Culture news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Every Baby Boomer Alive Remembers These 4 Classic Pop Jams From 1966
This American Songwriter piece revisits four pop songs from 1966, a year often overshadowed by 1967's "Summer of Love" but which nonetheless produced a string of memorable chart hits recalled fondly by baby boomers. The article highlights how psychedelia was beginning to creep into mainstream pop even before its more famous 1967 peak, using these tracks as examples of the era's sound.
Each song is noted for its chart performance and background: "Red Rubber Ball" by The Cyrkle, co-written by Paul Simon, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100; "96 Tears" by ? And The Mysterians topped several charts and became the band's only major hit; "Cherish" by The Association spent three weeks at No. 1; and "See You In September" by The Happenings reached No. 3, despite originating as a 1958 recording by The Tempos.
In short
- Article revisits four memorable 1966 pop hits for baby boomers.
- "Cherish" by The Association topped the charts for three weeks.
- "96 Tears" was ? And The Mysterians' only major hit.
Explained simply
In 1966, pop music was beginning to absorb psychedelic sounds, a trend that became more prominent the following year. The change took place alongside familiar radio pop, with bands drawing on different styles and influences.
The Cyrkle’s “Red Rubber Ball”, co-written by Paul Simon, reached number two in the US charts. Other successful songs that year included “96 Tears” by ? And The Mysterians, “Cherish” by The Association, and The Happenings’ version of “See You in September”, first recorded in 1958 by The Tempos.
These records show the range of pop that reached US listeners in 1966, from emerging psychedelic touches to romantic ballads and revived songs. Their chart success helps explain why the year remains part of many listeners’ memories of the decade.
Art Culture Entertainment Music