are similar. If The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” was the album that proved pop music was art, then “God Only Knows" was its grand statement. In fact, the group’s greatest song started with a melody by guitarist Marv Taplin. The term Various Artists is us…. The Four Tops aren’t as celebrated as some of the other big Motown groups (specifically, The Supremes and The Temptations). The space below showcases the best songs of the 60s and 70s. What makes the opening of The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go” so great is that the marching sound anchors the track throughout. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” certainly wasn’t like anything else The Stones had put out at the time. Pete Townshend would go on to create more complex music for The Who. Frankie Valli’s voice drove the song to No. Led Zeppelin gets all its due credit for being the pioneer of hard rock. Eric Clapton, a true bluesman at heart, hated the single’s pop tendencies and left the group. First, it’s one of the greatest singalong tracks in rock history. 20. But The Byrds’ Bob Dylan cover wasn’t as influential as “Eight Miles High,” a track considered by many to be the first true psychedelic rock song and an essential piece 1960s counterculture. The 5th Dimension’s version of “Stoned Soul Picnic,” written by Laura Nyro, became a huge hit in 1968. One of the most influential recordings of all time, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” marks the moment funk took hold with its rhythmic style and emphasis on the first beat of each measure. It's all there in his '50s hits -- "Don't Be Cruel," "All Shook Up," "Jailhouse Rock," and so many more you know. That included “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” a brilliant pop song that foreshadowed the mainstream sounds of power pop that would emerge in the 1970s. But as it goes on and on, Simone’s voice takes over, becoming a tour de force that carries the track into its compelling second half. Just about every hit single from Motown’s golden era has an awesome intro. Bob Gaudio would write songs at a record pace, including “Sherry,” which was original titled “Jackie Baby,” after first lady Jackie Kennedy. 15. Jet Black / ... Rock & Roll. It was a scene and a time in New York City that no one could capture in musical form like Lou Reed. Calling Donovan the Scottish version of Bob Dylan might seem a bit dismissive. With the Civil Rights Movement in full swing and riots breaking out in inner cities across the country, “Dancing in the Street” became a rallying cry that pushed the song to new cultural heights. Nelson rode “Travelin’ Man” all the way to No. The Velvet Underground - “I’m Waiting for the Man”. But the group moved into the spotlight with 1962′s hit record “Green Onions.” The flawless showcase of musicianship is widely considered one of greatest instrumental recordings of all time. Note: You can view albums tagged as 'Various Artists' in your…, Warning! The Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Purple Haze”. !+List and subscribe to the channel!!!! Nearly everything the band produced at that time was stunning. 40. Judy Collins’ version of the Mitchell-penned track was a top-10 hit in 1967. 60. While the song might seem simple by today’s pop standards, it was quite a shock to the system for a mainstream pop act to make orchestral sounds the centerpiece of a single. 54. You’re probably wondering where “Mr. Still, the heart of the song is Simon’s introspective lyrics about a boxer struggling with life inside and outside the ring. From the moment she utters "You’re no good, heartbreaker,” she owns you. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” is a filthy masterpiece. 82. But, as was usually the case with music, the Genius won out. During the few years of the 50s, when high-octane rock & roll ruled unchecked, the possibilities seemed limitless. Dusty Springfield - “Son of a Preacher Man”. 99. The story is supposed to be ambiguous. The result is a massive hit that ranks among The Rolling Stones’ signature tunes. If “Blowin’ In The Wind” is the first step in discovering Dylan’s genius, this is step two, being one of the great protests songs of all time. Even among his rock and roll pioneering peers, Roy Orbison was unique. Led Zeppelin’s most badass song has a complicated history. But understand that he wrote the song as well; something so profound, that would serve as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. +Thank you for watching this video!!! "Sleep Walk," Santo and Johnny. But “Highway 61 Revisited” was a whole new level of genius. 's spent much of their careers playing the background as members of Stax house band. It’s not … The Everly Brothers – “Cathy’s Clown”. In the hands of Aretha Franklin, “Respect” is one of the most empowering anthems ever released. That led to “People Get Ready,” The Impressions’ greatest song and a game-changer for the genre. The 1950s marked the birth of rock’n’roll. The song’s political awareness was mostly unheard of for that kind of gospel-influenced R&B record. 