60s Rock Music Playlist 🎷🎸

Relive the golden era of music with our 60s Rock Music Playlist, a curated collection of timeless tracks by iconic classic rock artists. Discover the stories behind the songs and let the music take you back to the unforgettable 1960s.

Table of Content

Open and Close Press Arrow

Table of Contents

• 🎵 The Beatles – "Hey Jude" (1968) 🎸
  • Open and Close Press Arrow
• 🎶 Watch (39) – 60s Rock Music Songs 🌟
• 🎶 Listen To The Complete 60s Playlist On Amazon Music 🌟
• 🎵 Jefferson Airplane – "Somebody to Love" (1967) 🎸
• 🎵 The Doors – "Light My Fire" (1967) 🎸
• 🎵 The Who – "My Generation" (1965) 🎸
• 🎵 The Rolling Stones – "Paint It Black" (1966) 🎸
• 🎵 The Velvet Underground – "Sunday Morning" (1967) 🎸
• 🎵 Grateful Dead – "Truckin'" (1970) 🎸
• 🎵 The Beach Boys – "Good Vibrations" (1966) 🎸
• 🎵 Cream – "Sunshine of Your Love" (1967) 🎸
• 🎵 Creedence Clearwater Revival – "Fortunate Son" (1969) 🎸
• 🎵 Simon & Garfunkel – "The Sound of Silence" (1965) 🎸
• 🎵 Pink Floyd – "See Emily Play" (1967) 🎸
• 🎵 Van Morrison – "Brown Eyed Girl" (1967) 🎸
• 🎵 MC5 – "Kick Out the Jams" (1969) 🎸
• 🎵 Booker T. & the M.G.'s – "Green Onions" (1962) 🎸
• 🎵 The Animals – "House of the Rising Sun" (1964) 🎸
• 🎵 The Lovin' Spoonful – "Summer in the City" (1966) 🎸
• 🎵 Moby Grape – "Omaha" (1967) 🎸
• 🎵 Deep Purple – "Hush" (1968) 🎸
• 🎵 Ray Charles – "Georgia on My Mind" (1960) 🎸🎹
• 🎵 Ike & Tina Turner – "River Deep – Mountain High" (1966) 🎤🎸
• 🎵 The Righteous Brothers – "Unchained Melody" (1965) 🎤🎼
• 🎵 The Dave Clark Five – "Glad All Over" (1963) 🎸🥁
• 🎵 The Kinks – "You Really Got Me" (1964) 🎸🔥
• 🎵 Sly and the Family Stone – "Everyday People" (1968) 🎤🌈
• 🎵 Janis Joplin / Big Brother & the Holding Co. – "Piece of My Heart" (1968) 🎤🔥
• 🎵 Steppenwolf – "Born to Be Wild" (1968) 🏍️🔥
• 🎵 The Yardbirds – "For Your Love" (1965) 🎸❤️
• 🎵 Bob Dylan – "Like a Rolling Stone" (1965) 🎸🎤
• 🎵 The Zombies – "Time of the Season" (1968) 🎹🎤
• 🎵 Elvis Presley – "Suspicious Minds" (1969) 🎤🎸
• 🎵 Black Sabbath – "Evil Woman" (1969) 🎸⚡
• 🎵 The Hollies – "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (1969) 🎤❤️
• 🎵 The Mamas & the Papas – "California Dreamin'" (1965) 🌴☀️
• 🎵 Herman's Hermits – "I'm Into Something Good" (1964) 🎤😊
• 🎵 The Ronettes – "Be My Baby" (1963) 🎤❤️
• 🎵 Led Zeppelin – "Good Times Bad Times" (1969) 🎸🔥
• 🎵 Buffalo Springfield – "For What It's Worth" (1967) 🎸✊

🎶 Watch (39) – 60s Rock Music Songs 🌟

🎶 Listen To The Complete 60s Playlist On Amazon Music 🌟

🎵🎸 60s Rock Music Hits – Excerpts with Watch, Stream & Read Links! 🎶📖

🎵 Jefferson Airplane – “Somebody to Love” (1967) 🎸

• Writers: Darby Slick
• Album: Surrealistic Pillow (1967)
• Producer: Rick Jarrard

“Somebody to Love” is a powerful anthem of the counterculture movement, brought to life by Grace Slick’s commanding vocals. This electrifying track captures the spirit of the 1960s and remains one of Jefferson Airplane’s most enduring hits.

