29 Best Songs From 1960
Contents
“I Want to Be Wanted” by Brenda Lee
Song Year: 1960
Originally an Italian song written by Pino Spotti and Alberto Testa, Brenda Lee sang an English version that topped the US charts. “I Want to Be Wanted” spent three weeks on top of the Hot 100 chart.
Lee sings about wanting and missing a boyfriend. She can’t find the perfect man that is meant for her no matter how hard she tries. She wants a man that dedicates themself to her.
“Devil or Angel” by Bobby Vee
Song Year: 1960
“Devil or Angel” was an R&B hit for the Clovers in 1955. Bobby Vee performed his rendition in 1960 and the song reached number six on the US pop charts. “Devil or Angel” was Vee’s first hit.
The song discusses how much the narrator loves his woman no matter what. No matter if she’s good or bad, he’ll still love her.
“The Old Lamp-Lighter” by The Browns
Song Year: 1960
“The Old Lamp-Lighter” was originally written and recorded by Nat Simon and Charles Tobias in 1946. The Browns revitalized the song in 1960. It was a popular country song and reached number five on the Hot Country charts. “The Old Lamp-Lighter” also had crossover appeal and reached the top ten on the Billboard charts.
The song is a story about the men who lit gas lamps along the streets. It’s a memoir of a bygone era that no longer existed by the 1960s.
“Harbor Lights” by The Platters
Song Year: 1960
Over the years, several popular musicians recorded a version of this song from 1937. Some of the most notable versions include covers by Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and Willie Nelson.
In 1960, The Platters recorded their version of “Harbor Lights” and it’s one of the most memorable and enjoyable versions of the song. Their version reached number eight on the Hot 100 and fifteen on the R&B charts.
“Why” by Frankie Avalon
Song Year: 1960
Frankie Avalon was one of the biggest stars of the 1960s and “Why” was one of his biggest songs. His version of the song was a smash hit and reached number one on the Billboard charts.
Based on an Italian song, the song is a love story between a man and a woman. The song returned to the charts in 1972 after Donny Osmond performed a version.
“Cradle of Love” by Johnny Preston
Song Year: 1960
Johnny Preston recorded “Cradle of Love” in 1960. Writers Jack Fautheree and Wayne Gray use verses from several nursery rhymes to create a new and unique love song. If you remember “Jack Be Nimble” or “Jack & Jill”, you’ll recognize the lyrics to “Cradle of Love.”
“Cradle of Love” lasted fifteen weeks on the Billboard charts and peaked at number seven. It also found popularity and chart success in the UK, Canada, and Norway.
“Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles
Song Year: 1960
“Georgia on My Mind” was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell in 1930. The song wasn’t a hit until Ray Charles recorded his version for the album, “The Genius Hits the Road,” in 1960.
The Ray Charles version is immensely popular and reached number one on the pop charts. The song is iconic and was decreed the State Song of Georgia in 1979.
“Only the Lonely” by Roy Orbison
Song Year: 1960
Struggling musician Roy Orbison wrote “Only The Lonely” while sitting in his car. Recorded for RCA Nashville, “Only the Lonely” went on to revolutionize music and pioneered a new Nashville sound.
The song was a hit and peaked at number two on the pop charts while reaching number fourteen on the R&B charts. It also found success in the UK and peaked at number one in the UK pop charts.
Lonely Blue Boy by Conway Twitty
Song Year: 1960
“Lonely Blue Boy” was originally written for Elvis Presley but never released. Instead, Conway Twitty recorded and released a version in 1960. Twitty’s version was a pop hit and peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.
Twitty sings of a man who is lonely and empty inside. He’s sad and upset that his life is so empty.
Top Songs From 1960, Final Thoughts
There were so many top songs in 1960 it was hard to choose winners for this list. From rock to instrumentals, many different genres hit the charts in 1960. In the coming decade, music changed the world and we have the early years of the 1960s to thank for its influence.
