Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
3 Pop Songs From 1959 That Helped Invent the 1960s Sound
Three hit songs released in 1959 helped point towards sounds that would become prominent in 1960s pop, from polished teen-idol music to more sophisticated production and vulnerable lyrics. Their success shows how artists were already shaping the next decade’s popular music before the 1960s began.
Frankie Avalon’s “Venus” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks, while Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover” and Paul Anka’s “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” both reached No. 2. Neil Sedaka played piano on Darin’s recording; Anka’s sentimental song later influenced songwriting and continued to be covered and sampled, including by Doja Cat in 2019.
In short
- “Venus” spent five weeks at No. 1.
- Two other 1959 hits reached No. 2.
- The songs anticipated several 1960s pop styles.
Explained simply
In 1959, American pop was changing as singers and record makers explored smoother arrangements and more personal lyrics. Teen idols such as Frankie Avalon and Paul Anka appealed to young listeners, while songwriters and performers including Bobby Darin helped broaden the style.
The Billboard Hot 100 is a US chart that ranks popular songs. A hit’s place on it shows how widely it reached at the time, while later covers and samples can show how a song continued to influence artists. These songs offer a glimpse of pop styles taking shape before the 1960s began.