🎵 The Doors – “Light My Fire” (1967) 🎸

• Writers: Robby Krieger (primary), with contributions from Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, and John Densmore
• Album: The Doors (1967)
• Producer: Paul A. Rothchild

“Light My Fire” is a hypnotic journey through the psychedelic era, fueled by its mesmerizing organ riff and Jim Morrison’s electrifying vocals. As a defining anthem of the Summer of Love, this 60s rock music classic catapulted The Doors into superstardom and still burns just as brightly today.

🎵 The Who – “My Generation” (1965) 🎸

• Writers: Pete Townshend
• Album: My Generation (1965
• Producer: Shel Talmy

“My Generation” is a rebellious anthem of youth independence, known for its famous line, “Hope I die before I get old.” The song’s raw energy and bold message made it one of The Who’s most iconic tracks.

🎵 The Rolling Stones – “Paint It Black” (1966) 🎸

• Writers: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
• Album: Aftermath (1966)
• Producer: Andrew Loog Oldham

“Paint It Black” is a haunting exploration of grief and loss, distinguished by its innovative use of the sitar. This groundbreaking track became one of The Rolling Stones’ most enduring and culturally significant songs.

🎵 The Velvet Underground – “Sunday Morning” (1967) 🎸

• Writers: Lou Reed and John Cale
• Album: The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)
• Producer: Andy Warhol (credited), Tom Wilson (actual producer)

“Sunday Morning” drifts through a haze of vulnerability, regret, and fleeting innocence, wrapped in ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics. As one of The Velvet Underground & Nico’s most enduring tracks, this 60s rock music gem captures the era’s raw emotion while remaining hauntingly timeless.

🎵 Grateful Dead – “Truckin'” (1970) 🎸

• Writers: Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, and Robert Hunter
• Album: American Beauty (1970)
• Producer: Grateful Dead and Steve Barncard

“Truckin'” is a quintessential anthem that chronicles the highs and lows of life on the road as traveling musicians. With its blend of blues, country, and rock, and the iconic lyric “What a long, strange trip it’s been,” the song remains a defining track of the counterculture movement and a cornerstone of the Grateful Dead’s legacy.

🎵 The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations” (1966) 🎸

• Writers: Brian Wilson (music) and Mike Love (lyrics)
• Album: Initially released as a single in 1966; later included on Smiley Smile (1967)
• Producer: Brian Wilson

“Good Vibrations” is a psychedelic symphony of love, positivity, and emotional connection, blending lush harmonies with groundbreaking production. As one of The Beach Boys’ most innovative tracks, this 60s rock music classic captures the adventurous spirit of the era and remains a defining masterpiece of sound experimentation.

🎵 Cream – “Sunshine of Your Love” (1967) 🎸

• Writers: Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Pete Brown
• Album: Disraeli Gears (1967)
• Producer: Felix Pappalardi

“Sunshine of Your Love” is a timeless fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia, showcasing Cream’s groundbreaking artistry. With its iconic riff, soulful lyrics, and passionate delivery, this classic anthem solidified Cream’s legacy as one of the most influential classic rock artists of the 1960s.

🎵 Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Fortunate Son” (1969) 🎸

• Writer: John Fogerty
• Album: Willy and the Poor Boys (1969)
• Producer: John Fogerty

“Fortunate Son” is a fiery anthem that rips through the illusion of privilege, delivering one of the most powerful protest songs of its time. With its electrifying riffs and unapologetic lyrics, this 60s rock music classic by Creedence Clearwater Revival remains a defining voice of resistance, capturing the raw energy and social unrest of the era.

🎵 Simon & Garfunkel – “The Sound of Silence” (1965) 🎸

• Writer: Paul Simon
• Album: Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964) – Original version; Sounds of Silence (1966) – Electrified version
• Producer: Tom Wilson (electrified version)

“The Sound of Silence” is a haunting folk-rock anthem that critiques society’s disconnection and inability to communicate deeply. With its poetic lyrics and timeless melody, the song solidified Simon & Garfunkel’s place among legendary classic rock artists, resonating across generations as a powerful reflection on alienation and introspection.

🎵 Pink Floyd – “See Emily Play” (1967) 🎸

• Writer: Syd Barrett
• Album: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) – Also released as a standalone single
• Producer: Norman Smith

“See Emily Play” is a whimsical and dreamlike track that showcases Pink Floyd’s early innovation in psychedelic rock. Written by Syd Barrett, the song captures themes of innocence, escapism, and surreal imagination, solidifying Pink Floyd’s place among the most influential classic rock artists of the 1960s.

