Explaining the 60s With Music

Although current scholars speak of the 80s as the most important decade of our time because of the birth and growth of technology (Microsoft, Apple, Big Blue), the Reagan years, and Miami Vice, most consider the 60s as the most troubled and volatile decade of the century.

The military draft and Vietnam War, racial struggles, civil unrest and disobedience defined the 60s, feminism and assignations of political and ideological leaders. Frankly, it’s amazing any of us survived the 60s. Here are the handful of songs we think help explain the 60s.

‘Abraham Martin and John’ was an anthem of sorrow that described in song the assassinations of then President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Bobby Kennedy.

‘For What it’s Worth’ by Buffalo Springfield is a powerful and relevant antiwar song written by Stephen Stills. When walking into Atlantic Records-owned ATCO label offices to play the demo of the yet to be named song, Stephen was heard to say “I have this song here, for what it’s worth, if you want it” and the record executive pulled the name ‘For What It’s Worth’ from that encounter.

—
Photo credit: Gajus / Shutterstock.com