Top 23 best of the fifties and sixties songs

Updated at: 16/11/2024

The 1950s and 1960s were a golden age for music, a time when genres like rock and roll, pop, and soul burst onto the scene, forever changing the landscape of popular music. This era saw the rise of iconic artists like Elvis Presley, whose electrifying performances and raw vocals captivated audiences worldwide, and The Beatles, who brought a fresh sound and youthful energy that transformed the music industry. From the soulful crooning of Frank Sinatra to the energetic rhythms of Chuck Berry, these decades were filled with musical innovation and unforgettable tunes. This list celebrates the enduring legacy of these artists and the timeless appeal of their music, inviting you to rediscover the sounds that defined a generation and continue to resonate with listeners today.

  • Stand By Me
    1

    Stand By Me

    Ben E. King

    1961

    Don't Play That Song (Mono)

  • Jailhouse Rock
    2

    Jailhouse Rock

    Elvis Presley

    1957

    Platinum - A Life In Music

  • My Way
    3

    My Way

    Frank Sinatra

    1969

    My Way (Expanded Edition)

  • I Want To Hold Your Hand
    4

    I Want To Hold Your Hand

    The Beatles

    1963

    Please Please Me (Remastered)

  • Johnny B. Goode
    5

    Johnny B. Goode

    Chuck Berry

    1958

    Berry Is On Top

  • Unchained Melody
    6

    Unchained Melody

    The Righteous Brothers

    1965

    Just Once In My Life

  • The Twist
    7

    The Twist

    Chubby Checker

    1960

  • My Girl
    8

    My Girl

    The Temptations

    1964

    The Temptations Sing Smokey

  • Rock Around the Clock
    9

    Rock Around the Clock

    Bill Haley , His Comets

    1954

  • I Can't Help Myself
    10

    I Can't Help Myself

    Four Tops

    1965

    Four Tops - Second Album

  • Can't Buy Me Love
    11

    Can't Buy Me Love

    The Beatles

    1964

    A Hard Day's Night (Remastered)

  • Ain't No Mountain High Enough
    12

    Ain't No Mountain High Enough

    Marvin Gaye,Tammi Terrell

    1967

    United

  • Heartbreak Hotel
    13

    Heartbreak Hotel

    Elvis Presley

    1956

    Elvis

  • You Don't Own Me
    14

    You Don't Own Me

    Lesley Gore

    1963

    Lesley Gore Sings Of Mixed-Up Hearts

  • Great Balls of Fire
    15

    Great Balls of Fire

    Jerry Lee Lewis

    1957

  • My Generation
    16

    My Generation

    The Who

    1965

    My Generation (Stereo Version)

  • You've Got a Friend in Me
    17

    You've Got a Friend in Me

    Randy Newman

    1995

    Toy Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

  • Good Vibrations
    18

    Good Vibrations

    The Beach Boys

    1966

    Purple Rain

  • I Got You
    19

    I Got You

    James Brown

    1965

  • You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
    20

    You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

    The Righteous Brothers

    1964

    Blind Faith

  • Unforgettable
    21

    Unforgettable

    Nat King Cole

    1991

    Unforgettable

  • Ain't That A Shame?
    22

    Ain't That A Shame?

    Fats Domino

    1955

    The Bang Years 1966-1968 (The 23 Original Mono Recordings)

  • Chain of Fools
    23

    Chain of Fools

    Aretha Franklin

    1967

    Lady Soul (With Bonus Selections)