🎵 Van Morrison – “Brown Eyed Girl” (1967) 🎸

• Writer: Van Morrison
• Album: Blowin’ Your Mind! (1967)
• Producer: Bert Berns

“Brown Eyed Girl” is a nostalgic anthem of young love and carefree summer days, showcasing Van Morrison’s ability to craft timeless melodies. As one of the most beloved tracks by classic rock artists, its infectious chorus and evocative imagery have cemented it as a cornerstone of 1960s music history.

🎵 MC5 – “Kick Out the Jams” (1969) 🎸

• Writers: Rob Tyner, Wayne Kramer, Fred “Sonic” Smith, Michael Davis, and Dennis Thompson
• Album: Kick Out the Jams (1969)
• Producer: Jac Holzman and Bruce Botnick

“Kick Out the Jams” is a raw explosion of rebellion, fusing garage rock, proto-punk, and hard-hitting riffs into a relentless sonic assault. With its legendary opening line and unfiltered energy, this 60s rock music classic from MC5 not only ignited a movement but also laid the groundwork for punk’s unapologetic spirit.

🎵 Booker T. & the M.G.’s – “Green Onions” (1962) 🎸

• Writers: Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Lewie Steinberg, and Al Jackson Jr.
• Album: Green Onions (1962)
• Producer: Jim Stewart

“Green Onions” is a soulful instrumental classic that defined the Memphis sound of the 1960s. With its iconic Hammond B-3 organ riff and timeless groove, this track became a symbol of coolness and solidified Booker T. & the M.G.’s place among legendary classic rock artists.

🎵 The Animals – “House of the Rising Sun” (1964) 🎸

• Writers: Traditional folk song (arranged by The Animals)
• Album: The Animals (1964)
• Producer: Mickie Most

“House of the Rising Sun” is a haunting folk-rock masterpiece that transformed a traditional folk ballad into a powerful rock anthem. With Eric Burdon’s soulful vocals and Alan Price’s iconic organ riff, The Animals solidified their place among legendary classic rock artists, creating a track that transcends time and genre.

🎵 The Lovin’ Spoonful – “Summer in the City” (1966) 🎸

• Writers: John Sebastian, Mark Sebastian, and Steve Boone
• Album: Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful (1966)
• Producer: Erik Jacobsen

“Summer in the City” perfectly captures the sweltering heat and restless energy of urban life, shifting between the grit of daylight and the electric buzz of nighttime. With its dynamic contrasts and unforgettable hook, this 60s rock music classic from The Lovin’ Spoonful remains one of the most iconic summer anthems of the decade.

🎵 Moby Grape – “Omaha” (1967) 🎸

• Writer: Skip Spence
• Album: Moby Grape (1967)
• Producer: David Rubinson

“Omaha” is an electrifying track that captures the vibrant energy of the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene. With its fast tempo, dual guitar riffs, and abstract lyrics, this song solidified Moby Grape’s legacy among influential classic rock artists, making it a cornerstone of 1960s counterculture.

🎵 Deep Purple – “Hush” (1968) 🎸

• Writer: Joe South
• Album: Shades of Deep Purple (1968)
• Producer: Derek Lawrence

Deep Purple’s breakout hit “Hush” redefined a classic song with their signature blend of hard rock and psychedelic energy. With Jon Lord’s iconic Hammond organ riff and Ritchie Blackmore’s electrifying guitar, this high-energy anthem established the band among influential classic rock artists and set the stage for their future success.

🎵 Ray Charles – “Georgia on My Mind” (1960) 🎸🎹

• Writers: Hoagy Carmichael (Music) and Stuart Gorrell (Lyrics)
• Album: The Genius Hits the Road (1960)
• Producer: Sid Feller

“Georgia on My Mind” is a soulful and timeless ballad that became Ray Charles’ signature song, blending jazz, blues, and heartfelt emotion. As one of the most celebrated tracks by classic rock artists, it topped the charts in 1960 and remains a universal anthem of love and nostalgia, officially recognized as Georgia’s state song in 1979.

🎵 Ike & Tina Turner – “River Deep – Mountain High” (1966) 🎤🎸

• Writers: Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich
• Album: River Deep – Mountain High (1966)
• Producer: Phil Spector

“River Deep – Mountain High” is a powerful and groundbreaking anthem that became one of Ike & Tina Turner’s most iconic songs, blending soulful vocals with Phil Spector’s signature Wall of Sound production. As a defining track of the 1960s, it captured raw passion and dynamic intensity, solidifying its place among classic rock artists. Although initially underappreciated in the U.S., it gained massive acclaim in the U.K. and remains a timeless testament to the depth and heights of love, celebrated by generations of music lovers.

