60's songs
Here you will find songs from the 60's which saw the evolution of rock and it's many variants including pop rock, folk rock, blues rock, beat and psychedelic rock to name a few. There was also the onset of the British Invasion with the ever popular Beatles and Rolling Stones. Country music, folk, R&B and soul were becoming more popular along with the cool fusion of samba and cool jazz. Below you will find further insights into the musical journey of the 1960s.
Chords and lyrics to your favorite 60s songs including chord charts for right and left-handed guitarists.
✔ means the song is suitable for beginners
Song | Artist | Date |
---|---|---|
A Time For Us | Andy Williams ✓ | 1968 |
Are You Lonesome Tonight | Elvis Presley ✓ | 1960 |
As Tears Go By | The Rolling Stones ✓ | 1965 |
Blowin' In The Wind | Bob Dylan ✓ | 1962 |
Brown Eyed Girl | Van Morrison ✓ | 1967 |
Can't Help Falling In Love With You | Elvis Presley | 1961 |
California Dreamin' | Sia (Cover - 2015) ✓ | 1965 |
Cathy's Clown | The Everly Boothers ✓ | 1960 |
Chapel Of Love | The Dixie Cups ✓ | 1964 |
Dance On | Kathy Kirby ✓ | 1963 |
Daydream Believer | The Monkees ✓ | 1967 |
Da Doo Ron Ron | The Crystals ✓ | 1963 |
Down On The Corner | CCR ✓ | 1969 |
Dream A Little Dream of Me | Mamas & The Papas | 1968 |
Dream Baby | Roy Orbison ✓ | 1962 |
El Paso | Marty Robbins ✓ | 1960 |
Ferry Cross The Mersey | Gerry & the Pacemakers | 1964 |
Fire And Rain | James Taylor | 1969 |
First Cut Is The Deepest, The | Sheryl Crow (Cover - 2003) ✓ | 1967 |
Five Hundred Miles (500 miles) | J. Timberlake, C. Mulligan & S. Sandswas (Cover - 2013) ✓ | 1961 |
Girl From Ipanema | Frank Sinatra | 1962 |
Hello Dolly | Louis Armstrong | 1963 |
Homeward Bound | Simon & Garfunkel ✓ | 1965 |
House Of The Rising Sun | The Animals ✓ | 1964 |
I Only Want To Be With You | Dusty Springfield ✓ | 1963 |
I Shall Be Released | Maroon 5 (Dylan Cover - 2012) ✓ | 1968 |
I'm A Believer | The Monkees ✓ | 1966 |
I'm Sorry | Brenda Lee | 1960 |
It's Now or Never | Elvis Presley ✓ | 1960 |
Midnight Special | Creedence Clearwater Revival ✓ | 1969 |
Moon River | Andy Williams | 1961 |
More | Andy Williams | 1963 |
Mrs Robinson | Simon & Garfunkel ✓ | 1968 |
My Way | Frank Sinatra ✓ | 1968 |
Never On Sunday | Petula Clark (Cover - 1965) ✓ | 1960 |
Nights In White Satin | Moody Blues ✓ | 1967 |
Proud Mary | CCR ✓ | 1968 |
Puff The Magic Dragon | The Irish Rovers (Cover - 1976) | 1962 |
Ring Of Fire | Johnny Cash ✓ | 1963 |
Running Bear | Johnny Preston ✓ | 1960 |
Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss) | Cher (Cover - 1990) ✓ | 1963 |
Sound Of Silence, The | Simon & Garfunkel ✓ | 1964 |
Space Oddity | David Bowie | 1969 |
Stuck On You | Elvis Presley ✓ | 1960 |
Theme From A Summer Place | Percy Faith and his Orchestra | 1960 |
There's a Kind of Hush | Dami Im (Cover - 2016) | 1967 |
Unicorn Song, The | The Irish Rovers (Cover - 1967) ✓ | 1962 |
Universal Soldier | Donovan (Cover - 1965) | 1964 |
Venus | Shocking Blue | 1969 |
What A Wonderful World | Louis Armstrong (Cover - 1998) | 1967 |
Where No One Stands Alone | Elvis Presley (Lisa Marie Cover-2018) | 1967 |
Whiter Shade Of Pale | Procol Harum ✓ | 1967 |
Top Songs Of The 60s
The Billboard Hot 100 is the music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on sales (physical and digital), online streaming, and radio play in the U.S
Below is a list of the Billboard Year-End Hot 10 Songs and Number One hits of the 60s:
Quick Links:Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1960
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | Theme From A Summer Place | Percy Faith |
2 | He'll Have to Go | Jim Reeves |
3 | Cathy's Clown | The Everly Brothers |
4 | Running Bear | Johnny Preston |
5 | Teen Angel | Mark Dinning |
6 | I'm Sorry | Brenda Lee |
7 | It's Now or Never | Elvis Presley |
8 | Handy Man | Jimmy Jones |
9 | Stuck on You | Elvis Presley |
10 | The Twist | Chubby Checker |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
El Paso | Marty Robbins |
Running Bear | Johnny Preston |
Teen Angel | Mark Dinning |
Theme From A Summer Place | Percy Faith |
Stuck on You | Elvis Presley |
Cathy's Clown | The Everly Brothers |
