These are the 12 numbers from 1960 that we feel merit possible inclusion in our song hall of fame. We’re talking the most popular track in modern history, indelible treats that combine orchestral sweetness and polished rhythm and blues, and even some tunes you may consider standards.
For this episode we visit the Brill Building in New York City and Hitsville USA in Detroit. We also hear more examples of the burgeoning Nashville Sound. And yes, the seeds of the pop-rock explosion yet to come are sown. Some cool songs await you in this episode.
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1960, plus tunes from 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, and 1955, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back in 12 days to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1959 nominees:
- “This Magic Moment” as performed by The Drifters
- Written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman; recorded December 1959; released January 1960
- “Cathy’s Clown” as performed by The Everly Brothers
- Written by Don Everly; recorded March 1960; released April 1960
- “Wonderful World” as performed by Sam Cooke
- Written by Lou Adler, Herb Alpert, and Sam Cooke; recorded March 1959; released April 1960
- “Only the Lonely” as performed by Roy Orbison
- Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson; recorded spring 1960; released May 1960
- “Walk, Don’t Run” as performed by The Ventures
- Written by Johnny Smith; recorded spring 1960; released June 1960
- “The Twist” as performed by Chubby Checker
- Written by Hank Ballard; recorded spring 1960; released June 1960
- “Chain Gang” as performed by Sam Cooke
- Written by Sam Cooke and Charles Cook Jr.; recorded January 1960; released July 1960
- “Save the Last Dance For Me” as performed by The Drifters
- Written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman; recorded spring 1960; released August 1960
- “Georgia on My Mind” as performed by Ray Charles
- Written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell; recorded May 1960; released September 1960
- “Shop Around” as performed by The Miracles
- Written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy; recorded summer 1960; released September 1960
- “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” as performed by The Shirelles
- Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King; recorded fall 1960; released November 1960
- “At Last” as performed by Etta James
- Written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren; recorded fall 1960; released November 1960
Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on June 27, 2021, for our discussion on 1961.