The 1960s transformed popular music forever. It was a decade where rock bands became global superstars, soul music reached new heights, folk singers inspired social change, and psychedelic sounds pushed creative boundaries.

If you've ever wondered what types of music were popular in the 1960s, the short answer is that there wasn't just one dominant style. Instead, the decade introduced an incredible variety of genres that still influence today's artists.

From The Beatles and Motown to surf rock and country, here's everything you need to know about music in the 1960s.

Why was music in the 1960s so influential?

The 1960s arrived during a period of major cultural and political change. Civil rights movements, the Vietnam War, television, and youth culture all helped shape the music people listened to.

Unlike previous decades, artists increasingly wrote their own songs, experimented with new recording techniques, and used albums to tell complete stories rather than simply releasing individual singles.

According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica guide to rock music, the 1960s marked the period when rock evolved into one of the world's most influential musical genres.

The most popular music genres of the 1960s

Rock and roll evolved into rock music

Although rock and roll began during the 1950s, it truly exploded during the 1960s.

Bands started experimenting with songwriting, guitar effects and studio production, creating albums that remain classics decades later.

Some of the biggest 60s bands included:

• The Beatles 
• The Rolling Stones 
• The Who 
• The Kinks 
• Creedence Clearwater Revival 
• The Doors 

These groups helped define what many people still consider classic rock today. If you're interested in the musicians behind these legendary bands, take a look at our guide to the best guitarists of all time, where many iconic 60s players are featured.

The British Invasion

One of the biggest musical events of the decade was the British Invasion.

Following The Beatles' arrival in America in 1964, dozens of British bands found worldwide success. Their influence completely changed the American music industry and inspired thousands of young musicians to start bands themselves.

Popular British acts included:

• The Beatles 
• The Rolling Stones 
• The Animals 
• Herman's Hermits 
• The Hollies 
• The Dave Clark Five 

Today, these artists remain among the most streamed acts from the decade. If you're a fan of Mick Jagger and company, don't miss our ranking of the top 10 greatest Rolling Stones songs.

Soul and Motown dominated the charts

While rock was growing rapidly, soul music became equally important.

Motown Records developed a distinctive sound that combined pop melodies with rhythm and blues, producing countless timeless hits.

Major artists included:

• Marvin Gaye 
• Stevie Wonder 
• The Supremes 
• The Temptations 
• Smokey Robinson 
• Four Tops 

Many of these songs continue to influence modern R&B and pop music.

Folk music found a new audience

Folk music became one of the defining sounds of the decade thanks to artists who combined storytelling with social commentary.

Leading names included:

• Bob Dylan 
• Joan Baez 
• Simon & Garfunkel 
• Peter, Paul and Mary 

Their music often addressed themes such as peace, equality and political change, making folk an important part of 1960s entertainment.

Psychedelic rock changed music forever

As the decade progressed, musicians became increasingly experimental.

Psychedelic rock introduced unusual song structures, extended guitar solos and innovative studio effects.

Some of the genre's best-known artists were:

• Pink Floyd 
• Jefferson Airplane 
• Jimi Hendrix 
• Cream  
• The Grateful Dead 

Many techniques developed during this era are still used in modern music production.

Pop music became more sophisticated

Pop music also evolved dramatically during the 1960s.

Rather than relying on simple love songs, artists began exploring richer harmonies, orchestral arrangements and more personal lyrics.

Some of the biggest pop stars included:

• Dusty Springfield 
• Petula Clark 
• The Monkees 
• Sonny & Cher 

These performers helped bridge traditional pop with the emerging rock movement.

Country music continued to grow

Country remained hugely popular throughout America.

Artists blended traditional storytelling with modern production, creating songs that appealed to wider audiences.

Notable performers included:

• Johnny Cash 
• Patsy Cline 
• Merle Haggard 
• Glen Campbell 

Their influence can still be heard across contemporary country music.

Surf rock captured California culture

Before psychedelic rock became dominant, surf rock defined the early 1960s.

Characterised by bright guitar tones and upbeat rhythms, it perfectly reflected California's beach lifestyle.

The Beach Boys became the genre's biggest stars, producing classics like Surfin' USA, California Girls and Good Vibrations.

Jazz continued to evolve

Although rock attracted most mainstream attention, jazz experienced its own creative revolution.

Artists like Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock experimented with modal jazz, fusion and more complex improvisation.

Their work continues to inspire musicians across countless genres.

What were the most popular songs of the 1960s?

While opinions vary, these songs are widely considered among the defining hits of the decade:

• Hey Jude – The Beatles 
• Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan 
• Respect – Aretha Franklin 
• Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys 
• My Girl – The Temptations 
• Purple Haze – Jimi Hendrix 
• California Dreamin' – The Mamas & the Papas 
• I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye 
• (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones 
• Stand By Me – Ben E. King 

Many of these tracks regularly appear in lists published by www.rollingstone.com with Rolling Stone's Greatest Songs of All Time, highlighting their lasting influence.

Which 60s bands are still the most influential?

Several 1960s bands remain enormously popular today thanks to streaming services and younger audiences discovering their music.

The most influential include:

• The Beatles 
• The Rolling Stones 
• Pink Floyd 
• The Doors 
• The Beach Boys 
• Creedence Clearwater Revival 
• The Who 
• Led Zeppelin (formed in 1968) 

These artists continue to shape rock, indie and alternative music generations later.

Frequently asked questions

What types of music were popular in the 1960s?

The biggest genres included rock, soul, Motown, folk, pop, country, surf rock, psychedelic rock and jazz.

What was the most popular music in the 1960s?

Rock music became the defining sound of the decade, led by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, while Motown and soul music also enjoyed enormous commercial success.

Who were the biggest 1960s bands?

The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beach Boys, The Doors and Creedence Clearwater Revival were among the decade's biggest bands.

Why is 1960s music still popular?

Many artists from the era pioneered songwriting, studio production and musical experimentation that continue to influence modern musicians across nearly every genre.

What entertainment was popular in the 1960s?

Alongside music, television, cinema, live concerts and festivals became major forms of entertainment. The rise of youth culture also made pop stars and rock bands global celebrities.

The music of the 1960s still shapes today's artists

Looking back, it's difficult to find another decade that changed popular music as dramatically as the 1960s. Rock became a global phenomenon, Motown reshaped soul music, folk inspired social movements, and psychedelic experimentation expanded what artists believed music could be.

Whether you're exploring legendary 60s bands for the first time or revisiting timeless classics, the music from this era remains some of the most influential ever recorded.