3 Forgotten Classic Rock Hits of the 60s That Will Get You Dancing Again

The world changed about 1,000 times in the 1960s. There was creative upheaval, social change, and the onset of new political agendas. And there was also the dawning of rock and roll music unlike the world had seen. There was a lot to keep track of. And as a result, in the years since, some things—indeed, some songs—have since fallen a bit through the cracks. We all know artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. But not everyone gets remembered the same way in history. Sometimes, bands and songs get a bit forgotten. Let’s shine a light on three tremendous classic rock songs from the 60s era that deserve a bit more shine.

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“Green Onions” by Booker T. & The MG’s from ‘Green Onions’ (1962)

This classic rock tune from the 60s is an instrumental song that seems like it just came up from the earth and landed on radio stations. This song was actually written by the band Booker T. & The MG’s. It was also released on their 1962 album of the same name. The organ-driven track has been part of movie soundtracks for years, including The Sandlot, Happy Gilmore, and Rush Hour. It’s important to remember that some songs, though they sound like they have been here forever, actually have origin stories. And this track, which will get your shoulders swaying, has helped to define the Memphis sound ever since its release in the early 60s.

“You Don’t Own Me” by Dusty Springfield from ‘A Girl Called Dusty’ (1964)

A more somber number than the one above, this song is, perhaps somewhat ironically, a perfect track to slow dance to. But don’t go and think that your dance partner is somehow yours as you sway the night away. Of course, that’s the exact message of the track from the often-overlooked British-born singer Dusty Springfield, who covered the tune in 1964. Originally released a year prior by the 17-year-old Leslie Gore, the London-born Springfield made it her own, applying her smokey voice and sultry tones to the pointed lyrics.

“She’s Not There” by The Zombies from ‘Begin Here’ (1964)

The British-born band The Zombies had several classic rock hits in the 60s. Sadly, they aren’t always remembered as fondly as the other British Invasion bands of their era like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and even The Who or The Kinks. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth your time today. This energetic blues-rock number was actually the band’s debut single. And once you hear it, you’ll be surprised you don’t hear it more often. Lead vocalist Colin Blunstone has a voice made of satin as he sings about love lost.

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