The 1960s were one of the most important decades in music history. It was a time when artists broke new ground and changed how people listened to music.

This era gave birth to powerful rock bands, soulful voices, and timeless folk melodies. Music wasn’t just about entertainment anymore; it became a tool for expression, protest, and unity.

From psychedelic rock to Motown, and British Invasion to American folk revival, the variety of music styles in the ’60s was unmatched. Every genre had something special to offer.

Artists like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones became global icons. Their songs shaped the decade and still inspire musicians today.

Now, let’s take a look at 151 of the best and most popular music artists from the 1960s.

1. The Beatles

The Beatles revolutionized popular music in the 1960s with their melodic innovation and cultural impact. Their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 sparked Beatlemania and global fame.

Albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Revolver redefined rock music, blending psychedelia, orchestration, and lyrical depth. They remain the best-selling music act of all time.

2. Elvis Presley

Elvis broke onto the national stage with Heartbreak Hotel in 1956, blending gospel, blues, and country into a fresh rock and roll style. His charisma and voice made him a teen idol overnight.

By the 60s, he transitioned into film soundtracks and returned to form with his iconic 1968 comeback special, solidifying his legacy as the King of Rock and Roll.

3. The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones emerged as the gritty, blues-driven alternative to The Beatles in the 60s. Their breakthrough came with (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, which defined their raw sound.

Albums like Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed shaped hard rock’s foundation. Their rebellious image and longevity earned them a permanent place in rock history.

4. Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan redefined songwriting by blending folk roots with bold political commentary. His 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan made him the voice of a generation.

His electric shift at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival was controversial but groundbreaking. Dylan’s poetic lyrics and innovation earned him a Nobel Prize in Literature.

5. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin began singing gospel but rose to mainstream fame after signing with Atlantic Records in 1966. Her powerful rendition of Respect became a defining anthem of civil rights.

Known for her vocal range and emotion, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her impact spans soul, R&B, and pop.

6. The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys captured California’s sunny youth culture with their surf-pop sound. Their early hits like Surfin’ U.S.A. defined fun and harmony in the early ’60s.

Brian Wilson’s production on Pet Sounds pushed boundaries with layered arrangements and emotional depth, influencing The Beatles and changing pop forever.

7. The Supremes

The Supremes became Motown’s biggest act and one of the most successful girl groups in history. Their polished style and Diana Ross’s lead vocals made them crossover stars.

With 12 number-one hits, including Stop! In the Name of Love, they helped bring Black female voices to the pop mainstream in a segregated America.

8. Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix changed rock guitar forever with his explosive style, feedback mastery, and experimental sounds. His performance at Woodstock in 1969 became legendary.

Though his mainstream career lasted just four years, albums like Are You Experienced and Electric Ladyland redefined what the electric guitar could do.

9. The Doors

The Doors stood out with their dark, poetic lyrics and psychedelic sound, led by Jim Morrison’s haunting voice and unpredictable stage presence.

Their debut album featured Light My Fire, launching them into fame. The band’s mysterious vibe and bold themes made them icons of late-60s counterculture.

10. Simon & Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel blended folk with deep storytelling, creating thoughtful hits that resonated during times of social change. Their harmonies were unmatched.

With songs like The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water, they became one of the most poetic duos of the 60s.

11. The Temptations

The Temptations brought slick choreography and rich vocal layers to Motown’s lineup. They quickly rose with tracks like My Girl, becoming soul legends.

Known for their evolving sound, from love ballads to psychedelic soul, they stayed relevant through changing musical landscapes of the decade.

12. Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye began with doo-wop and romantic ballads but evolved into a voice of conscience with songs like What’s Going On in the 70s.

In the 60s, his duets and solo hits under Motown’s banner made him a star known for soulful vocals and emotional delivery.

13. Ray Charles

Ray Charles blended gospel, jazz, and blues into a bold, new sound known as soul. He was among the first to cross over to the pop charts.

In the 60s, he brought orchestration and deep feeling to hits like Georgia on My Mind, influencing countless artists across genres.

14. The Byrds

The Byrds introduced a jangle-pop sound by mixing folk lyrics with rock energy. Their cover of Dylan’s Mr. Tambourine Man helped folk rock take off.

They later explored psychedelia and country rock, proving to be one of the most versatile bands of the era with layered harmonies and 12-string guitar.