Everybody's Somebody's Fool | Connie Francis |
Alley Oop | Hollywood Argyles |
I'm Sorry | Brenda Lee |
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini | Brian Hyland |
It's Now or Never | Elvis Presley |
The Twist | Chubby Checker |
My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own | Connie Francis |
Mr. Custer | Larry Verne |
Save the Last Dance for Me | The Drifters |
Georgia on My Mind | Ray Charles |
Stay | Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs |
Are You Lonesome Tonight? | Elvis Presley |
Elvis Presley, Connie Francis, and Brenda Lee were the only acts to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1961
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | Tossin' and Turnin' | Bobby Lewis |
2 | I Fall to Pieces | Patsy Cline |
3 | Michael | The Highwaymen |
4 | Crying | Roy Orbison |
5 | Runaway | Del Shannon |
6 | My True Story | The Jive Five |
7 | Pony Time | Chubby Checker |
8 | Wheels | The String-A-Longs |
9 | Raindrops | Dee Clark |
10 | Wooden Heart | Joe Dowell |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
Are You Lonesome Tonight? | Elvis Presley |
Wonderland by Night | Bert Kaempfert |
Will You Love Me Tomorrow | The Shirelles |
Calcutta | Lawrence Welk |
Pony Time | Chubby Checker |
Surrender | Elvis Presley |
Blue Moon | The Marcels |
Runaway | Del Shannon |
Mother-in-Law | Ernie K-Doe |
Travelin' Man | Ricky Nelson |
Running Scared | Roy Orbison |
Moody River | Pat Boone |
Quarter to Three | Gary U.S. Bonds |
Tossin' and Turnin' | Bobby Lewis |
Wooden Heart | Joe Dowell |
Michael | The Highwaymen |
Take Good Care of My Baby | Bobby Vee |
Hit the Road Jack | Ray Charles |
Runaround Sue | Dion |
Please Mr. Postman | The Marvelettes |
The Lion Sleeps Tonight | The Tokens |
Elvis Presley was the only act to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1962
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | Stranger on the Shore | Acker Bilk |
2 | I Can't Stop Loving You | Ray Charles |
3 | Mashed Potato Time | Dee Dee Sharp |
4 | Roses Are Red (My Love) | Bobby Vinton |
5 | The Stripper | David Rose |
6 | Johnny Angel | Shelley Fabares |
7 | The Loco-Motion | Little Eva |
8 | Let Me In | The Sensations |
9 | The Twist | Chubby Checker |
10 | Soldier Boy | The Shirelles |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
The Lion Sleeps Tonight | The Tokens |
The Twist | Chubby Checker |
Peppermint Twist | Joey Dee and the Starliters |
Duke of Earl | Gene Chandler |
Hey! Baby | Bruce Channel |
Don't Break the Heart That Loves You | Connie Francis |
Johnny Angel | Shelley Fabares |
Good Luck Charm | Elvis Presley |
Soldier Boy | The Shirelles |
Stranger on the Shore | Mr. Acker Bilk |
I Can't Stop Loving You | Ray Charles |
The Stripper | David Rose |
Roses Are Red (My Love) | Bobby Vinton |
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do | Neil Sedaka |
The Loco-Motion | Little Eva |
Sheila | Tommy Roe |
Sherry | The Four Seasons |
Monster Mash | Bobby 'Boris' Pickett & the Crypt-Kickers |
He's a Rebel | The Crystals |
Big Girls Don't Cry | The Four Seasons |
Telstar | The Tornados |
The Four Seasons was the only act to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1963
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | Surfin' U.S.A. | The Beach Boys |
2 | The End of the World | Skeeter Davis |
3 | Rhythm of the Rain | The Cascades |
4 | He's So Fine | The Chiffons |
5 | Blue Velvet | Bobby Vinton |
6 | Hey Paula | Paul & Paula |
7 | Fingertips | Little Stevie Wonder |
8 | Can't Get Used to Losing You | Andy Williams |
9 | Can't Get Used to Losing You | The Angels |
10 | Sukiyaki | Kyu Sakamoto |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
Telstar | The Tornados |
Go Away Little Girl | Go Away Little Girl |
Walk Right In | The Rooftop Singers |
Hey Paula | Paul & Paula |
Walk Like a Man | The Four Seasons |
Our Day Will Come | Ruby & the Romantics |
He's So Fine | The Chiffons |
I Will Follow Him | Little Peggy March |
If You Wanna Be Happy | Jimmy Soul |
It's My Party | Lesley Gore |
Sukiyaki | Kyu Sakamoto |
Easier Said Than Done | The Essex |
Surf City | Jan and Dean |
So Much in Love | The Tymes |
