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

The RoseBette Midler1rank/position

The Rose

This piece is known as one of American singer Bette Midler’s signature songs.

Its beautiful lyrics, which compare the many facets of love to a flower, leave a strong impression.

Used over the end credits of the 1979 film The Rose, it reached No.

3 on the Billboard chart and also won a Grammy Award.

Midler’s rich, lustrous vocals exquisitely convey both the joy and the pain of love.

Like flowers that bloom beautifully with the arrival of spring, the song carries a hopeful message that love will blossom no matter the hardships, a message that has given courage to many.

It’s a heartwarming ballad you’ll want to listen to while nestling close to someone dear.

Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple2rank/position

Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water (LIVE 1974)

Deep Purple’s signature song, released in 1972, took the world by storm with a guitar riff made of just four notes.

This classic of rock history was inspired by a fire that broke out at a Frank Zappa concert.

On December 4, 1971, a flare gun fired by an audience member ignited the ceiling at a casino in Switzerland.

Witnessing the scene firsthand, the band members masterfully transformed it into music.

Though simple, the riff has a profound allure, and the song is known as a rite of passage for many guitarists.

Beloved by people of all ages, it conveys the timeless power of rock.

Hey JudeThe Beatles3rank/position

The Beatles – Hey Jude

Released as the first single from Apple Records and included on the compilation album of the same name, the song “Hey Jude” was written by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon’s son, Julian Lennon.

It is also known as an unusually long ballad for pop music, running over seven minutes.

Overall, the vocal range is narrow and easy to sing, but the melody rises and falls sharply, so take care not to miss the notes.

With a chorus that repeats at the end and invites a crowd sing-along, it’s a heartwarming number.

Top Of The WorldCarpenters4rank/position

Top Of The World

The Carpenters’ classic “Top Of The World” is memorable for its light, upbeat melody.

While the Carpenters are known as a pop duo, this song strongly reflects country music characteristics.

A key point of this piece lies in the English.

The vocal line has a narrow range and doesn’t require much dynamic variation, so it’s easy to sing.

However, among the Carpenters’ songs, the BPM here is relatively fast, which can make the English lyrics feel a bit crowded.

If you’re not confident in English, try linking the vowel of the previous word to the consonant of the next—for example, sing “Top of the world” more like “Topov th’ worl(d)”—to help it flow more naturally.

Dancing QueenABBA5rank/position

ABBA – Dancing Queen (Official Music Video)

ABBA’s signature hit, emblematic of the disco boom of the 1970s, is an enduring classic loved across generations.

Set to a catchy melody and rhythm, it celebrates the joy of youth and freedom.

Released as a single in Sweden in August 1976, it quickly became a worldwide hit.

Featured in the film “Mamma Mia!,” it has remained popular with audiences of all ages.

At karaoke, it’s a song where anyone can take center stage by singing and dancing to its buoyant beat.

It’s perfect for amping up the mood or having a great time with friends.

Moon RiverAudrey Hepburn6rank/position

Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

It’s the theme song from the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and in the movie Audrey sings it softly while strumming an acoustic guitar.

Andy Williams’s version is nice too, but Audrey’s delicate, slender voice is so fragile and captivating.

Rich GirlDaryl Hall & John Oates7rank/position

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Rich Girl (Official Audio)

A landmark single released in 1977 by H&O, standard-bearers of blue-eyed soul, which became their first U.

S.

No.

1.

This kicked off their rapid ascent, leading to an explosion in popularity in the 1980s.

In just under two and a half minutes, soul-pop is distilled with no excess, making it one of their most singable songs for anyone.