1. FABIAN - Teen idol of the early 60's. Had hits with "I'm A Man" "Turn Me Loose" "Hound Dog Man" and "Tiger" all in 1959. Had a few more charted songs in 1960, then faded away.
2. PERCY FAITH - Orchestra leader had a few hits, but created the most beautiful instrumental of all time, "The Theme From 'A Summer Place' " in 1960.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG -"Theme From A Summer Place"
3. FERRANTE & TEICHER - Instrumental piano duo had 4 hits in the 60's, "Theme From The Apartment" "Exodus" "Tonight" and "Midnight Cowboy"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Midnight Cowboy"
4. FIREBALLS - Group from New Mexico had charted songs with "Bulldog" "Sugar Shack" "Daisy Petal Pickin' "Bottle Of Wine" and "Goin' Away".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Sugar Shack"
5. FLEETWOODS - Trio from the state of Washington had 3 top 10 hits, two in 1959 and one in 1960. "Come Softly To Me" "Mr. Blue" and "Tragedy".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Mr. Blue"
6. FOUR SEASONS - Vocal group from Newark, New Jersey. One of the best vocal groups of all time, the Four Seasons managed to survive the British Invasion in 1964 and had several more hits. The hits started with "Sherry" in 1962 and continued on with "Big Girls Don't Cry" "Walk Like A Man" "Candy Girl" "Marlena" "Dawn (Go Away)" "Stay" "Ronnie" "Rag Doll" "Save It For Me" "Big Man In Town" "Bye Bye Baby" "Let's Hang On" "Don't Think Twice" "Working My Way Back To You" "Opus 17" "I've Got You Under My Skin" "Tell It To The Rain" "Beggin'" and "C'mon Marianne". Frankie Valli's incredible falsetto voice was the drivin' force behind the group. After fading away in the late 60's, the group would rebound in 1976 with 2 more big top 10 hits. Frankie Valli would release 6 solo singles in the 60's with his biggest hit "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" in 1967.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Tough to pick but.."Rag Doll"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG BY THEM THAT WASN'T A HIT - "Alone"
7. CONNIE FRANCIS - Top female vocalist of the 60's, she had many hits in the late 50's and early 60's. The late 50's brought us "Who's Sorry Now" "Stupid Cupid" "My Happiness" "Lipstick On Your Collar" and "Frankie". The 60's brought us "Mama" "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" "My Heart Has A Mind Of It's Own" "Many Tears Ago" "Where The Boys Are" "Breakin' In A Brand New Broken Heart" "Together" "When The Boy In Your Arms" "Don't Break The Heart That Loves You" and "Vacation". She had several mid charted songs throughout 1963 thru 1966.
8. FROST - Local group headed by Dick Wagner. Had 2 singles chart in the 60's in Detroit area. "Mystery Man" and "Sweet Lady Love". One more single in 1970, "Rock & Roll Music". Wagner worked with Alice Cooper for awhile in the 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Sweet Lady Love"
9. BOBBY GOLDSBORO - Had several hits records through the 60's. "See The Funny Little Clown" "Little Things" "Voodoo Woman" "It's Too Late" "Honey" and "Autumn Of My Life".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Little Things"
10. LESLEY GORE - Teenage singer from New Jersey discovered by Quincy Jones. She had a slew of hits starting in 1963 with "It's My Party" "Judy's Turn To Cry" "She's A Fool" "You Don't Own Me" "That's The Way Boys Are" "Maybe I Know" "Look Of Love" "Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows" and "California Nights"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Look Of Love"
11. GRASS ROOTS - Formed in San Francisco in 1964, had a couple of mid-charts songs. "Where Were You When I Needed You" and "Only When You're Lonely" in 1966. In 1967 they changed personel and added lead singer Rob Grill to the mix. First hit was in 1967 "Let's Live For Today" and had many charted songs after that. Most notable are "Things I Should Have Said" "Midnight Confessions" "Bella Linda" "Lovin' Things" "The River Is Wide" "I'd Wait A Million Years" and "Heaven Knows". They would have a few more songs chart in the early 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Let's Live For Today"
12. GRATEFUL DEAD - Group formed in San Francisco area in 1965. They had a unique style and a blend of rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, psychedelia, gospel...They were not a commercial AM group for sure. They would manage a couple of charted songs in the 70's and had their only big hit in 1987 with "Touch Of Grey". They released 3 albums in the 60's : "The Grateful Dead" "Anthem Of The Sun" and "Aoxomoxoa". They would garner some FM play, but their concerts throughout their long career became 'events'. Probably the first 'Jam Band' of rock and roll. They had devoted followers 'Deadheads', that would follow them around the country while they were on tour. Lead singer/guitarist Jerry Garcia became a reluctant leader of the band with many personnel changes over the years.