Fingertips | Little Stevie Wonder |
My Boyfriend's Back | The Angels |
Blue Velvet | Bobby Vinton |
Sugar Shack † | Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs |
Deep Purple | Nino Tempo & April Stevens |
I'm Leaving It Up to You | Dale & Grace |
Dominique | The Singing Nun |
The original #1 song of 1963, "Surfin' U.S.A." by The Beach Boys, never reached number one on the weekly charts.
† Indicates best-performing single of 1963
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1964
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | I Want to Hold Your Hand | The Beatles |
2 | She Loves You | The Beatles |
3 | Hello, Dolly! | Louis Armstrong |
4 | Oh, Pretty Woman | Roy Orbison |
5 | I Get Around | The Beach Boys |
6 | Everybody Loves Somebody | Dean Martin |
7 | My Guy | Mary Wells |
8 | We'll Sing in the Sunshine | Gale Garnett |
9 | Last Kiss | J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers |
10 | Where Did Our Love Go | The Supremes |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
There! I've Said It Again | Bobby Vinton |
I Want to Hold Your Hand | The Beatles |
She Loves You | The Beatles |
Can't Buy Me Love | The Beatles |
Hello, Dolly! | Louis Armstrong |
My Guy | Mary Wells |
Love Me Do | The Beatles |
Chapel of Love | The Dixie Cups |
A World Without Love | Peter and Gordon |
I Get Around | The Beach Boys |
Rag Doll | The Four Seasons |
A Hard Day's Night | The Beatles |
Everybody Loves Somebody | Dean Martin |
Where Did Our Love Go | The Supremes |
The House of the Rising Sun | The Animals |
Oh, Pretty Woman | Roy Orbison |
Do Wah Diddy Diddy | Manfred Mann |
Baby Love | The Supremes |
Leader of the Pack | The Shangri-Las |
Ringo | Lorne Greene |
Mr. Lonely | Bobby Vinton |
Come See About Me | The Supremes |
I Feel Fine | The Beatles |
The Beatles, Bobby Vinton, and The Supremes were the only acts to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts with 6 no.1 singles by The Beatles.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1965
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | Wooly Bully | Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs |
2 | I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) | Four Tops |
3 | (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction | The Rolling Stones |
4 | You Were on My Mind | We Five |
5 | You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' | The Righteous Brothers |
6 | Downtown | Petula Clark |
7 | Help! | The Beatles |
8 | Can't You Hear My Heartbeat | Herman's Hermits |
9 | Crying in the Chapel | Elvis Presley |
10 | My Girl | The Temptations |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
I Feel Fine | The Beatles |
Come See About Me | The Supremes |
Downtown | Petula Clark |
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' | The Righteous Brothers |
This Diamond Ring | Gary Lewis & the Playboys |
My Girl | The Temptations |
Eight Days a Week | The Beatles |
Stop! In the Name of Love | The Supremes |
I'm Telling You Now | Freddie and the Dreamers |
Game of Love | Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders |
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter | Herman's Hermits |
Ticket to Ride | The Beatles |
Help Me, Rhonda | The Beach Boys |
Back in My Arms Again | The Supremes |
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) | Four Tops |
Mr. Tambourine Man | The Byrds |
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction | The Rolling Stones |
I'm Henry VIII, I Am | Herman's Hermits |
I Got You Babe | Sonny & Cher |
Help! | The Beatles |
Eve of Destruction | Barry McGuire |
Hang On Sloopy | The McCoys |
Yesterday | The Beatles |
Get Off of My Cloud | The Rolling Stones |
I Hear a Symphony | The Supremes |
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season) | The Byrds |
Over and Over | The Dave Clark Five |
The Beatles, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones and The Byrds were the only acts to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts with 4 no.1 singles by The Beatles.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1966
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | California Dreamin' | The Mamas & the Papas |