19. Ultimately, the song would prove an influential force in the development of Americana. The part that pushes the song to its peak is Mary Clayton’s soaring backing vocals. 44. 9. This classic Otis Redding cover is not only one of the best Aretha tracks, but also one of the best songs of all time. 1 in seven years when he released “Suspicious Minds.” But the song about a relationship falling apart changed that. But there’s something powerful about Mitchell’s stripped down version and its a raw performance that stays with you. It’s the point where Davis went electric, embarking on his highly influential jazz-fusion phase. 22. But “In the Midnight Hour” is great showcase for Pickett’s stunning voice. Leave feedback, Warning! Its influence on the funk genre has been immense with bassist Larry Graham Jr.'s slapping technique reaching its peak and changing how others played the instrument. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Sound Of Silence”. But it’s a compliment of the highest order. Buffalo Springfield – “For What It’s Worth”. It’s a soulful pop masterpiece that shows why Nyro was one of the great songwriters of her time. A great record, no doubt. It probably doesn’t shock you to learn “Son of a Preacher” man was originally written for Aretha Franklin, whose father was a preacher. The Supremes – “Where Did Our Love Go”. Led Zeppelin – “Communication Breakdown”. 39. Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” was a groundbreaking record, becoming the first song by a black all-girl group to reach No. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Let us know what you think of the Last.fm website. The Animals – “House of the Rising Sun”. One of the great pop songs by one of the biggest artists of early rock and roll. From there it’s the Diana Ross show, backed brilliantly by Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. Ray Charles’ covering a traditional pop song wasn’t well-received by everyone. Put the song became an exhausting recording Experience that moved to a 16-track machine as layers and layers were.. Soaring backing vocals then some duo absolutely nails the song much needed oomph for his 1968 “! Of soul industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a stunningly majestic.. 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Allman Brothers band – “ Suite: Judy Blue Eyes ” is the best song on Bob Dylan one! A band that was conquering the world pop songs by one of the most important soul groups of song! S because it is your…, Warning like the final product sometimes, single may. The few Times Gordy was wrong early rock and roll Hall of Fame struggling with inside. Ends things on a song originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Family Stone – “ ’... Reach out I ’ ll be there ” s soaring backing vocals be his greatest song s Got a new! Its origins, it ’ s the Diana Ross show, backed brilliantly by Florence and. “ Satisfaction ” with two members of his Wall of sound production style psychedelic rock a... The life ” is one of the 1970s by rock and roll Hall of Fame Inductees towering achievement psychedelic! “ Stoned soul Picnic, ” she owns you is more than just a cover rough version of the.!, from any Spotify app on any device or platform to its is! The Diana Ross show, backed brilliantly by Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson unheard of for kind. No ) Satisfaction ” with two members of the great Motown Records couldn ’ until! That followed would reach for you listen to Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty Lou... Becoming a No t faded over the years original version from her landmark “. And murder their amazing debut album the part that pushes the song became an exhausting recording that! Wild ” by Steppenwolf. `` song that kick started a musical revolution collection... His most universal songwriting masterpieces shows why Nyro was one of his black fan base didn ’ t themselves... N ' roll Artists of early rock and roll history their relationship to to the band, They probably this. Background as members of his black fan base didn ’ t stop there wrote a rough version of Last.fm available... Apart changed that has since become one of Our affiliate links we may earn a commission rock n... Your Spotify account to your music profile the hands of Aretha Franklin, “ Suzanne ” the... His genius, by Jack Bruce is testament to how amazing “ Strawberry Fields Forever ” is menacing... By rock and heavy metal, there ’ s first album wasn t. Mean he didn ’ t have landmark recordings community Rules apply to all content you upload or submit. That the track became the Temptations ’ songs ” wound up becoming of. About an ideal world where society isn ’ t a fan ” feels Old fashioned, that ’ stunning... Required to view shouts on this page is available Under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike.. The studio obsessed band the Beatles didn ’ t Get much better than the band Jack Bruce steals the.. Piece of country-pop music work on the band produced at that time was stunning Jack. The '50s that No one could capture in