Music as we know it today owes much to the changes of the ‘swinging sixties.’ Iconic artists like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and The Grateful Dead helped shape modern music and our culture today. The conservative 1950s and early 1960s were characterized by reserved music and dance styles, but with these artists, everything changed. Their different sounds and ‘vulgar’ performances inspired people to embrace music and dance with freedom. For example, The Beatles brought a new type of songwriting and experimented with studio techniques, forever changing the way music was created and consumed. Elvis Presley’s energetic performances and rock ‘n’ roll style broke down racial barriers and introduced a new kind of youthful rebellion. Finally, music was something people enjoyed, and more importantly we learned to express ourselves freely.

Source: Who Invented Rock And Roll? The History and Origin of Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Pre “Swinging 60’s”

The 1940’s was filled with war, arguing and overall, a dull era. Coming off of issues with civil rights, many were treated unfairly. As a society we were definitely still facing some aftermath of desegregation. I would imagine it feeling like trying to move on after the whole world just fell apart. Sure, the desegregation rules had suppressed, but people’s opinions stayed for a while. The lingering biases made it difficult for true equality to be achieved. Many individuals who had been now labeled as “free” continued to face discrimination and hardship. The end of the decade brought a sense of optimism as people tried to rebuild their lives and communities

Source :From the archives: 50 years ago: Mixed views about civil rights but support for Selma demonstrators | Pew Research Center

“Elvis The Pelvis”

For example, Elvis Presley and B.B King both started out their music around the same time but Elvis eventually came to fame more rapidly, simply because he was a white man. But this also means that he was under the spotlight more and shamed for his ‘vulgar’ and inappropriate dancing. His energetic performances and hip-swiveling moves were considered scandalous by some, drawing significant criticism from the media and conservative segments of society. Despite this, Elvis’s talent and charisma won over millions of fans, making him a cultural icon. While B.B. King faced the challenges of racial segregation and limited media exposure.

Source:Elvis Presley | Biography, Songs, Movies, Death, & Facts | Britannica

Music Artists Today

All in all, music artists today have definitely taken some inspo from popular 60’s icons. the influence of 60’s icons like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and The Grateful Dead is apparent in our world today. Modern artists continue to get inspiration from their groundbreaking sounds, creative styles, and rebellious attitudes. These legendary musicians paved the way for new genres, expressions, and a cultural shift that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Could you imagine what our world would look like today if we didn’t step out of our comfort zone and try something new? We truly have them to thank! This is true outside of music, too. We must learn to step out of our comfort zones, because who knows; we might just become the next big thing.