2 | 96 Tears | ? and the Mysterians |
3 | What Becomes of the Brokenhearted | Jimmy Ruffin |
4 | Last Train to Clarksville | The Monkees |
5 | Reach Out I'll Be There | Four Tops |
6 | These Boots Are Made for Walkin' | Nancy Sinatra |
7 | Cherish | The Association |
8 | Strangers in the Night | Frank Sinatra |
9 | Kicks | Paul Revere & the Raiders |
10 | The Ballad of the Green Berets | SSgt Barry Sadler |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
The Sound of Silence | Simon & Garfunkel |
We Can Work It Out | The Beatles |
My Love | Petula Clark |
Lightnin' Strikes | Lou Christie |
These Boots Are Made for Walkin' | Nancy Sinatra |
The Ballad of the Green Berets | SSgt Barry Sadler |
(You're My) Soul and Inspiration | The Righteous Brothers |
Good Lovin' | The Young Rascals |
Monday, Monday | The Mamas & the Papas |
When a Man Loves a Woman | Percy Sledge |
Paint It Black | The Rolling Stones |
Paperback Writer | The Beatles |
Strangers in the Night | Frank Sinatra |
Hanky Panky | Tommy James and the Shondells |
Wild Thing | The Troggs |
Summer in the City | The Lovin' Spoonful |
Sunshine Superman | Donovan |
You Can't Hurry Love | The Supremes |
Cherish | The Association |
Reach Out I'll Be There | Four Tops |
96 Tears | ? and the Mysterians |
Last Train to Clarksville | The Monkees |
Poor Side of Town | Johnny Rivers |
You Keep Me Hangin' On | The Supremes |
Winchester Cathedral | The New Vaudeville Band |
Good Vibrations | The Beach Boys |
I'm a Believer | The Monkees |
The Beatles, The Supremes and The Monkees were the only acts to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1967
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | To Sir With Love | Lulu |
2 | The Letter | The Box Tops |
3 | Ode to Billie Joe | Bobbie Gentry |
4 | Windy | The Association |
5 | I'm A Believer | The Monkees |
6 | Light My Fire | The Doors |
7 | Somethin' Stupid | Frank & Nancy Sinatra |
8 | Happy Together | The Turtles |
9 | Groovin' | The Young Rascals |
10 | Can't Take My Eyes Off You | Frankie Valli |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
I'm A Believer | The Monkees |
Kind of a Drag | The Buckinghams |
Ruby Tuesday | The Rolling Stones |
Love Is Here and Now You're Gone | The Supremes |
Penny Lane | The Beatles |
Happy Together | The Turtles |
Somethin' Stupid | Nancy Sinatra and Frank Sinatra |
The Happening | The Supremes |
Groovin' | The Young Rascals |
Respect | Aretha Franklin |
Windy | The Association |
Light My Fire | The Doors |
All You Need Is Love | The Beatles |
Ode to Billie Joe | Bobbie Gentry |
The Letter | The Box Tops |
To Sir With Love | Lulu |
Incense and Peppermints | Strawberry Alarm Clock |
Daydream Believer | The Monkees |
Hello, Goodbye | The Beatles |
The Beatles, The Supremes and The Monkees were the only acts to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1968
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | Hey Jude | The Beatles |
2 | Love is Blue | Paul Mauriat |
3 | Honey | Bobby Goldsboro |
4 | (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay | Otis Redding |
5 | People Got to Be Free | The Rascals |
6 | Sunshine of Your Love | Cream |
7 | This Guy's in Love with You | Herb Alpert |
8 | The Good, the Bad and the Ugly | Hugo Montenegro |
9 | Mrs. Robinson | Simon & Garfunkel |
10 | Tighten Up | Archie Bell & the Drells |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
Hello, Goodbye | The Beatles |
Judy in Disguise (With Glasses) | John Fred and His Playboy Band |
Green Tambourine | The Lemon Pipers |
Love is Blue | Paul Mauriat |
(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay | Otis Redding |
Honey | Bobby Goldsboro |
Tighten Up | Archie Bell & the Drells |
Mrs. Robinson | Simon & Garfunkel |
This Guy's in Love with You | Herb Alpert |
Grazing in the Grass | Hugh Masekela |
Hello, I Love You | The Doors |
People Got to Be Free | The Rascals |
Harper Valley PTA | Jeannie C. Riley |
Hey Jude | The Beatles |
Love Child | Diana Ross & the Supremes |
I Heard It Through the Grapevine | Marvin Gaye |
The Beatles were the only acts to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts.
