The biggest hit songs from the ‘60s
Dusty Springfield - 'Son of a Preacher Man' - Aretha Franklin famously rejected this song, only deciding to record it when she heard Springfield’s version. It became Springfield's signature tune.
The Jackson 5 - 'I Want You Back' -
The first single by The Jackson 5, it was released by Motown in 1969 and became the first no. 1 hit for the band.
Aretha Franklin - 'Think' -
Aretha Franklin brought the funk with gospel flavor with this 1968 single. The song became her seventh top 10 hit in the US, having reached no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Led Zeppelin - 'Dazed and Confused' -
Written originally by American singer-songwriter Jake Holmes in 1967, Led Zeppelin gave the song a new version on their 1969 debut album.
The Ronettes - 'Be My Baby' -
'Be My Baby' was the girl group's biggest hit, reaching no. 2 in the US and no. 4 in the UK. It's regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
David Bowie - 'Space Oddity' -
David Bowie's first mega hit, the psychedelic folk song 'Space Oddity' was released in 1969 and remains to this day one of his most popular songs.
Ben E. King - 'Stand By Me' -
Originally performed in 1961 by Ben E. King, this romantic song has had over 400 recorded versions by many artists, notably Otis Redding and John Lennon.
The Rolling Stones - 'Gimme Shelter' -
Released as the opening track from the band's 1969 album 'Let it Bleed,' the song covers topics such as war, murder, sexual violence, and fear.
The Beatles - 'A Day in the Life' -
Part of their 1967 album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' this song remains one of the most celebrated songs to come out of the decade.
The Velvet Underground - 'I’m Waiting for the Man' - Written by front man Lou Reed, this all-time classic rock song describes a man's efforts to obtain heroin in Harlem, New York.
The Who - 'I Can’t Explain' -
Released in 1965, it was the band's second single release and first under the name The Who. The song has been covered by many artists, including David Bowie.
Serge Gainsbourg - 'Bonnie and Clyde' - This French-language song, written by Serge Gainsbourg, tells the story of the famous outlaw couple.