🎵 The Righteous Brothers – “Unchained Melody” (1965) 🎤🎼

• Writers: Alex North (Music) and Hy Zaret (Lyrics)
• Album: Just Once in My Life (1965)
• Producer: Phil Spector

“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers is a breathtaking love ballad that transcends time, with Bobby Hatfield’s soaring vocals capturing raw emotion like few songs can. As one of the most cherished tracks in 60s rock music, its themes of love and longing, paired with Phil Spector’s signature production, cement its place among the greatest recordings in history.

🎵 The Dave Clark Five – “Glad All Over” (1963) 🎸🥁

• Writers: Dave Clark and Mike Smith
• Album: Glad All Over (1964, U.S. release)
• Producer: Dave Clark

“Glad All Over,” a defining hit of the British Invasion, brought The Dave Clark Five international fame with its infectious energy and drum-heavy sound. Written to be a crowd-pleaser, this anthem of love and joy became a chart-topping success and a rival to The Beatles’ early hits.

🎵 The Kinks – “You Really Got Me” (1964) 🎸🔥

• Writer: Ray Davies
• Album: Kinks (1964)
• Producer: Shel Talmy

The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” is a high-voltage explosion of raw energy, built around one of the most unmistakable riffs in 60s rock music. Ray Davies’ songwriting and Dave Davies’ revolutionary distorted guitar sound made this track a defining moment of the British Invasion, shaping the future of punk, heavy metal, and garage rock in ways that still echo through classic rock today.

🎵 Sly and the Family Stone – “Everyday People” (1968) 🎤🌈

• Writer: Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart)
• Album: Stand! (1969)
• Producer: Sly Stone

Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People” is a timeless anthem of unity and acceptance that became a pivotal song of the Civil Rights Movement. Written by Sly Stone, its universal message of equality and diversity, paired with a groove that blends funk, soul, and pop, captures the spirit of the late 1960s. The song’s influence on music and culture continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on classic rock artists and beyond.

🎵 Janis Joplin / Big Brother & the Holding Co. – “Piece of My Heart” (1968) 🎤🔥

• Writers: Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns
• Album: Cheap Thrills (1968)
• Producer: John Simon

Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart,” performed with Big Brother & the Holding Co., is a powerful anthem of heartbreak and resilience that showcases her raw vocal intensity and emotional depth. Written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, the song transformed into a feminist declaration of strength and vulnerability under Joplin’s impassioned performance. Its lasting influence on classic rock artists underscores its timeless message of empowerment through pain.

🎵 Steppenwolf – “Born to Be Wild” (1968) 🏍️🔥

• Writer: Mars Bonfire (Dennis Edmonton)
• Album: Steppenwolf (1968)
• Producer: Gabriel Mekler

Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” roars with the untamed spirit of 60s rock music, embodying rebellion, freedom, and the open road. Fueled by gritty guitar riffs and the legendary phrase “heavy metal thunder,” this electrifying anthem became a cornerstone of motorcycle culture and the countercultural movement, cementing its legacy among classic rock artists and generations of rock fans.

🎵 The Yardbirds – “For Your Love” (1965) 🎸❤️

• Writer: Graham Gouldman
• Album: For Your Love (1965, U.S. Release)
• Producer: Giorgio Gomelsky

The Yardbirds’ For Your Love is a groundbreaking track that helped define the British Invasion era, blending blues roots with pop and classical influences. Written by Graham Gouldman, the song’s distinctive harpsichord riff and dramatic shifts in arrangement marked a bold departure from traditional rock sounds. Its success not only launched The Yardbirds into international fame but also set a new standard for innovation among classic rock artists.

🎵 Bob Dylan – “Like a Rolling Stone” (1965) 🎸🎤

• Writer: Bob Dylan
• Album: Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
• Producer:Tom Wilson

Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” reshaped 60s rock music, breaking barriers with its bold electric sound and poetic storytelling. Capturing themes of alienation, freedom, and self-discovery, this revolutionary anthem became a defining moment for classic rock artists and an enduring symbol of musical reinvention.

🎵 The Zombies – “Time of the Season” (1968) 🎹🎤

• Writer: Rod Argent
• Album: Odessey and Oracle (1968)
• Producer:The Zombies

The Zombies’ “Time of the Season” is a defining track of the 1960s, blending sensuality, spiritual awakening, and the countercultural ethos of love and connection. Written by Rod Argent, the song’s sultry bassline, iconic organ riff, and Colin Blunstone’s breathy vocals create an unforgettable atmosphere that resonates with classic rock artists and fans to this day. Released after the band’s breakup, it became their most iconic hit, symbolizing the era’s themes of peace, love, and transformation.

