1950s and 1960s Songs about the Heart

1950s and 1960s Songs about the Heart

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2022-02-06 by Steven Gfollow
The first in another series of columns!

All right, in the past few years, my columns around the Valentine's Day commercialisation have been greeted in one of two ways – thanks for not taking it seriously… or abuse for not taking it seriously.

So, this year, I decided to take it seriously. Songs about the heart!


Why give in and do a proper Valentine's list… series of lists? Well, truth be told, I was asked last year for a playlist of songs about "hearts" for a 40th wedding anniversary, all of them from the 1970s and earlier. But my research through my music collection gave me so much to work with that I just whacked it all into a file, and now that it is February, I have decided to use them as a full-on series of columns for Valentines Day.

And that brings us to list one – the songs of the 1950s and 1960s. This was where most of the songs on the playlist for the anniversary came from, and the long list of songs I managed to cut down to 12 brilliant ones here for this list for you all.

Here's the first list!
'Your Cheatin' Heart' by Hank Williams (1952)

Let's start with some country, and the grand-daddy of modern country music. Listening to him, you can hear where Elvis came from, and this song is just so wonderful. Covered many times, none have matched the original.
'Heartbreak Hotel' by Elvis Presley (1956)

Speaking off Elvis, let's look at one of his early songs, one of those tracks that propelled him to international super-stardom. While it is about heart-break, I couldn't leave this one out.
'Heartbeat' by Buddy Holly (1958)

A classic from Buddy Holly. While a little twee, it is actually a well-structured song, one I am surprised hasn't been covered more often. Still, it's Buddy Holly, so it's automatically good.
'Unchain My Heart' by Ray Charles (1961)

Probably better known to my generation through the Joe Cocker cover version, that does not come close to ray Charles' glorious voice and the fact he always sounds like he enjoys singing.
'Heart Full Of Soul' by The Yardbirds (1965)

The Yardbirds and their ever-revolving members are a fascinating and confusing musical topic. But, beyond everything, is the music. And this is one of their few charting singles, with that interesting guitar sound and vocals mimicking the Mersey sound prevalent at the time.
'Can't You Hear My Heartbeat' by Herman's Hermits (1965)

And speaking of the Mersey sound, it's Herman's Hermits and one of those pleasant if unassuming pop songs that filled the charts in the middle of the 1960s. Still, a fun track. I sing along every time I hear it.
'What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted' by Jimmy Ruffin (1966)

Covered by many afterwards, there is just something about Ruffin's voice, so smooth and relaxing, that makes this version emotional, as though he isn't just singing it, he lived it.
'This Old Heart Of Mind' by The Isley Brothers (1966)

The Isley Brothers are often overlooked, which is odd because so many songs they recorded went on to become huge hits for others. But you cannot deny they sound so very good when they hit it. Like here.
'Piece Of My Heart' by Janis Joplin (1967)

Considering that only eleven years are between this track and the Elvis song earlier, the evolution of rock music in such a short period of time is amazing. This is one of Joplin's best tracks as well, just to add to it.
'Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart' by Gene Pitney (1967)

And yet, for all the evolution shown, sometimes things stay the same. Pitney is one of those artists I grew up hearing and I cannot hate on the man. His voice has a unique quality that I really like, and this track is one of his better ones.
'Heartbreaker' by Led Zeppelin (1969)

And let's jump again to the sort of music that would quickly become heavy metal, by one of the best bands that ever existed in rock music. That opening guitar is recognisable to all lovers of classic rock, and the song just chugs along gloriously.
'Put A Little Love In Your Heart' by The Dave Clark Five (1969)

I know the Jackie De Shannon original came out the same year, but I actually like this version a little better. Mind you, I'm a bit of a fan of the DC5, and just listening to them tackle this so well is what I like.
And there you are, a dozen tracks from the 1950s and 1960s about the heart. Hang around for some more coming up, and I hope you enjoyed this one.
via GIPHY

#lists
#music
#pop_culture
#romantic
#valentines_day
#vintage_retro
%wneverywhere
83649 - 2023-06-11 06:44:07

Tags

Music
Free
Arts_culture
Film_tv_reviews
Outdoor
Random
Nightlife
Family_friendly
Festivals
Community
Food_drink
Fundraisers
Educational
Holiday
Markets
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226