13. GUESS WHO - Formed in Winnipeg, Canada in 1963, Chad Allan was the lead singer. Burton Cummings joined the group in 1966 and Chad Allan left the group. The nucleus was there with Randy Bachman on guitar, Jim Kale on bass and Garry Peterson on drums. Their first hit was in 1965 "Shakin' All Over" with Chad Allan on vocals. They didn't chart again until 1969 and hit it big with "These Eyes" "Laughing" and "Undun". Would have several more big hits in the early 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Undun"
PAT'S FAVORITE ALBUM TRACK - "Wednesday In Your Garden" from "Wheatfield Soul"
14. HAPPENINGS - Yet another vocal group from New Jersey. Had 2 big hits in the 60's with "See You In September" and "I Got Rhythm" and also charted with "Go Away Little Girl" and "My Mammy" to mention a few.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "See You In September"
15. JIMI HENDRIX - His psychedelic-blues-rock guitar style was innovative for it's time. Had 3 hits in the late 60's starting with "Purple Haze" "Foxey Lady" and "All Along The Watchtower". Other charted songs were "Crosstown Traffic" and "Up From The Skies". Had 2 classic psychedelic albums "Are You Experienced" and "Axis: Bold As Love" FM radio couldn't stop playing his album hits "Stone Free" The Wind Cries Mary" "Hey Joe" "Little Wing" and "Manic Depression". His music definitely stands the test of time. He would die of a drug overdose in September of 1970.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Purple Haze"
PAT'S FAVORITE 'B' SIDE - "Hey Joe" 'B' side of "Foxey Lady"
PAT'S FAVORITE LP CUT : "Manic Depression"
KEVIN'S FAVORITE SONG - "Little Wing"
16. BRIAN HYLAND - Pop singer from Queens, New York had 2 big hits in the early 60's and several mid charted songs. The novelty song "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini " was a hit in summer of 1960 and "Sealed With A Kiss" a hit in the summer of 1962. Other songs you may remember are "Let Me Belong To You" "Ginny Come Lately" "Warmed Over Kisses" and "The Joker Went Wild". He would have a top ten hit in 1970 with a cover of the Impressions hit "Gypsy Woman".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Sealed With A Kiss"
17. IRON BUTTERFLY - Had the ultimate FM album of 1968. Their only hit "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" was edited from 17 minutes long to just a few minutes for a single release. The album song featured a great drum solo by Ron Bushy and was popular on FM radio. Lead singer-keyboardist Doug Ingle's gritty voice and great organ intro made the song. The group would have a few more low charting songs such as "Soul Experience" and "In The Time Of Our Lives". Had 2 popular albums in the late 60's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" and "Ball".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Of course..."In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"
PAT'S FAVORITE LP CUT - "Flowers And Beads" from "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"
18. TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS - One of my favorite 45 groups from the 60's. Starting with his first #1 hit in 1966 "Hanky Panky", the great songs kept on coming. "Say I Am" "I Think We're Alone Now" "Mirage" "Gettin' Together" "Mony Mony" "Crimson And Clover" "Sweet Cherry Wine" "Crystal Blue Persuasion" and "Ball Of Fire". The other mid charted songs were "It's Only Love" "I Like The Way" "Out Of The Blue" "Get Out Now" "Somebody Cares" "Do Something To Me". Would have a few more hits in the early 70's. Their biggest selling 45 was "Crimson And Clover" in 1969. Usually when a song is edited for a 45 release it gets chopped up and isn't as good as the album cut. This is probably the one time when the edited song was much better than the album cut.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Crystal Blue Persuasion"
PAT'S FAVORITE 'B' SIDE - "Love's Closin' In On Me" 'B' side of "Out Of The Blue"
19. JAN & DEAN - Surf-rock duo from L.A. Jan had the baritone voice and produced most of their hits. Dean had the falsetto voice. Had 2 big hits in the late 50's with "Jennie Lee" and "Baby Talk". Had a minor hit with "Linda" in 1963 but exploded with a song Brian Wilson gave to them, "Surf City" Other hits followed. "Honolulu Lulu" "Drag City " "Dead Man's Curve" "New Girl In School" "The Little Ole Lady (From Pasadena)" and "Ride The Wild Surf". Mid charted songs you may remember are "Popsicle" "I Found A Girl" "You Really Know How To Hurt A Guy" and "Sidewalk Surfin' ". Jan was in a horrible car accident in April of 1966 that nearly killed him. He managed to survive but was never the same. Dean went on to a career as graphic arts designer.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Little Ole Lady (From Pasadena)"
20. JAY & THE AMERICANS - Vocal group featuring the powerful voice of Jay Black. Had several hits in the 60's. Their first was in 1962 with "She Cried". Then came "Only In America" "Come A Little Bit Closer" "Let's Lock The Door" "Cara, Mia" "Some Enchanted Evening" "Sunday And Me" and "This Magic Moment". Other mid charted songs were "Crying" and "When You Dance".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Come A Little Bit Closer"
21. JEFFERSON AIRPLANE - Formed in San Francisco in 1965. Grace Slick joined in 1966 and group had 2 top ten hits in 1967, "Somebody To Love" and "White Rabbit". They had a few more mid-charted songs, most notably "Ballad Of You & Me & Pooneil" "Watch Her Ride" "Volunteers" and "Crown Of Creation". "Surrealistic Pillow", their 1967 hit album was big during the summer of love. Group would change name to "Jefferson Starship" in 1975.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Somebody To Love"
22. KEITH - Singer from Philadelphia had 3 charted songs in the 60's. "Ain't Gonna Lie" "98.6" and "Tell Me To My Face"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Ain't Gonna Lie"
23. ANDY KIM - This singer had a few hits in the late 60's "How'd We Ever Get This Way" "Shoot "Em Up Baby" "Rainbow Ride" "Baby, I Love You" and "So Good Together". Would have a more hits in the 70's.
