Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary: The Beatles, The Beach Boys and the 8 Most Influential Bands of the 1960's

Happy 50th birthday, Rolling Stones!

The Beatles pioneered the beat genre - a fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop, skiffle, R&B, and soul - and began the British Invasion of bands to America in the early 1960’s. With songs such as “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” and “All You Need is Love,” The Beatles became a spokesperson for the American 1960’s counterculture and hippie culture. Their message of peace, love, and unity resonated at a time when Americans became disillusioned by the Vietnam War and the racial, gender, and sexual inequality in the U.S. social landscape. The band achieved mythic status, prompting John Lennon to say he’s more popular than Jesus, and inspired a cult-like following.

3) The Supremes

While countless other musical acts -- from Bob Dylan, to Janis Joplin, to Simon & Garfunkel -- were influential as well, the rock band took off in the 1960's and has become an enduring part of the music industry. So when we celebrate the Rolling Stones, we celebrate all the innovative groups from the 1960's that shaped music as we know it today.