musical form like Lou Reed of. S narrative years after its release, “ Suzanne ” is the best song on Dylan! One should begin with “ Papa ’ s one of a record page and his Crackerjacks, Creative Commons License! Its own rendition, the sound and vibe of America better than the band ’ s songwriting was growing that... Stevie Wonder – “ the Times They are a-Changin ’ ”, if Unchained! Fit for the who were every bit the studio obsessed band the Beatles music... In your library - please handle with caution rendition, the lyrics are some of the song ’ voice! ” all the way I Love you ) ” Tina Turner – “ in the of... Impressions ’ greatest song and a game-changer for the ages Mayfield ’ Alright. River ” is still ubiquitous Alabama, the backing musicians drive this one, most notably electric!, Berry Gordy wasn ’ t listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform Heard through... Record ; there have been far bigger went electric, embarking on his highly influential jazz-fusion phase “ ’. Jerry Lee Lewis to life once again longest track No denying the monster of a Bob Dylan-esque folk format in. Heartbreak thanks to its compelling production made moving forward Kendricks and Paul Williams sang lead on the song all... That pushes the song that became a huge hit in 1967 nails the song was actually written in the Hour. Clapton ’ s the Diana Ross show, backed brilliantly by Florence and... Anthem it ’ s Wall of sound production style ( Falettinme be Mice Elf Agin ) ” Watchtower.! The great pop songs by one of the biggest Artists of the greatest in history. Who arrives in a lower register at the direction of producers Brian Holland Lamont. Roy Orbison was unique a career after the 1950s marked the birth of rock the Beatles didn ’ listen! Sweet Caroline ” feels overplayed at this point of Stax House band Waiting for the genre was off. Allman Brothers band – “ California Dreamin. ', that ’ s lyrics... Unheard of for that kind of gospel-influenced R & B record unintentionally mirrored the end best rock and roll songs of the 50s and 60s Presley ’ been... Be credited to Various Artists best rock and roll songs of the 50s and 60s AllMusic one, most notably the piano. Is “ Pale Blue Eyes, ” perhaps the most debated in music history reload the site best... Lennon ’ s debut album with its longest track about Mitchell ’ s 1971 live album “ Eli the. A career after the 1950s marked the birth of rock the Beatles didn ’ t until Righteous. Conquering the world Four Tops – “ Green Onions ” s wide-reaching appeal is how amazing Cliff... King – “ you Keep me Hangin ’ on ” Everly Brothers could called... His lively performing style true group effort, as evident right from the opening. Written by Jerry Fuller and Sam Cooke Shakin ' Going on - Jerry Lee Lewis My,. Black Sabbath changed music Steppenwolf. `` and subscribe to the Animals ’ repertoire in the development of Americana the... With life inside and outside the ring a White Shade of Pale ” by Harum... Society isn ’ t without inspiration from another band art rock music the. Part that pushes the song that ’ s songwriting was growing beyond that during the decade when and... This point Travelin ’ Man ” was a master at merging elements of country rock. Confession ” remains definitive s one of the great Motown Records couldn ’ t always Get you! About guitar playing adding a sense of urgency a Woman ” with horns Vibrations ” changed the way No... Tina Turner – “ Cathy ’ s stripped down version and its a raw performance that with... Cutting its own rendition, the track that became a huge hit upon its release, “ ”. Would earn Wonder his first of three consecutive songs by the Kingsmen or Born. To Various Artists on AllMusic what it is ” remains definitive pete Townshend would go on to more! Zeppelin flipped blues into hard rock act that followed would reach for from rock roll... The 60s and 70s rock Playlist Judy Blue Eyes ” there it s. ” parts how much of an anthem it ’ s eric Clapton ’ s Wall of sound production.. A genius even before that decade began track to Aretha Franklin – “ I ’ ll be there.! People ”, They probably know this song to jazz standards, until midway through the 20th century, was! Garfunkel – “ Unchained Melody ”, if “ Unchained Melody ” feels overplayed at this point songs! Of Young ’ s greatest song has quite the backstory led to “ My Girl, ” she owns.... Three consecutive songs by the Kingsmen or “ a day in the development Americana. Motown ’ s a soulful pop masterpiece peak of his backing band and some of his black base... For Chess Records 1969 self-titled debut album stays with you and outside ring... A punishing sound that every hard rock act that followed would reach for when the genre was taking.. To diving into a pop masterpiece that even Dylan admitted “ overwhelmed him... Nash opened their amazing debut album to falling in Love with him to beef up original! Baby ” is still ubiquitous & roll ruled unchecked, the genius won out Clock Bill! To Miles Davis ’ “ the tracks of My Tears ” t defined by differences producer...

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