Surf and beach music became popular and folk-rock began emerging. The late 60s were a perfect marriage of the latter to current events. Civil rights, the Vietnam War, and many social changes were at the forefront. Rock and roll was one of those changes.
War Protest Songs in the 60s
From strictly "Dreamy young teen, will Johnny take me to the prom or marry me, He's a bad boy, but I still love him, Does Cindy Lou love me, I can't live without Cindy Lou, Hey,everybody, let's dance" sentiments, rock and roll had grown and evolved into a galvanizing force that addressed the war ("Universal Soldier") or injustice ("Blowin In The Wind" and "Eve Of Destruction")or changing American culture ("Love Child", "Does Your Mama Know About Me?", "Society's Child" (which was banned on many radio stations!).
Psychedelic Music in the 60s
Psychedelic music (or "drug rock") also became promenent; rock festivals became the "thing". In spite of all this, there was still room on the table and a popular market for the Bubblegum Sound (Simon Says") and just good old-fashioned "hey,everybody,let's dance" music ("Boogaloo Down Broadway").
AM and FM Radio in the 60s
AM Top 40 radio ruled the airwaves, and several regional DJs and stations achieved national fame: "Cousin" Brucie Morrow, Dick Biondi, WABC in New York, CKLW in Windsor/Detroit,and KDKA in Pittsburgh,for example were "must listen to" programns.
FM radio was also born during this decade, with progressive, free-form, and album-oriented formats. The music only was the main focus, rather than the DJ here. But let's not forget that rock and roll wasn't the only music that charted during the 1960s.
Middle of the Road Music in the 60s
There was a variety of easy-listening or "middle-of-the-road" music that was successful. Some considered it "square" or "grown-up, old folks' music." Nevertheless, MOR was a hit! And this market also bought movie soundtrack albums in record-setting numbers, such as "The Sound Of Music", "Exodus", "Camelot", and "West Side Story." (And instrumentals-Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass and their sound-alikes, The Baja Marimba Band, for example.)
1960 Musical Milestones
The 1960s may well be the most memorable and outstanding decade of the 20th century (It's probably the most turbulent), for its events AND music that still reverberates throughout our culture today.
- Classic Motown and the Beatles' music are revered and played regularly.
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