When we talk about the 1960s, the subject of music inevitably pops up quickly. Music, perhaps more than any other art form, changed culture during the decade. It was used to change social norms, to protest, and to dance your troubles away.
Back then, music was educational and entertaining. And below, we wanted to dive into the careers of three rockers from the 1960s who are still moving strong. Indeed, these are three rockers from the 1960s who had stunning 60-year careers (that are still going).
Videos by American Songwriter
Bob Dylan
Where would the 1960s be without Bob Dylan? Where would popular music be without him, either? Yes, Dylan may just be the most influential songwriter ever (or at least of the decade). He released his self-titled debut album in 1962, which included mostly covers. And while it didn’t perform great commercially, it did give him the platform to continue his career. Afterwards, the Bard released a whopping eight more albums during the decade, including all-timers like Blonde On Blonde and Bringing It All Back Home.
Paul McCartney
Of course, Paul McCartney rose to fame in the 1960s with perhaps the greatest band of all time, The Beatles. Along with John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, McCartney conquered all of mainstream music, and the band’s records continue to ring out today. But tensions helped to break up The Beatles in 1970. After that, McCartney had to go it without his childhood friends. He released solo songs, formed the band Wings, and participated in a number of other musical projects. Why? Because he’s Sir Paul and he can! Even today, the artist is still touring in his mid-80s.
Mick Jagger
During the 1960s, The Beatles’ biggest musical rivals were The Rolling Stones. But while McCartney and company often changed and morphed their sound, Mick Jagger and company often kept the same script. Blues-rock gets the people going (indeed, once you start them up, they’ll never stop!) and so the British-born group kept things relatable and reliable. Today, The Rolling Stones are still releasing music, still touring, and still providing the soundtrack for a great road trip.
Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
More The List
-
Maurice Gibb, Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees in New York City, New York (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage) -
Rock music legend Janis Joplin performs at the free Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The festival took place on Max Yasgur's dairy farm, which he rented to event organizers for $75,000. About 450,000 people attended the three day concert, which turned into chaos due to the crowds, heavy rains, and traffic jams. It is nonetheless romantically remembered as a symbol of the liberal spirit of the hippie generation. (Photo by Henry Diltz/Corbis via Getty Images) -
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – AUGUST 30: Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates performs in concert at Etess Arena on August 30, 2019 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Donald Kravitz/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES – MAY 1999: (EDITORS NOTE: THIS IMAGE WAS CREATED USING COLOR INFRARED FILM) American rock band Smash Mouth (L – R) drummer Kevin Coleman, vocalist Steven Harwell, guitarist Greg Camp and bassist Paul De Lisle pose for a May 1999 portrait in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Berg/Getty Images) -
Left to right: Doug Clifford, Tom Fogerty, John Fogerty and Stu Cook of American rock group, Creedence Clearwater Revival, in New York City, 1970. (Photo by PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage -
CIRCA 1967: Members of the rock band "Youngbloods" pose for a circa 1967 portrait. Original members include Jesse Colin Young, Lowell "Banana" Levinger, Jerry Corbitt and Joe Bauer. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
The Beatles, from left to right: Paul McCartney, George Harrison (1943 – 2001), John Lennon (1940 – 1980) and Ringo Starr, jump for joy during a rehearsal for the Royal Command Performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)