Music

The 1960's were a time of upheaval in society, fashion, attitudes and especially music. This decade is often described as a "golden era".

 In 1963 a big number of social influences changed what popular music was and gave birth to the diversity that we experience with music today. 

Ideas surrounding sexuality became more liberalized and accepted, though it remains contentious as to whether that is a change for the better.

Feminism, is a collection of ideologies aimed at promoting equality in the economic, political and social rights of women and there was no better time to enforce them than in the 1960's when liberation in many forms was present.  

Bands

The first UK number one of the 1960s was "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For" by Emile Ford and the Checkmates and the last UK number one of the 1960s was "Two Little Boys" by Rolf Harris. 

Rollin' Stones led by Jones, played their first performance at the Marquee Club in London on July 12, 1962. They soon secured a residency at the Crawdaddy Club, bringing in younger audiences who were looking for something new and exciting. 

Elvis Presley, in full Elvis Aaron Presley or Elvis Aron Presley is an American popular singer widely known as the "King of Rock and Roll". An iconic song of Elvis is "Can't Help Falling in Love".

Styles

The "Motown Sound" and popular R&B music had a major significance in terms of the Civil Rights movement and integration in American society during the sixties.

Rock 'n' roll had spread from the US and marked the arrival of youth rebellion in the 'teenager's. Inspired by the sounds of rock 'n' roll, young musicians were getting back to its origins and so came a new wave of folk and pure R&B revivals.

Blues music influenced American artists as well. Janis Joplin left her mark on the music of the late 1960s with powerful blues-inspired vocals.

Surf music, genre of popular music that arose in southern California in the early 1960s. As the sport of surfing became increasingly popular on the West Coast of the United States, Dick Dale and the Del-Tones provided the sound track, beginning with "Let's Go Trippin'" in 1961.

Historical context

The "British Invasion" also began around 1963 with the arrival of The Beatles on the music scene and the type of rabid fandom that followed them would change the way people would view and interact with music and musicians forever.  

Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first person in space. One month later, Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space. NASA's Mariner 4 space probe successfully approaches Mars and becomes the first spacecraft to take images of a planet from deep space. 

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first men to arrive on the Moon during NASA's Apollo 11 mission.  Armstrong transferred to astronaut status in 1962. He was assigned as command pilot for the Gemini 8 mission. Gemini 8 was launched on March 16, 1966, and Armstrong performed the first successful docking of two vehicles in space.

Can't Help Falling in Love

Is a song recorded by American singer Elvis Presley for the album Blue Hawaii (1961). It was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss and published by Gladys Music. 

She Loves You

Is a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and recorded by English rock band the Beatles for release as a single in 1963. 

Out of Time

Was recorded for Aftermath and featured Brian Jones playing a marimba part. Jagger later produced a version by Chris Farlowe that went to No.1 in 1966.