Billboard Year-End Hot 10 songs of 1969
No | Song | Artist |
---|---|---|
1 | Sugar, Sugar | The Archies |
2 | Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In | The 5th Dimension |
3 | I Can't Get Next to You | The Temptations |
4 | Honky Tonk Women | The Rolling Stones |
5 | Everyday People | Sly and the Family Stone |
6 | Dizzy | Tommy Roe |
7 | Hot Fun in the Summertime | Sly and the Family Stone |
8 | I'll Never Fall in Love Again | Tom Jones |
9 | Build Me Up Buttercup | The Foundations |
10 | Crimson and Clover | Tommy James and the Shondells |
Song | Artist |
---|---|
I Heard It Through the Grapevine | Marvin Gaye |
Crimson and Clover | Tommy James and the Shondells |
Everyday People | Sly & the Family Stone |
Dizzy | Tommy Roe |
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In | The 5th Dimension |
Get Back | The Beatles with Billy Preston |
Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet | Henry Mancini |
In the Year 2525 | Zager and Evans |
Honky Tonk Women | The Rolling Stones |
Sugar, Sugar | The Archies |
I Can't Get Next to You | The Temptations |
Suspicious Minds | Elvis Presley |
Wedding Bell Blues | The 5th Dimension |
Come Together | The Beatles |
Something | The Beatles |
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye | Steam |
Leaving on a Jet Plane | Peter, Paul and Mary |
Someday We'll Be Together | Diana Ross & the Supremes |
The Beatles and The Fifth Dimension were the only acts to have more than one song hit number one on the weekly charts.
Musical Journey of the 1960s
The 1960s were a transformative time for music, witnessing the birth and evolution of various genres that continue to influence modern music. Here are some interesting facts about '60s music:
The British Invasion: Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks gained international popularity, leading what was famously known as the British Invasion in the US music scene.
Psychedelic Rock: The late '60s saw the rise of psychedelic rock, characterized by bands experimenting with new sounds, trippy lyrics, and often drug-influenced music. Groups like Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, and Pink Floyd were pioneers in this genre.
Woodstock Festival: The iconic Woodstock Festival took place in 1969, showcasing some of the biggest acts of the era, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and many others. It became a symbol of the counterculture movement of the '60s.
Motown Sound: The Motown record label in Detroit produced hit after hit in the 1960s, popularizing a distinct soulful sound. Artists such as The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder were part of this influential movement.
Bob Dylan's Influence: Bob Dylan emerged as a significant figure in folk music, penning socially conscious songs that became anthems for the civil rights movement and inspired countless artists.
The Monterey Pop Festival: Held in 1967, this festival featured iconic performances by artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Otis Redding and is considered a precursor to later music festivals like Woodstock.
The Beach Boys and the Surf Sound: The Beach Boys popularized the surf music genre, celebrating the California lifestyle with their harmonies and catchy tunes.
Technology Advancements: The '60s saw technological advancements in music production, such as the introduction of the 4-track tape recorder, which expanded creative possibilities in recording studios.
Social and Political Influence: Music became a platform for social and political commentary during this era, with songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan and "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke addressing issues of civil rights and societal change.
Albums as Art: Artists started to view albums as cohesive bodies of work rather than just collections of singles. Albums like The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" showcased this shift in approach.
The 1960s were a dynamic period in music history that not only shaped the industry but also reflected the cultural and social changes happening around the world.
Help Pages
Song charts - help with reading the song charts on this site for anyone that finds them a little confusing
Guitar chords - popular chords for all levels of experience including charts for left handed players.
Chord, note and key transposition - transposing chords in a song - useful examples and charts
Please Note: All the song charts on this site represent our interpretation of each song, in a format aimed at teaching guitarists and musicians in general. No attempt has been made to copy or reproduce the artist's or publisher's sheet music for the song, if it does exist. It is to be used for Informational and Educational Purposes Only. For a comprehensive representation of the songs, we recommend you buy the sheet music. If you like playing these songs, we encourage you to support the artists and buy their music.