Top 7 Songs in the 60s

In 1960, several iconic songs dominated the charts. Here are the top 7 hits from that year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

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. “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini” – Brian Hyland

These songs reflect a mix of orchestral pop, country, rock, and novelty music that defined the early ’60s.

In 1961, a new wave of popular music emerged. Here are the top 7 hits of that year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

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

These songs range from doo-wop and country to early rock and roll, reflecting the diversity of popular music at the time.

In 1962, music continued to evolve with a mix of rock and pop influences. Here are the top 7 hits of the year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

1. “Stranger on the Shore” – Mr. 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

These songs highlight a wide range of styles, from jazz instrumental to soul, pop, and novelty dance tunes that defined the early ’60s music landscape.

In 1963, music saw the rise of more rock ‘n’ roll and girl group sounds. Here are the top 7 songs of the year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

1. “Sugar Shack” – Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs
2. “Surfin’ U.S.A.” – The Beach Boys
3. “The End of the World” – Skeeter Davis
4. “Rhythm of the Rain” – The Cascades
5. “He’s So Fine” – The Chiffons
6. “Blue Velvet” – Bobby Vinton
7. “Hey Paula” – Paul & Paula

These hits reflect a variety of musical styles, from surf rock to pop ballads and girl group harmonies, marking the transition from early rock into the more diverse sounds of the mid-1960s.

In 1964, the music world was transformed by the British Invasion, especially The Beatles. Here are the top 7 songs of the year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

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

The Beatles’ massive popularity, along with hits from other diverse artists, defined 1964 as a pivotal year in the evolution of rock and pop music.

In 1965, rock and pop continued to dominate, with The Beatles still at the forefront. Here are the top 7 songs of the year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones
2. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” – Four Tops
3. “Wooly Bully” – Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
4. “Help!” – The Beatles
5. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” – The Righteous Brothers
6. “Downtown” – Petula Clark
7. “Cryin’ in the Chapel” – Elvis Presley

These songs reflect the growing diversity in popular music, with British rock, Motown, and classic pop all making an impact in 1965.

In 1966, pop and rock music continued to evolve, with a mix of British Invasion, Motown, and American rock. Here are the top 7 songs of the year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

1. “The Ballad of the Green Berets” – SSgt. Barry Sadler
2. “Cherish” – The Association
3. “(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration” – The Righteous Brothers
4. “Reach Out I’ll Be There” – Four Tops
5. “96 Tears” – ? and the Mysterians
6. “Last Train to Clarksville” – The Monkees
7. “Monday, Monday” – The Mamas & the Papas

These hits capture the spirit of the mid-1960s, with folk-inspired ballads, soulful Motown tunes, and emerging rock sounds shaping the musical landscape.

In 1967, music was influenced by the rise of psychedelic rock, soul, and pop. Here are the top 7 songs of the year based on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles:

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

These songs represent the diverse range of popular music in 1967, from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, and folk-inspired storytelling, capturing the essence of a transformative year in music history.