The 1960s were more than just peace signs, tie-dye shirts, and flower power — it was a revolutionary era for rock music. From British Invasion bands to psychedelic trailblazers, the ‘60s produced some of the most influential rock groups of all time.
1. The Beatles
Origin: Liverpool, England
Style: Pop Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Signature Hits: “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together”
2. The Rolling Stones
Origin: London, England
Style: Blues Rock, Hard Rock
Signature Hits: “Paint It Black,” “Gimme Shelter,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
3. The Doors
Origin: Los Angeles, California
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock
Signature Hits: “Light My Fire,” “Riders on the Storm,” “The End”
4. The Who
Origin: London, England
Style: Mod Rock, Hard Rock, Rock Opera
Signature Hits: “My Generation,” “Baba O’Riley,” “Pinball Wizard”
5. Cream
Origin: London, England
Style: Blues Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Signature Hits: “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” “Crossroads”
6. The Byrds
Origin: Los Angeles, California
Style: Folk Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Signature Hits: “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” “Eight Miles High”
The Fab Four didn’t just dominate the charts – they reinvented what rock music could be. Albums such as Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and The White Album broke new ground in songwriting and production.
The Stones gave rock its swagger. With gritty riffs and rebellious lyrics, they embodied the darker, more dangerous side of rock.
60s and 70s Rock Music
1960s Rock Music
British Invasion: Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Kinks stormed America and changed the scene.
Psychedelic Rock: Think Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane — music got trippy, experimental, and full of mind-bending sounds.
Folk Rock: Artists like Bob Dylan and The Byrds mixed rock with folk storytelling.
Garage Rock: Raw and gritty bands like The Kingsmen (“Louie Louie”) paved the way for punk later on.
Protest Songs: Music became a voice for social change during the civil rights movement and Vietnam War.
1970s Rock Music
Hard Rock and Heavy Metal: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple — heavier sounds, bigger riffs.
Progressive Rock: Bands like Yes, Genesis, King Crimson brought in complex structures and crazy instrumentals.
Southern Rock: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band brought in bluesy, country-influenced rock.
Arena Rock: Huge bands like Queen, Boston, and Journey that filled massive stadiums.
Punk Rock (late ’70s): The Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash rebelled against the mainstream with short, raw songs.
Here’s a list of notable 1960s rock artists who helped shape the sound of that era:
Elvis Presley – Although he started in the ’50s, he continued to dominate in the ’60s with a more rock-oriented style.
Mick Jagger – Frontman of The Rolling Stones, known for his electrifying stage presence.
John Lennon – Co-lead singer of The Beatles, also a major solo artist later.
Jim Morrison – Charismatic and poetic lead singer of The Doors.
Janis Joplin – Powerful, raspy-voiced singer known for her raw emotion, associated with Big Brother and the Holding Company.
Roger Daltrey – Lead singer of The Who, known for his strong, aggressive delivery.
Grace Slick – Lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, famous for “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.”
Eric Burdon – Lead vocalist of The Animals, known for deep, gritty performances like “House of the Rising Sun.”
Mick Jagger is the legendary lead singer of The Rolling Stones, one of the most influential bands of 60s rock music. Known for his electrifying stage presence and distinctive voice, Jagger helped define an era and continues to be a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll’s rebellious spirit and enduring legacy.
60s Rock Music Hits
The 1960s exploded with creativity, and rock was at the center of it — from British Invasion bands to psychedelic rock to protest music. Here are the 20 Best rock songs of the 1960s.
The Rolling Stones, iconic British rock legends, skyrocketed to fame with their 1965 hit “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Known for their gritty sound and rebellious spirit, the song’s raw guitar riff and anti-commercial lyrics captured a generation’s frustration. It became a defining anthem of rock ‘n’ roll, cementing the Stones’ place in music history.
1. The Rolling Stones – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)
2. The Beatles – “Come Together” (1969)
3. Jimi Hendrix – “Purple Haze” (1967)
4. The Doors – “Light My Fire” (1967)
5. The Who – “My Generation” (1965)
6. Led Zeppelin – “Good Times Bad Times” (1969)
7. Cream – “Sunshine of Your Love”(1967)
8. The Kinks – “You Really Got Me” (1964)
9. Bob Dylan – “Like a Rolling Stone” (1965)
10. Jefferson Airplane – “Somebody to Love” (1967)
11. The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man” (1965)
12. Buffalo Springfield – “For What It’s Worth” (1966)
13. The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations” (1966)
14. The Animals – “House of the Rising Sun” (1964)
15. The Velvet Underground – “I’m Waiting for the Man” (1967)
16. Janis Joplin (with Big Brother and the Holding Company) – “Piece of My Heart” (1968)
17. The Zombies – “Time of the Season” (1968)
18. The Yardbirds – “For Your Love” (1965)
19. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Bad Moon Rising”(1969)
20. Simon & Garfunkel – “The Sound of Silence” (1965)
FAQs About 60s Rock Music
1. What is the #1 rock song of all time?
While opinions may vary, many critics and fans often point to “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin as the #1 rock song of all time. Released in 1971, the song is renowned for its powerful buildup, iconic guitar solo, and spiritual lyrics. It continues to top “greatest rock songs” lists decades after its release.
2. What rock was popular in the 60s?
The 1960s was a golden era for rock music, giving rise to several iconic styles and artists. Popular rock in the 60s included:
British Invasion Rock – Led by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks.
Psychedelic Rock – With bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Doors, and Cream.
Folk Rock – Artists like Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel blended folk with electric guitar.
Garage Rock – Raw and energetic, with groups like The Kingsmen (“Louie Louie”).
Surf Rock – Instrumental and upbeat, made famous by The Beach Boys and Dick Dale.
3. What is the 60s’ biggest hit of all time?
Many songs were massive hits in the 1960s, but “Hey Jude” by The Beatles is often cited as the decade’s biggest hit. Released in 1968, it topped the charts in multiple countries, spent nine weeks at #1 in the U.S., and became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Other contenders include:
- “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones
- “Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys
- “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan
4. What is modern rock music?
Modern rock music refers to rock styles from the late 1990s to the present day. It typically blends traditional rock elements with more contemporary influences, including:
- Electronic beats and synths
- Pop-oriented choruses
- Genre-crossing with hip-hop, indie, or even EDM
Notable modern rock artists include:
- Imagine Dragons
- Muse
- The Killers
- Foo Fighters
- Twenty One Pilots
Modern rock often emphasizes emotional lyrics, slick production, and genre experimentation—keeping rock relevant for new generations.