There’s something about soul music from the 60s that is just eternally good, and there were quite a few songs from that era that teens at the time absolutely adored. Let’s take a look at a handful of soul hits that 60s teens had a hand in bringing to the top of the charts.
“You Beat Me To The Punch” by Mary Wells from ‘The One Who Really Loves You’ (1962)
Mary Wells had one of the most notable voices in 60s soul, and her song “You Beat Me To The Punch” was quite the hit in 1962. This lovely summertime classic made it to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 9. The song was also Wells’ very first No. 1 hit on the R&B Singles chart and even earned her a Grammy nom for Best Rock and Roll Recording. That calypso beat really resonated with younger listeners, too.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes from ‘Please Mr. Postman’ (1961)
When one thinks of early 60s soul music, one might think of this catchy and soulful doo-wop song from 1961. The Marvelettes’ “Please Mr. Postman” was insanely popular with teens and younger listeners. It was also a bit of a history-maker, too. This classic pop hit is known for being the very first Motown track to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Please Mr. Postman” also reached the top of the R&B chart.
“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King from ‘Don’t Play That Song!’ (1961)
This R&B soul classic is one of the most memorable songs of the 60s. And it was a hit among teens and adults alike back in the day. Inspired by a Sam Cooke spiritual called “Stand By Me Father”, Ben E. King co-wrote “Stand By Me” with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song was a hefty hit at No. 4 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B Sides chart. It’s a legendary song that has been covered by everyone from John Lennon to Otis Redding to Tracy Chapman.
Photo by James Kriegsmann/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
More The List
-
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images -
1983 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS – Show Coverage – Airdate: January 17, 1983. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) THE STATLER BROTHERS -
Photo by Pete Still/Redferns -
Kyu Sakamoto. (1941-1985) Japanese singer, best known outside Japan for his international hit song "Ue o Muite Aruko" (known as "Sukiyaki" in English-speaking markets), which was sung in Japanese and sold over 13 million copies. It reached number one in the United States Billboard Hot 100 in June 1963, making Sakamoto the first Asian recording artist to have a number one song on the chart. (Photo by Sjöberg Bildbyrå/ullstein bild via Getty Images) -
Canadian singer-songwriter and musician Neil Young performs on stage with Crazy Horse at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 28th March 1976. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns -
(Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
American rock duo Sonny and Cher (husband and wife team Sonny Bono and Cher) at their hotel on Hyde Park, London, UK, 3rd August 1965. (Photo by R. McPhedran/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)