Explore the innovative sounds and iconic songs that shaped the history of 60s bands

Fortunate SonCreedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son

It’s a classic packed with the rock spirit of American social justice.

Released in November 1969 by Creedence Clearwater Revival, better known as CCR, this song delivers a scathing critique of the inequalities of the Vietnam War era.

Its simple yet striking guitar riff and repetitive hook leave a deep impression on listeners.

Featured in films like Forrest Gump as well as various other movies and TV shows, it has had a major impact on pop culture.

It’s perfect for anyone who questions war and social injustice, or who’s simply looking for a powerful rock sound.

CCR’s music is still frequently played on American classic rock radio and continues to be loved by many.

Proud MaryCreedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Proud Mary

Centered around John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival created rock ’n’ roll infused with various elements of Southern American music.

Their signature song, “Proud Mary,” is a soulful number loved by Black audiences as well, having been covered in the same year of its release by the Black singer Solomon Burke.

It’s filled with a feel-good vibe that evokes a Southern port town.

California Dreamin’The Mamas & The Papas

The Mamas & the Papas – California Dreamin’

A representative song of the Flower Movement, colored by the Vietnam antiwar movement and the hippies.

The nostalgic choral harmonies of the four male and female members convey a yearning for a utopia in turbulent times, reflecting the feelings of 1960s youth who sought to escape war and society.

GloriaThem

Van Morrison – Gloria (live at the Hollywood Bowl, 2008)

The biggest hit by the band that once featured Van Morrison, who is now active as a solo artist.

Although they were based in Northern Ireland, their sound carried elements of Black soul and R&B, and it became popular under labels like blue-eyed soul and white rhythm & blues.

It’s a classic distinguished by its grounded, heavy beat and Van Morrison’s vocals, which hardly sound like those of a white singer.

Joy of a ToySoft Machine

Joy of a Toy – The Soft Machine

Soft Machine, formed in the UK and hailed as a Canterbury-scene progressive rock band.

Their uniquely singular world is forged by the interweaving of jazz and blues sensibilities with keyboards distorted into a psychedelic haze.

They’re not only avant-garde; there’s also a subtle pop sensibility that makes their music go down easily—another one of their charms.

BoureeJethro Tull

Jethro Tull – Bourée

Jethro Tull is a band centered around Ian Anderson, who conjures an eerie sound with his flute despite being rooted in blues rock.

From their debut, their distinctiveness set them apart from other blues bands, and this track builds a unique world on a foundation of Bach, evoking not only rock but also shades of jazz and British folk.

As the 1970s began, the band expanded their musical scope into progressive rock, and you can clearly hear the seeds of that evolution in this classic.