Western music artists popular among people in their 60s: Ranking [2025]

Purple HazeJimi Hendrix43rank/position

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Purple Haze (Live at the Atlanta Pop Festival)

A signature 1967 number by Jimi Hendrix.

This “Purple Haze” is often called a quintessential psychedelic drug song of the 1960s and stands as a symbol of the era.

Be sure to nail it with your air guitar!

Take Me Home, Country RoadsJohn Denver44rank/position

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads (Official Audio)

This song, which sings of deep love and nostalgia for the state of West Virginia, is known as one of John Denver’s signature works.

Its lyrics, celebrating the beauty of nature and the warmth of its people, resonate with many and led to its selection as one of West Virginia’s official state songs.

Released in April 1971, it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It is also cherished as the theme song of West Virginia University and is performed at sports events and university functions.

Expressing affection for one’s hometown and love of nature, this song is recommended for anyone seeking comfort and peace of mind.

It’s also easy to sing at karaoke thanks to its relaxed tempo, so give it a try!

ImagineJohn Lennon45rank/position

IMAGINE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band (with the Flux Fiddlers) HD

When you think of the legendary British singer-songwriter John Lennon, this is surely the signature song that comes to mind.

Released in September 1971, it carries a powerful message envisioning a peaceful world.

It sings of the importance of people uniting beyond the boundaries of religion and nationality.

Lennon’s warm vocals and the simple yet moving piano melody are captivating.

Released as a single from the album “Imagine,” it reached No.

3 on the U.

S.

Billboard chart.

It’s the perfect song to sing when you want to express a wish for peace—sure to gently wrap your heart in kindness.

Open ArmsJourney46rank/position

Journey – Open Arms (Official Video – 1982)

A single cut from Journey’s monster album Escape, this is a quintessential rock ballad.

In Japan, it had a revival hit as the theme song for the film Umizaru.

Riding on Jonathan Cain’s beautiful piano melody, it makes you want to spread your arms like you’re flying and sway as you belt it out.

If you work your abs a bit and expand your lower register, this song will definitely get even better.

Over The RainbowJudy Garland47rank/position

Judy Garland – Over The Rainbow (Subtitiles)

A pre–World War II musical film, The Wizard of Oz, features this quintessential standard sung by Judy Garland as Dorothy—the greatest of great songs.

Is there anyone who could dislike it? Whenever I hear it, I start to dream and want to sing along.

With bright hope, I make my wishes.

I Was Made For Lovin’ YouKISS48rank/position

Kiss – I Was Made For Lovin’ You

A song by the American hard rock band KISS, released in March 1979.

Featured on the album Dynasty, the track is characterized by a disco-influenced catchy melody and heavy guitars.

Although it faced criticism from some fans at the time of release, it became a concert staple and achieved great commercial success.

It reached No.

11 on the U.

S.

Billboard singles chart and No.

1 on Canada’s RPM National Singles Chart, and it was a Top 10 hit in many European countries as well.

Reflecting the musical trend of the era that fused disco and rock, the song conveys a message that people in love are perfectly suited for each other.

Wuthering HeightsKate Bush49rank/position

Kate Bush – Wuthering Heights – Official Music Video – Version 1

A song inspired by Emily Brontë’s book of the same name.

Kate Bush, who began playing the piano at 11 and wrote her first song at 13, recorded it as her first track after signing with a label at age 19.

It spent four weeks at No.

1 on the UK charts.