24. KINGSMEN - From Portland, Oregon. Had the ultimate frat party song in "Louie, Louie" released in 1963. The songs lyrics were muddled and the word was there was swearing in the song. It was a different time then, and everyone wanted to believe it was true. Lyrics like "Tonight at ten, I'll lay her again" and "I felt my bone in her hair" were supposedly the lyrics. The FBI even did an investigation into the songs lyrics. Oh well, it was fun to believe that we pulled one over on the adults. "Louie, Louie" was re-released again in 1966 and hit the top 10 again in Detroit. The group had 2 other top ten hits in "Money" and "The Jolly Green Giant". Other mid charted songs were "Death Of An Angel" and "Little Latin Lupe Lu"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - What else? "Louie, Louie"
25. KINGSTON TRIO - Folk group from San Francisco had hits in the late 50's with "Tom Dooley" "The Tijuana Jail" "M.T.A." The 60's brought "Reverend Mr. Black" and mid-charted songs like "Desert Pete" "Greenback Dollar" "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" and "El Matador"
26. BRENDA LEE - 'Little Miss Dynamite' was her nickname due to her powerful voice. Had many hits in the early 60's starting with "Sweet Nothin's" "I'm Sorry" "I Want To Be Wanted" "Emotions" You Can Depend On Me" "Dum Dum" "Fool #1" "Break It To Me Gently" "Everybody Loves Me But You" "Heart In Hand" "All Alone Am I" "Losing You" and "As Usual" many more mid charted songs. In 1960, her classic Christmas song "Rockin" Around The Christmas Tree" was first released and remains a staple today at Christmas time.
27. LETTERMEN - Group from L.A. had many adult-contemporary hits in the 60's (Music our parents liked). "The Way You Look Tonight" "When I Fall In Love" "Come Back Silly Girl" "Theme From 'A Summer Place' " "Goin' Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You Medley" and "Hurt So Bad" were the more popular ones.
28. GARY LEWIS & PLAYBOYS - Formed in L.A. in 1964, Gary is the son of comedien Jerry Lewis. Had 7 straight top ten in hits starting with "This Diamond Ring" in 1965. "Count Me In" "Save Your Heart For Me" "Everybody Loves A Clown" "She's Just My Style" "Sure Gonna Miss Her" and "Green Grass". Some other songs were "My Heart's Symphony" "(You Don't Have To) Paint Me A Picture" "Where Will The Words Come From" "The Loser" "Jill" "Girls In Love" "Sealed With A Kiss" and "Rhythm Of The Rain". Leon Russell was the arranger for this group before he went on to a successful solo career in the 70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "This Diamond Ring"
PAT'S FAVORITE 'B' SIDE - "Time Stands Still" 'B' side of "Everybody Loves A Clown"
29. LOVIN' SPOONFUL - From New York City, John Sebastian was the lead singer, songwriter, harmonica and guitarist. Had many great songs starting in 1965 with "Do You Believe In Magic" "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice" "Daydream" "Did You Ever have To Make Up Your Mind" "Summer In The City" "Rain On The Roof" and "Nashville Cats". Other mid charted songs were "Darling Be Home Soon" "Six O'Clock" "She Is Still A Mystery" and "Money". Their biggest hit "Summer In The City" still brings back memories of a hot summer day in Detroit.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Summer in The City"
PAT'S FAVORITE 'B' SIDE - "Didn't Want To Have To Do It" 'B' side of "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind"
30. MAMA CASS - Powerful singer from "Mamas & Papas" had 5 charted songs in the late 60's. "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" "California Earthquake" "Move In A Little Closer Baby" "It's Getting Better" and "Make Your Own Kind Of Music". Died in 1974 of a heart attack.
31. THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS - Formed in L.A. in 1965, John Philips, Denny Doherty, Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips made up the group. John wrote most of the songs. "California Dreamin' " hit in 1966 followed by "Monday, Monday" "I Saw Her Again" "Words Of Love" "Dedicated To The One I Love" "Creeque Alley" "Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming To The Canyon)" and "Glad To Be Unhappy". Featuring beautiful harmonies and great music, with the 2 male and 2 female voices. Cass Elliot's voice was so powerful she had to tone it down so Michelle could be heard. Michelle was so beautiful that she was considered the ideal California girl.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "California Dreamin' "
32. DEAN MARTIN - We have to mention him with all the charted songs he had in the 60's. His biggest hit was in 1964 with "Everybody Loves Somebody". Other songs by him you may remember are "The Door Is Still Open To My Heart" "Houston" "I Will" and "In The Chapel In The Moonlight" just to name a few.
33. AL MARTINO - Also had many adult-contemporary hits in the 60's. "I Love You Because" "I Love You More And More Everyday" "Spanish Eyes" "Tears And Roses" and "Painted, Tainted Rose" were among his most popular.
34. JOHNNY MATHIS - His velvety voice was his trademark. Had several hits in the late 50's "Wonderful Wonderful" "It's Not For Me To Say" "Chances Are" and "The Twelfth Of Never". In the 60's came "Misty" "Gina" and "What Will Mary Say". Had many more mid charted songs. Made a comeback in the late 70's.
35. McCOYS - Group from Indiana featured Rick Zehringer and his brother Randy. Rick changed his last name to Derringer and would have hit records in the 70's. Their biggest hit was "Hang On Sloopy" in 1965. Other hits were "Fever" and "Come On, Let's Go".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Hang On Sloopy"
36. SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL '66 - Born in Brazil, He brought a Latin flavor to pop songs. Starting with an original "Mas Que Nada" in 1966, he covered and did great versions of "The Look Of Love" "The Fool On The Hill" and "Scarborough Fair".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Look Of Love"
37. ROGER MILLER - Wrote several novelty hit records and had several hits in the 60's, starting with "Dang Me" in 1964. Then came "Chug-A-Lug" "Do-Wacka-Do" "King Of The Road" "Engine Engine #9" and "England Swings". His other mid charted songs were "One Dyin' And A Buryin' " "Kansas City Star" "Husbands And Wives" "You Can't Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd" "My Uncle Used to Love Me But She Died" "Walkin' In The Sunshine" and "Little Green Apples".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Dang Me"
38. MONKEES - Group formed in L.A. from auditions for a new TV series. Davy Jones from England, Mike Nesmith from Texas, Mickey Dolenz from California and Peter Tork from Washington, D.C. Jones was a child actor in England and sang in musicals. Nesmith was a singer songwriter guitarist, Dolenz was a child actor and Tork dabbled in the folk music scene. Don Kirshner was in charge of the music for the show and on the first two albums. "The Monkees" and "More Of The Monkees" were huge sellers due to the popularity of the zany TV show. Hits singles "Last Train To Clarksville" "I'm A Believer" "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" "A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You" "Pleasant Valley Sunday" "Words" "Daydream Believer" and "Valleri" came quickly. Other mid charted songs were "Tapioca Tundra" "D.W. Washburn" ""Porpoise Song" "Tear Drop City" and "Listen To The Band". Groups 3rd album was "Headquarters" which had no 45's released from it and featured mostly just them on music. They had the best studio musicians at the time and the best songwriters to help them. Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote many of their hits. Neil Diamond contributed a few songs, most notably their biggest hit "I'm A Believer". Group also was criticized for not playing their own music early on, when the truth was most groups of the day had studio musicians helping them. This bothered Mike Nesmith who spearheaded the mutiny and had Don Kirshner removed as head of the music. "Headquarters" was a very good album. Ironically, the group was touring so much they enlisted more studio musican's for "The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees" and the rest of their albums.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Tough to pick but "Pleasant Valley Sunday"
PAT'S FAVORITE LP CUTS - Many, including "Saturday's Child" "Sometimes In The Morning" "I Wanna Be Free"
39. CHRIS MONTEZ - Singer from L.A. , with a smooth voice built for easy listening. Hits for him were "Let's Dance" in 1962, and 4 years later emerged with "Call Me" "The More I See You" "There Will Never Be Another You" and "Time After Time"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Let's Dance"
40. VAN MORRISON - Blue eyed soul singer/songwriter born in Ireland. Hit charts with Them, wrote the classic song "Gloria". Started recording solo and had his only 60's hit in 1967, the timeless classic "Brown Eyed Girl". Would go on to have many more charted songs in the 70's
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Brown Eyed Girl"
