Top 100 Artists of the 60s

The Top 100 artists and bands of the 60s, celebrated for their chart-topping and culturally influential music, are compiled from diverse sources including chart rankings, music video rotation, and genre impact.

This list offers a deep dive into the sounds that defined a transformative decade in music history.

1. The Beatles
2. James Brown
3. The Beach Boys
4. The Supremes
5. The Rolling Stones
6. Bob Dylan
7. Aretha Franklin
8. Elvis Presley
9. Sam Cooke
10. The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Ray Charles - Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

11. Ray Charles
12. Otis Redding
13. The Temptations
14. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
15. The Byrds
16. Marvin Gaye
17. The Four Seasons
18. The Who
19. Wilson Pickett
20. Stevie Wonder

The Kinks – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

21. The Kinks
22. Roy Orbison
23. The Impressions
24. The Shirelles
25. The Doors
26. The Drifters
27. The Four Tops
28. Led Zeppelin
29. Martha & The Vandellas
30. Dion

Jefferson Airplane - Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

31. Jefferson Airplane
32. The Mamas & The Papas
33. Sam & Dave
34. Solomon Burke
35. Cream
36. Jackie Wilson
37. Creedence Clearwater Revival
38. Booker T. & The MG’s
39. Sly & The Family Stone
40. The Monkees

The Yardbirds with Clapton

41. The Yardbirds
42. Chubby Checker
43. Simon & Garfunkel
44. The Marvelettes
45. Joe Tex
46. Etta James
47. The Lovin’ Spoonful
48. Del Shannon
49. The Ventures
50. Jan & Dean

The Ronettes – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

51. The Ronettes
52. Janis Joplin/Big Brother & Holding Company
53. The (Young) Rascals
54. The Animals
55. Mary Wells
56. Ike & Tina Turner
57. The Band
58. Lee Dorsey
59. The Velvnderground
60. Junior Walker & The All-Stars

Dave Clark Five

61. The Dave Clark Five
62. The Jackson Five
63. The Righteous Brothers
64. Buffalo Springfield
65. Gary “U.S.” Bonds
66. Donovan
67. The Crystals
68. The Delfonics
69. Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention
70. Lesley Gore

Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs

71. Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs
72. Sonny & Cher
73. Carla Thomas
74. Tommy James & The Shondells
75. The Turtles
76. Percy Sledge
77. Rick Nelson
78. The Everly Brothers
79. Ben E. King
80. The Shangri-Las

If I Were Your Woman - Gladys Knight and The Pips Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning

81. Gladys Knight & The Pips
82. Gene Chandler
83. Dick Dale
84. Paul Revere & The Raiders
85. Van Morrison/Them
86. The Chiffons
87. Eddie Floyd
88. The Isley Brothers
89. The Hollies
90. Jerry Butler

91. Dusty Springfield
92. Chuck Berry
93. Major Lance
94. Johnny Rivers
95. Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters
96. Love
97. Gene Pitney
98. Steppenwolf
99. Herman’s Hermits
100. The Grateful Dead

What musicians were popular in the 1960s?

The 1960s were a revolutionary period in music, characterized by the emergence of 1960s bands and 60s singers who left an indelible mark on the era. 

Among the most influential were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, epitomizing 60s music artists with their groundbreaking sounds. Bob Dylan, renowned for his lyrical genius, significantly shaped the folk and rock scenes, becoming one of the iconic singers from the ’60s. 

These bands from the 60s, like The Beach Boys and The Who contributed to a decade of musical innovation and diversity.

Who was the most popular music artist in the 1960s?

Determining the most popular music artist of the 1960s is challenging due to the era’s rich musical diversity. 

However, The Beatles are arguably the most influential 1960s music artists with unparalleled global impact. Their innovative approach to music and massive fan base position them at the pinnacle of ’60s musicians. 

Their popularity defined the decade and set new standards for 1960s artists, influencing countless 60s and 70s music artists and beyond.

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