By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I graduated from high school in 1969, and the summer music of the 60s transport me back in time with sweet memories and lots of laughter. Now, for all of you who are doing the math and have calculated my age—keep it to yourself. 😊
Who can resist the summer hits of the 60s? I’ve listed twelve of my favorites and links to the YouTube recordings. Note, I could have listed a hundred more, but these are special.
- “Dancing in the Street,” recorded by Martha and the Vandellas and released in 1964.
- “Happy Together,” recorded by The Turtles and released in 1965.
- “Under the Boardwalk,” recorded by the Drifters in 1966. Other groups recorded this song, but the Drifters introduced the world to tune and lyrics first.
- “Summer in the City,” recorded by the Lovin’ Spoonful was released in July 1966. I remember the county fair and a boyfriend.
- “Good Day Sunshine,” recorded by the Beatles and released in 1966.
- “I Saw Her Again,” recorded by The Mamas and the Papas and released in 1966.
- “Ode to Billy Jo,” recorded by Billy Gentry and released in 1967. This song was one of my super favorites.
- “All You Need is Love,” recorded by the Beatles in 1967.
- “Windy,” recorded by the Associations flew to the top of the charts in July 1967.
- “Mrs. Robinson,” recorded by Simon and Garfunkel and released in 1968.
- “Sugar, Sugar” recorded by The Archies in 1969 set my feet to dancin’. That song made many a graduation party.
- “Sweet Caroline,” recorded by Neil Diamond in 1969. He always released the best songs.
This site offers 100 Summer Hits of the 60s. I encourage you to build your 2024 Summer Playlist from these amazing hits.
What are your favorite songs from the summer hits of the 60s?
