This is getting harder as this is the decade in which music became a dominant force in my life. First a few of the songs I considered, but chose not to include- Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” which set the tone for the dance-crazy early ’60s era of innocence; “The Sound of Silence”, Simon and Garfunkel’s mid ’60s social critique; the Doors’ blistering “Light My Fire”.  

         “I Want to Hold Your Hand” introduced us to the revolution that was the Beatles, and though many more classics from the Liverpool lads would follow, with its infectious, joyous rhythm and sparkling harmony, this was the one that hooked the nation.

         In the summer of ’65, “Like a Rolling Stone” came blasting through our radios. Who had ever heard a six-minute single, and one with that direct, accusatory tone, riding atop that swirling organ and jangling guitars? This Dylan song changed popular music and for years Rolling Stone Magazine acknowledged it as the greatest song of all-time.

         Also in 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” with its instantly recognizable 8-note guitar riff and lyrical expression of all manner of frustration catapulted England’s the Rolling Stones into the stratosphere of recording giants and they’ve never really come down.

         In 2021 Rolling Stone Magazine redid their list of the 500 Greatest Songs and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” had moved into the top spot. Her 1967 remake of an Otis Redding tune presents a strong, confident Aretha demanding from her man the respect she was due. Over the years the song has grown in stature, seen by many as an anthem for civil rights and women’s rights.

         In many ways the opposite of Aretha’s declaration, “Stand by Your Man”, by Tammy Wynette, is hated by feminists for what is seen as its submissive, the man can do no wrong, posture. There is no doubt, however, that Tammy’s stirring, wonderful recorded performance has touched many a nerve. It was voted the #1 country song of all-time by the CMT network and is included in the National Recording Registry. Interestingly, Wynette herself married five times, apparently choosing not to follow her own advice.

         -Steve Williams (7/27/23) Greatest Recording Artists Blog Post #31