The Tunes That Rocked 1965

The 60s was a decade of peace, free love, the Vietnam War, college campus unrest and civil disobedience all rolled into 10 years. There was, however, local radio to give us the soundtrack of our lives. What was the number one song at the end of 1965? Would you believe in the midst of the Supremes, Beach Boys, and Beatles; the song “Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs stood alone as the number one song of 1965? Here are a few more surprises.

Folk rock was nearing its final days, as songs like “Mr. Tambourine Man” from the Byrds, “Like a Rolling Stone” from Dylan, and “Theme From a Summer Place” by the Lettermen were popular tunes.

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin” by the Righteous Brothers is a song that has stood the test of time, appearing in the popular ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Ghost’ movies decades after its release. Bobby Hatfield a struggling drug addict died in Kalamazoo, MI in 2003, while Bill Medley had a ‘Dirty Dancing’ smash.

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