In the 1960s, rock music emerged as an instrument of protest. From Phil Spector’s orchestrated wall of sound through Motown barbershop-style close harmonies and Beach Boys harmonic fantasies – popular music became intrinsically tied with social issues such as feminism, Black Power and Civil Rights Movement.
The Impressions
The Impressions were an influential doo wop group in the 1960s. Led by charismatic singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield and their music taking its cue from black church hymns, The Impressions revolutionized doo wop as an effective socially conscious force. Their gospel-influenced harmonies and powerful lyrics served as inspirational anthems during civil rights marches around the country.
The Impressions originated as a gospel touring group in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1956 with Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks and Arthur Brooks, alongside childhood friend Jerry Butler. Once relocated to Chicago in 1957, Butler invited Mayfield as their lead singer.
After the Brooks brothers left, Mayfield took over lead vocal duties and the Impressions released a string of hits that addressed love, civil rights and black pride issues. In 1998 they were honored by being inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
The Velvet Underground
Lou Reed (singer/guitarist) and John Cale (violinist), founding members of The Velvet Underground in 1964, came from diverse musical backgrounds: Reed was from Brooklyn obsessed with doo wop and rock ‘n’ roll while Cale was a Welsh small town boy passionate about avant-garde classical music. However, their band never found widespread recognition despite having Andy Warhol as its patron.
Their debut album, The Velvet Underground and Nico, provided candid explorations of drug use, sadomasochism and profound despair that was both groundbreaking at the time and is still widely revered today as an artistic classic. Today collectors seek out this group’s albums; its themes influenced punk and alternative music as it eventually broke up in 1973; however Reed and Cale continued making solo records; later VU was published.
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen is one of few musicians from the 1960s to have maintained an ardent fanbase across four decades of music making. His songs reveal insights into love, sex, war, religion and death that remain relevant today.
After his initial folk-oriented albums Songs from a Room, Songs of Love and Hate and New Skin for the Old Ceremony, Cohen ventured into pop music with 1974’s Dear Heather and Ten New Songs albums, featuring his now poetic baritone voice in more accessible settings; these were followed by more serious volumes such as Various Positions.
In 1987, Cohen returned to mainstream audiences through the release of Famous Blue Raincoat featuring a duet with Jennifer Warnes. Subsequent albums Popular Problems and You Want It Darker would take Ten New Songs and Dear Heather even deeper into electronica, creating rhythmic grooves of beat and beauty that expanded on those found on Famous Blue Raincoat.
Buffalo Springfield
Buffalo Springfield made folk-rock history through their complex vocal harmonies, emotive lyrics, and combination of folk, country, and rock elements. One of their signature tracks “For What It’s Worth” captured an important cultural shift and underscored generation gaps.
Neil Young and Stephen Stills were prominent members of the Greenwich Village folk scene when they joined with Richie Furay (from country-rock band Poco) and Dewey Martin on bass to form The Young and Stills Group in 1966, eventually producing two albums before disbanding in 1967; Stills and Young went on to establish significant solo careers while Furay joined Jim Messina to form country-rock duo Poco.
The Allman Brothers Band
Duane and Dickey Betts’ guitar playing, songwriting of Gregg Allman’s lyrics and their uncompromising rhythm section consisting of drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe alongside bassist Berry Oakley enabled the Allman Brothers Band to establish itself as an American force at the end of a decade dominated by British innovators. Brothers and Sisters debuted at #1 on Billboard 200 with “Ramblin’ Man,” their country-inspired hit that introduced twang into mainstream Top 40 radio playback.
Though their first two studio albums did not achieve great commercial success, 1971 live release At Fillmore East saw a boost to Allman Brothers Band popularity. Their unique improvisational style distinguished them from other regional groups and even inspired later collegiate jam bands; unfortunately Duane Allman would tragically pass away shortly thereafter in a motorcycle accident.
The Byrds
The Byrds were responsible for popularizing Bob Dylan among a new, commercially empowered pop audience and forging an unconventional American rock sound that blended folk tunes and lyrics by Dylan with 12-string guitar soundscapes and madrigal-influenced vocal harmonies to form their music.
Early albums by the band featured numerous covers, as well as music that was strongly influenced by The Beatles. Over time, however, their popularity increased as their original lineup became solidified; singer/guitarist Roger McGuinn and bassist Chris Hillman had known one another before joining.
After Gene Clark left, The Byrds welcomed songwriter David Crosby as their fifth member, creating a quintet that successfully fused traditional and experimental sounds on several albums, such as Sweetheart of the Rodeo (their most successful release). Many members went on to successful solo careers or joined groups like Flying Burrito Brothers or Crosby Stills Nash & Young later on.
Bob Dylan
Dylan explored this idea through songs such as “The Times They Are A-Changin'” and “Restless Farewell,” where personal experiences, memories, and insights served as legitimate sources of artistic expression. At the same time, however, he acknowledged forces working against artistic communion and carefree sociability.
Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan marked Dylan’s lyrical awakening to injustice and inspired him to write protest songs such as Blowin’ in the Wind, which demanded of northern politicians why they weren’t doing more to aid black Americans.
After touring for one year, he returned to the studio with Blonde on Blonde and Nashville Skyline – his double album that catapulted him to new levels of popularity and raised it even higher than before. Al Kooper, Harvey Brooks, Robbie Robertson and the Hawks provided exceptional playing for his sessions, creating country rock as a genre in itself.
B.B. King
The 1960s was an era of freedom and psychedelia, but music also captured this decade with plenty of grit and authenticity. Few groups embodied this ethos more than The Band; their unique sound would become an influential cornerstone of Americana music. One of their biggest hits, this track captures the struggle for Reconstruction within American South communities.
BB King was an iconic figure in blues music, honing his craft in small black clubs across the United States while performing hundreds of dates every year. His style differed significantly from other bluesmen like Waters, Bloomfield and Wolf by being more refined.
Motown Records may have become most well-known for the mega hits by The Supremes and The Temptations, but they also produced some incredible blues tracks like Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Journey to Joyland”, released originally in 1967 but made famous after Marvin Gaye covered it on his album In the Groove that same year.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival rose to fame during a time of political and social unrest in America. Their rootsy sound resonated with music fans across all generations of listeners; their lyrics still hold relevance today. Over time, their popularity only increased further; their songs still resonate today.
Their debut album was released in 1968, featuring their cover of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put A Spell On You,” which received significant airplay on AM radio stations across the United States. Soon thereafter came Bayou Country and Proud Mary as follow up albums and single releases respectively.
John Fogerty took inspiration for their band name from three different sources, all reflecting its Southern Syncretism sound. For instance, Credence Nuball of Tom Petty fame provided inspiration while “Clearwater” came from an advertisement of beer for which they performed.
John Fogerty
Fogerty and his band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) produced hits in the late ’60s that were more rootsy, catchier and tighter than anything by either The Beatles or Bob Dylan. From twanging on his rusty voice to howling at own mortality or chronicling America’s rugged history – Fogerty charged folk, country and blues poetry with reporter’s precision while dreamer conviction.
Fogerty, now at age 62, has spent much of his time reinterpreting his early hits for new generations of rock and country artists while fighting the corporate machine; becoming so exasperated that he took long breaks from music altogether and even sued his former record label over royalties. Fortunate Son is his memoir that details this long career journey; though not entirely positive in tone it serves as an invaluable roadmap.