The 1960s were an explosive and revolutionary period for music in Europe. Trends in genres such as pop and rock continue their upward trend, while new styles, like fun, Ye-Ye, and soul, start searching their way to the charts. In general, the audience became more willing to experiment with new waves as well as to merge and upgrade the old ones. Rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and other styles fused to open new horizons in front of performers. In these turbulent times, female solo singers were more or less influenced by the Mod movement. They left a mark on the music industry for future generations to enjoy and remember. In the following paragraphs, we’ll bring more light on some of the most unforgettable female singers of the Sixties. Check out their best hits, which even broke through the charts in New Zealand, Canada, and the US.
British Pop and Rock Divas
It’s not a coincidence that the reviewed period coincides with the first wave of the so-called British Invasion. The pop, rock, and jazz girls from the United Kingdom formed the core of European music in the 1960s. Many of them topped the international charts in their teenage years. Perhaps the most iconic pop diva from the early 60s is Helen Shapiro, who conquered the UK top at 14, with two of her singles – “Walkin’ Back to Happiness” and “You Don’t Know”. She ended her career with 18 studio albums.
However, for many music fans from those years, Petula Clark, Shirley Bassey, and Dusty Springfield are the greatest female singers. They really had massive success at home and at the foreign stage. Dusty has two single platinum and one double platinum albums, making way for the British artists to enter the hearts of US fans. Shirley Bassey is mostly known for sounding two of the “007 James Bond” movies, and Petula Clark for her megahit “Sailor” in 1961. She is also one of the few female singers who has sold about 70 million single and album records. In addition to those stars stand tens of others with no less exciting careers – Lulu, Twinkle, Susan Maughan, Samantha Jones, Kiki Dee, etc.
Fragrance of the Mediterranean
The female pop scene in Italy during the 60s is no less attractive, with voices remaining popular today. The simple melodies mixed with the beauty of the Italian language were the base of the singers’ immense popularity. Undoubtedly, Ornella Vanoni is one of the greatest and most popular female pop singers in the country. She recorded 39 studio albums and sang hits like “L’appuntamento”, “Che Cosa c’e”, and “Senza Fine”. Mina Anna Mazzini, or just Mina, is another famous Italian pop artist from the Sixties. She became famous at the age of 18, but her biggest hits came a few years later. Unlike Ornella Vanoni, Mina boasts a much greater portfolio of music styles – pop, dance, R&B, jazz, bossa nova and more! Her most memorable hit is maybe
Rita Pavone is an Italian singer and actress, popular with her ballad songs and rock sound. Among the many albums recorded in Italy, she also released 3 discs in the US between 1964 – 1965. She became a sensation, a “Small Wonder”, during her teenage years. Some of Rita’s top hits are “Cuore”, “Datemi un Martello”, and “Come Te Non-C’e Nessuno”. If you are curious to learn more about the Italian music industry from the 60s, also check the discography of Isabella Iannetti, Gigliola Cinquetti, Brunetta, Caterina Caselli, and Nada.
French Softness and Yé-yé Style
France can also be proud of its female music artists from the 60s. The scene there was mostly under the Ye-Ye style influence during those years. It’s a genre fused in the UK and widespread in Europe and the rest of the world. Without further ado, we will announce the first name on our list – the amazing Sylvie Vartan! She was among the most productive French singers in the 1960s. Sylvie recorded 8 albums only during the decade and performed in several movies. However, the French music stars constellation includes many other names:
- Chantal Goya,
- Françoise Hardy
- Brigitte Bardot
- Charlotte Leslie
- Arlette Zola
- Annie Philippe
- Christie Laume
- and of course, France Gall.
Although she was born in France, Gall competed for Luxembourg in the 1965’s Eurovision Song Contest. She even won first place with the song written by Serge Gainsbourg – “Poupée de cire, poupée de son”. During the same year, she toured France and performed multiple live performances. Last but not least, we would like to present Francoise Hardy who has recorded 32 studio albums and over 115 singles. Her biggest hits “Tous les garçons et les filles” and “C’est à l’amour auquel je pense” topped the French charts for 1962.
Conclusion
We hope that you enjoyed this short overview of the 60s music map. Besides the UK, Italy and France, many other countries have also given to the world true stars from the rank of the US Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. This period forever remains the richest in music genre diversity. In the 1960s, many styles mixed to give birth to brand new trends, while others vanished. Today, we have female singers from a new generation, but romanticism is often missing. Perhaps that’s the reason why so many people go back in their memories and listen for one more time undying hits, like “Son of a Preacher Man” or “The Look of Love”!
