In 1964, everyone in popular music was trying to raise their game.
In this episode of Hall of Songs, we present our nominees from ’64, a year with a lot of sounds pushing rock ‘n’ roll and pop music in many directions … and also together.
Many artists were chasing the “Be My Baby” sound that Phil Spector mastered with his 1963 Hall of Songs inductee. A number of top songs either built upon the producer’s Wall of Sound or simply copied Hal Blaine’s iconic drum beat. Meanwhile, some songwriters decided to comment on the changes that felt possible as the Civil Rights movement continued onward. And of course, the Beatles hit America in early 1964; after their highly publicized arrival, other British artists were given a chance to shine across the pond.
After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1964, plus tunes from 1963, 61, ’60 and ’55, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on August 20 to find out which song or songs get in!
Our 1964 nominees:
- “The Times They Are-A Changin'” as performed by Bob Dylan
- Written by Bob Dylan; recorded October 1963; released January 1964
- “A Change is Gonna Come” as performed by Sam Cooke
- Written by Sam Cooke; recorded January 1964; released February 1964
- “Don’t Worry Baby” as performed by The Beach Boys
- Written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian; recorded January 1964; released May 1964
- “Rag Doll” as performed by The Four Seasons
- Written by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe; recorded spring 1964; released June 1964
- “Where Did Our Love Go” as performed by The Supremes
- Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded April 1964; released June 1964
- “House of the Rising Sun” as performed by The Animals
- Traditional song, arrangement by Alan Price; recorded May 1964; released June 1964
- “A Hard Day’s Night” as performed by The Beatles
- Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded April 1964; released July 1964
- “Dancing in the Street” as performed by Martha and the Vandellas
- Written by Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter; recorded June 1964; released July 1964
- “You Really Got Me” as performed by The Kinks
- Written by Ray Davies; recorded July 1964; released August 1964
- “Leader of the Pack” as performed by The Shangri-Las
- Written by George Morton, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich; recorded July 1964; released September 1964
- “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” as performed by The Righteous Brothers
- Written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector; recorded October 1964; released November 1964
- “Gloria” as performed by Them
- Written by Van Morrison; recorded April 1964; released December 1964
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 20, 2021 to find out the voting results, and August 22, 2021 for our discussion on 1965.