15. The Kinks

The Kinks combined British rock with storytelling lyrics and rough-edged riffs. Their breakout hit You Really Got Me helped launch hard rock.

They often explored working-class life and identity through music, standing out with their creativity and wit despite a U.S. tour ban in the mid-60s.

16. Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin burst onto the scene with her raw, bluesy vocals and unfiltered emotional power. Her performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival catapulted her to stardom.

As the frontwoman of Big Brother and the Holding Company and later a solo artist, she redefined what it meant to be a rock frontwoman.

17. Otis Redding

Otis Redding was known for his deep soul voice and heartfelt delivery, often called the “King of Soul.” His songwriting brought emotion to every phrase.

He wrote and recorded (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay shortly before his tragic death in 1967, cementing his place as a soul legend.

18. The Four Tops

The Four Tops brought vocal power and chemistry to Motown, marked by Levi Stubbs’ commanding baritone. Their songs combined soul and pop with elegance.

Hits like I Can’t Help Myself made them chart regulars. Their tight harmonies helped shape the classic Motown sound of the 60s.

19. Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane became a voice of the counterculture with their psychedelic rock and politically charged lyrics. They were a key part of the 1967 Summer of Love.

With Grace Slick’s powerful vocals and trippy instrumentation, they helped define San Francisco’s musical identity during the decade.

20. The Animals

The Animals brought gritty blues and a working-class edge to the British Invasion. Their version of The House of the Rising Sun became a global hit.

Eric Burdon’s raw vocals and the band’s tough sound made them stand apart in a sea of polished pop acts.

21. Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield stood out with her soulful voice and emotional depth, often called the White Queen of Soul. She bridged pop and R&B with elegance.

Her album Dusty in Memphis became a classic, showcasing her ability to interpret songs with power and vulnerability.

22. The Who

The Who brought explosive energy to rock with their loud, aggressive sound and instrument-smashing performances. They defined the mod movement in the UK.

Albums like Tommy and My Generation introduced rock opera and youth rebellion to mainstream music, pushing the genre into new territories.

23. Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival offered a swamp rock sound filled with Southern imagery and storytelling. Though from California, they captured the spirit of the American South.

Hits like Bad Moon Rising and Fortunate Son turned them into hitmakers and a voice of protest during the Vietnam War era.

24. Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder began as a child prodigy signed to Motown and became one of the most influential musicians of all time. By age 13, he had a #1 hit with Fingertips.

In the 60s, he delivered hit after hit, combining harmonica, soul vocals, and fresh rhythms that paved the way for his groundbreaking 70s work.

25. The Monkees

The Monkees began as a TV band but grew into a legitimate musical force with chart-topping success. Critics first doubted them, but their music proved their talent.

With fun, catchy pop-rock and a huge fanbase, they became one of the best-selling acts of the late 60s.

26. Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke blended gospel roots with smooth soul, becoming one of the most important pioneers of modern R&B. His voice was effortlessly rich and emotional.

He also broke barriers as a Black artist, owning his own label and penning civil rights anthems like A Change Is Gonna Come.

27. The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds were a breeding ground for famous guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. They were central to the British blues rock movement.

Their experimentation with feedback and distortion paved the way for hard rock and psychedelia in the late 60s.

28. The Righteous Brothers

The Righteous Brothers brought emotional ballads and “blue-eyed soul” into the spotlight. Bill Medley’s deep voice and Bobby Hatfield’s soaring tenor made for a memorable duo.

They worked with producer Phil Spector, creating the iconic You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, one of the most played songs in radio history.

29. James Brown

James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, shaped the sound of funk and soul with unmatched stage energy and rhythmic genius. His music had grit and groove.

Hits like Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag changed how we hear rhythm in music and influenced future generations across all genres.

30. The Lovin’ Spoonful

Blending folk, pop, and rock, The Lovin’ Spoonful brought a breezy, good-time sound to the 60s. They helped bridge folk revival and commercial pop.

Songs like Do You Believe in Magic captured the joy and innocence of the era, making them radio regulars.

31. The Mamas & The Papas

With lush harmonies and emotionally honest lyrics, The Mamas & The Papas defined the California sound. Their music showcased both joy and heartbreak.

They rose quickly with hits like California Dreamin’, symbolizing the spirit of the mid-60s counterculture and folk-pop fusion.

32. Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry laid the foundation for rock and roll in the 50s and continued to thrive into the 60s. His guitar riffs, lyrics, and charisma were unmatched.

He inspired bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, proving that true rock started with a duck walk and a great story.

33. The Everly Brothers

Known for their tight harmonies and blend of country and rock, The Everly Brothers influenced early 60s pop. Their style was smooth but deeply emotional.

Their songs became blueprints for future duos and harmony-driven acts, from Simon & Garfunkel to The Beatles.

34. The Hollies

The Hollies were a major part of the British Invasion, combining catchy melodies and rich vocal harmonies. Their sound was polished and pop-friendly.

While many bands changed with trends, The Hollies stayed consistent, with hits like He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother showing lasting emotional depth.

35. Buffalo Springfield

Buffalo Springfield was short-lived but left a big impact, especially with future stars like Neil Young and Stephen Stills in their lineup. They blended folk and rock with a political edge.

Their anthem For What It’s Worth captured the unrest of the 60s and remains one of the most iconic protest songs in history.

Other ’60s Music Artists

36. The Zombies

37. The Moody Blues

38. The Ronettes

39. The Shirelles

40. The Drifters

41. Sonny & Cher

42. Wilson Pickett

43. Ike & Tina Turner

44. Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles

45. The Isley Brothers

46. Tom Jones

47. Dionne Warwick

48. Glen Campbell

49. Nancy Sinatra

50. Peter, Paul and Mary

51. The Turtles

52. Donovan

53. Petula Clark

54. The Ventures

55. Paul Revere & The Raiders

56. Herman’s Hermits

57. The Troggs

58. Gerry & The Pacemakers

59. The Spencer Davis Group

60. The Searchers

61. The Dave Clark Five

62. The Box Tops

63. The Association

64. Lulu

65. The McCoys

66. The Tokens

67. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

68. Johnny Rivers

69. Bobby Vinton

70. Bobby Darin

71. Brenda Lee

72. Connie Francis

73. Patsy Cline

74. Roy Orbison

75. Ricky Nelson

76. Del Shannon

77. Chubby Checker

78. Fats Domino

79. Gene Pitney

80. Bo Diddley

81. The Platters

82. The Skyliners

83. The Marcels

84. The Coasters

85. The Diamonds

86. The Clovers

87. The Crests

88. The Dells

89. Little Richard

90. Carl Perkins

91. Jerry Lee Lewis

92. Buddy Holly

93. Ritchie Valens

94. Big Bopper

95. Jackie Wilson

96. Ben E. King

97. Lloyd Price

98. Clarence “Frogman” Henry

99. Etta James

100. Barbara Lewis

101. Mary Wells

102. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

103. Fontella Bass

104. The Marvelettes

105. The Crystals

106. The Chantels

107. The Orlons

108. The Dixie Cups

109. The Angels

110. The Chiffons

111. The Shangri-Las

112. Tommy James & The Shondells

113. The Standells

114. The Electric Prunes

115. The Blues Magoos

116. The Shadows of Knight

117. Question Mark and the Mysterians

118. Iron Butterfly

119. Vanilla Fudge

120. Blue Cheer

121. The Seeds

122. The Chocolate Watchband

123. Love

124. Spirit

125. The Electric Flag

126. Moby Grape

127. Country Joe & The Fish

128. Big Brother and the Holding Company

129. Grateful Dead

130. Quicksilver Messenger Service

131. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

132. Canned Heat

133. The Young Rascals

134. The Chambers Brothers

135. Sly & The Family Stone

136. Blood, Sweat & Tears

137. Chicago Transit Authority

138. The Nice

139. Traffic

140. Procol Harum

141. Family

142. The Move

143. Small Faces

144. Manfred Mann

145. The Pretty Things

146. The Soft Machine

147. The Bonzo Dog Band

148. The Easybeats

149. The Bee Gees

150. Scott Walker

151. Harry Nilsson

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Record Labels were Important for 60s Music Artists?

Motown Records played a huge role, launching stars like Marvin Gaye and The Supremes, while Sun Records and others were key for rock and country artists.

Did 60s Artists Experiment With New Musical Styles?

Yes, many artists experimented with psychedelic rock, folk fusion, and new recording techniques, leading to creative sounds that defined the era.

How did British Bands Impact The American Music Scene?

The British Invasion, led by bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks, had a huge influence on American pop and rock music.