Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 60s [2026]

House of the Rising SunThe Animals78rank/position

Animals – House of the Rising Sun

The Japanese title is “Asahi no Ataru Ie” (“The House of the Rising Sun”).

The Animals released it in 1964 and it became a huge hit.

It’s a traditional American folk song with an unknown author.

Many artists, including Bob Dylan, have covered it, but the Animals’ version is the most famous.

Give it your all with Eric Burdon–style passionate vocals!

Eternal FlameThe Bangles79rank/position

The Bangles – Eternal Flame (Official Video)

It is a beautiful love song by the American all-female band The Bangles.

The lyrics, which express true love and its enduring nature, are sure to resonate with many people.

The song was included on the 1989 album “Everything” and achieved great success, topping the charts in multiple countries.

Celebrating a love that burns forever, this track is perfect for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone special, such as weddings or anniversaries.

With its gentle melody and singable range, it’s also a great choice for karaoke.

Think of the one you love and sing it with all your heart.

Good VibrationsThe Beach Boys80rank/position

The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations (Official Music Video)

A pop song that Brian Wilson calls a “pocket symphony.” It was recorded over the course of two months using at least twelve of Los Angeles’s top session musicians.

The Beach Boys did not play instruments on the track.

Video Killed The Radio StarThe Buggles81rank/position

The Buggles – Video Killed The Radio Star (Official Music Video)

The song released in 1979 by the British new wave band The Buggles had a major impact on the music industry.

Its lyrics, depicting the shift of the mainstream from radio to television, brilliantly capture the cultural transformation brought about by technological progress.

Did you know it’s known as the first music video ever broadcast on MTV when the channel launched on August 1, 1981? With its pioneering synth-pop sound perfectly matched by nostalgic lyrics, this track stands as a symbol of a turning point in musical history.

It’s a great recommendation when you want to soak in a nostalgic vibe or reflect on the history of music.

Then He Kissed MeThe Crystals82rank/position

Then He Kissed Me – The Crystals

A song written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.

It was produced by Phil Spector.

It was The Crystals’ last hit to reach the Top 40 on the U.S.

charts.

It was used in the 1987 film Adventures in Babysitting.

Long Train Runnin’The Doobie Brothers83rank/position

Long Train Runnin’

This ultra-famous number gets your body moving the moment you hear the intro.

You’ve probably heard it in all sorts of places, like car TV commercials! It’s from 1973, but it doesn’t feel dated at all—such a cool track! It’s the kind of song you want to sing along to with everyone, adding call-and-response parts.

O-O-H ChildThe Five Stairsteps84rank/position

11. The Five Stairsteps – O-O-H Child

The Five Stairsteps formed in Chicago in 1965.

This song, written by soul songwriter and producer Stan Vincent, is a song of comfort and hope.

It has also been recorded by artists such as Richie Havens, Daryl Hall, and The Edwin Hawkins Singers.