Welcome to Season Two of Hall of Songs. And welcome to an explosion of creativity.
This is the year when music changes throughout the world. Early rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues gets pushed aside for an even louder, more exciting sound. Whether it’s impeccable studio polish or, finally, really good young musicians who sing and write their own tunes, what comes out from the radio speakers is truly wondrous.
Of course, you’ll hear the Beatles in this episode, as 1963 marks the first year of their dominance (though most of it is spent in Britain). We’ll also hear from the Beach Boys, the Wall of Sound, and Motown, along with a young folk musician whose lyricism sets a high bar.
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1963, plus tunes from 1962, 61, ’60, ’59, ’57, and ’55, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on August 6 to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1963 nominees:
- “Surfin’ USA” as performed by The Beach Boys
- Written by Brian Wilson and Chuck Berry; recorded January 1963; released March 1963
- “Twist and Shout” as performed by The Beatles
- Written by Bert Berns and Phil Medley; recorded February 1963; released March 1963
- “Louie Louie” as performed by The Kingsmen
- Written by Richard Berry; recorded April 1963; released May 1963
- “Fingertips – Parts 1/2 (Live)” as performed by Stevie Wonder
- Written by Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby; recorded May 1963; released May 1963
- “Heat Wave” as performed by Martha and the Vandellas
- Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded June 1963; released July 1963
- “Be My Baby” as performed by The Ronettes
- Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector; recorded July 1963; released August 1963
- “Blowin’ in the Wind” as performed by Bob Dylan
- Written by Bob Dylan; recorded July 1962; released August 1963
- “She Loves You” as performed by The Beatles
- Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded July 1963; released August 1963
- “In My Room” as credited to by The Beach Boys
- Written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher; recorded July 1963; released October 1963
- “It’s All Right” as performed by The Impressions
- Written by Curtis Mayfield; recorded summer 1963; released October 1963
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as performed by Darlene Love
- Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector; recorded September 1963; released November 1963
- “I Want to Hold Your Hand” as performed by The Beatles
- Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded October 1963; released November 1963
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 August 8, 2021, for our discussion on 1964.
