I Want to Sing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Recommended Oldies Classics and Popular Songs

Pretty Little BabyConnie Francis

Connie Francis – Pretty Little Baby (Official Audio)

Connie Francis, the songstress who shone in the 1950s and ’60s.

Among her many classics, this song is an especially charming piece that captures the pure feeling of longing for the one you love to notice you.

Its greatest appeal lies in the sweet, gentle melody line and her charming voice that tickles the listener’s heart.

Recorded in August 1961 and included on the 1962 album “Connie Francis Sings ‘Second Hand Love’ & Other Hits,” this track was originally a B-side.

With its calm tempo, it doesn’t require a wide vocal range or advanced techniques, making it very easy to sing—perfect for anyone looking to expand their oldies repertoire.

Give it a try when you’re in the mood for something cute and delightful.

Oh, Pretty WomanRoy Orbison

Oh, Pretty Woman

Roy Orbison, who gained popularity with his black sunglasses and operatic, powerful vocals.

This piece is one of his signature songs, depicting the dramatic emotions of a man who is captivated by a beautiful woman he sees on the street.

He’s dejected when she initially walks away, but the movie-like twist of her finally turning back to him is irresistibly appealing.

Released in August 1964, the song topped the U.

S.

charts for three consecutive weeks.

Later, it was chosen as the theme song for the 1990 blockbuster film “Pretty Woman,” allowing it to be loved across generations.

It opens with a guitar riff everyone knows, so it’s guaranteed to fire up any karaoke room.

Step into the protagonist’s shoes and sing it with passion.

The Loco-MotionLittle Eva

Little Eva – Loco-motion(1962)

It’s a classic dance tune with an irresistibly bright, exuberant melody! The lyrics invite everyone to line up and dance like a steam train, and combined with Little Eva’s lively vocals, it puts a smile on every listener’s face.

Released as a single in June 1962, it hit No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts that August.

Cover versions by Grand Funk Railroad and Kylie Minogue were also big hits, and it was used in the film Inland Empire, so many people across generations have likely heard it.

Sing it with the simple choreography and your room will instantly feel like a ’60s dance party—truly impressive! Add it to your repertoire as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for livening up any karaoke session.

You Send MeSam Cooke

Sam Cooke – Sam Cooke – You Send Me (Official Lyric Video)

The artist known as the “King of Soul,” Sam Cooke—once you hear his sweet, velvety voice, it’s hard not to be captivated.

This gem of a ballad celebrates the exhilaration of falling in love, delivered with his elegant tenor.

His gospel-honed expressiveness lends profound feeling to simple words of love.

Released in September 1957, the song spent three consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

pop chart.

It was included on his debut album, Sam Cooke, and featured in the film Sweet Dreams.

With its simple, catchy melody, it’s a great choice for creating a smooth, intimate mood at karaoke.

I Only Want To Be With YouDusty Springfield

Dusty (True Stereo) I Only Want To Be With You HD

This is the song that marked Dusty Springfield’s solo debut in November 1963, and it conveys, straight and true, that irresistible rush when love begins and the single-minded feeling of “I only want to be with you.” It reached No.

4 on the UK charts and No.

12 in the US, catapulting her to stardom.

The sparkling horns and dancing rhythm make you feel happy just by listening.

There’s also the anecdote that Bay City Rollers later covered it and ended up with exactly the same chart positions as the original.

It’s also known as the theme song for the American TV series Arliss, so many people across generations may find it familiar.

With its simple, singable melody, it’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session.

Tutti FruttiLittle Richard

Little Richard – Tutti Frutti (1956)

It’s a truly historic number, often hailed as “the sound of rock ’n’ roll being born”! Surely there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard Little Richard’s explosive opening shout, as if an inexpressible impulse were bursting forth.

That cry doesn’t just sound fun—it also seems to express a yearning for liberation from deep within.

The anecdote that the track was recorded in October 1955 in just three takes over about 15 minutes speaks volumes about its ferocious energy.

Included on the classic album “Here’s Little Richard,” it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

Belt it out at karaoke and you’re guaranteed a pure, exhilarating rush—no explanation needed!

You Can’t Hurry LoveThe Supremes

The Supremes “You Can’t Hurry Love” on The Ed Sullivan Show

A signature work by The Supremes from Motown, it was released as a single in July 1966.

The song is an encouraging anthem that conveys a warm-hearted lesson from a mother: “When it comes to love, it’s important not to rush—wait patiently.” Musically, it blends buoyant pop with soul into that classic Motown sound, wrapped in a catchy melody that lifts your spirits the moment you hear it.

The track is also included on the acclaimed album “The Supremes A’ Go-Go,” and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks.

It’s also known for being covered in the film “Runaway Bride.” With its up-tempo, easy-to-sing structure, it’s perfect for getting everyone energized at karaoke.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.