🎵 Elvis Presley – “Suspicious Minds” (1969) 🎤🎸

• Writer: Mark James
• Album: From Memphis to Vegas / From Vegas to Memphis (1969)
• Producer: Chips Moman

Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” is a defining track in his career, marking his remarkable comeback to the top of the charts in 1969. Written by Mark James, the song captures the turmoil of a love overshadowed by mistrust, with Elvis delivering one of his most heartfelt and powerful vocal performances. Produced by Chips Moman, the track blends gospel, soul, and rock elements, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the late 1960s music scene and a timeless classic.

🎵 Black Sabbath – “Evil Woman” (1969) 🎸⚡

• Writer: Larry Weiss
• Original Performer: Crow (1969)
• Album: Black Sabbath (1970, UK Release)
• Producer:Rodger Bain

Black Sabbath’s “Evil Woman” emerged during the transformative era of 60s rock music, blending heavy blues-rock with the ominous tones that would shape their future sound. With Tony Iommi’s searing guitar riffs and Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals, this early single captures the raw energy that set the foundation for heavy metal, securing Black Sabbath’s place among legendary classic rock artists.

🎵 The Hollies – “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” (1969) 🎤❤️

• Writers: Bobby Scott (Music) and Bob Russell (Lyrics)
• Album: Hollies Sing Hollies (1969, UK) / He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother (1969, US)
• Producer:Ron Richards

The Hollies’ “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” is a heartwarming anthem of selflessness, love, and compassion. Written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, the song gained emotional depth as Russell penned its lyrics while battling terminal cancer. Released in 1969, the track showcases Allan Clarke’s moving vocals and an uncredited piano accompaniment by a young Elton John. Its timeless message of carrying others’ burdens with love resonates deeply, making it one of the most cherished classics among 60s rock and a hallmark of classic rock artists.

🎵 The Mamas & the Papas – “California Dreamin'” (1965) 🌴☀️

• Writers: John Phillips and Michelle Phillips
• Album: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966)
• Producer: Lou Adler

The Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” is a defining piece of 60s rock music, blending folk and rock into a haunting anthem of longing and escape. With its evocative lyrics, melancholic flute solo, and rich harmonies, this classic track became a cornerstone of the counterculture movement, capturing the restless spirit and sun-soaked dreams of an entire generation.

🎵 Herman’s Hermits – “I’m Into Something Good” (1964) 🎤😊

• Writers: Carole King (Music) and Gerry Goffin (Lyrics)
• Original Performer: Earl-Jean McCrea (1964)
• Album: Herman’s Hermits (1965, U.S. release)
• Producer:Mickie Most

Herman’s Hermits’ “I’m Into Something Good” is a quintessential feel-good pop anthem of the 1960s, brimming with youthful joy and optimism. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin, the song celebrates the thrill of newfound love, with Peter Noone’s charming vocals capturing its innocence and excitement. As one of the standout hits of the British Invasion, it remains a timeless reminder of the era’s upbeat and carefree spirit.

🎵 The Ronettes – “Be My Baby” (1963) 🎤❤️

• Writers: Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector
• Album: Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica (1964)
• Producer: Phil Spector

“Be My Baby” by The Ronettes is a quintessential anthem of 1960s pop, blending heartfelt lyrics with Phil Spector’s groundbreaking “Wall of Sound” production. Sung by Ronnie Spector, this song became the ultimate expression of youthful love and longing, setting the gold standard for girl group music. With its lush orchestration and timeless charm, “Be My Baby” remains one of the most influential tracks in the history of pop and rock music.

🎵 Led Zeppelin – “Good Times Bad Times” (1969) 🎸🔥

• Writers: Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant
• Album: Led Zeppelin (1969)
• Producer:Jimmy Page

Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” is a powerhouse debut that redefined 60s rock music, blending blues-driven riffs with an electrifying hard rock edge. With John Bonham’s groundbreaking drumming, Jimmy Page’s blistering guitar work, and Robert Plant’s commanding vocals, this track laid the foundation for a new era of rock, setting the stage for the band’s legendary status.

🎵 Buffalo Springfield – “For What It’s Worth” (1967) 🎸✊

• Writer: Stephen Stills
• Album: Buffalo Springfield (Reissue, 1967)
• Producer:Charles Greene and Brian Stone

Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” stands as a powerful protest anthem that echoes the turbulence of the 60s rock music era. Inspired by the Sunset Strip Riots, Stephen Stills crafted a haunting reflection on social unrest, with a hypnotic guitar riff and lyrics that became anthemic for the counterculture movement. Decades later, its message remains just as urgent, cementing its place among the most influential songs of the time.