If you’re a baby boomer, you probably remember the summer of 1967 quite well, right down to the songs that defined the Summer of Love. Few years in music history have been as significant as this one, and there are some songs from 1967 that just about every baby boomer on the planet knows by heart. Let’s look at a few examples and get real nostalgic!
“Light My Fire” by The Doors from ‘The Doors’
Diehard psychedelic rock fans know this iconic Doors song like the back of their hand. This somewhat controversial song, known for the eroticism in its lyrics, was a smash hit during the countercultural movement of the time. “Light My Fire” was a No. 1 smash hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it remains The Doors’ most well-known song of their career.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin from ‘I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You’
Soul fans unite! Nothing hits quite like Aretha Franklin’s 1967 rendition of Otis Redding’s “Respect”. It was one of Franklin’s breakthrough hits. It remains not only her most famous song but also one of the most famous songs of the 1960s, period. “Respect” was a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 and reached the Top 20 across multiple countries worldwide.
“Incense And Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock from ‘Incense And Peppermints’
When I think about the golden age of sunshine pop and psychedelia, I think of the one-hit wonder “Incense And Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock. This jam was a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100, and it just sounds like the era. A definitive anthem if I’ve ever heard one.
“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
I really couldn’t avoid this legendary tune on our list of baby boomer songs from 1967. “All You Need Is Love” is one of the most instantly recognizable psychedelic pop songs of the 1960s, whether you were alive to hear it drop or not. It is also one of The Beatles’ biggest hits. This anthem peaked at No. 1 across the board in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and numerous other countries.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Most Viewed
-
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1960: Photo of Strawberry Alarm Clock Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Terry Jacks Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
CIRCA 1972: Singer and songwriter Glen Campbell plays golf circa 1972. (Photo by Martin Mills/Getty Images) -
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 25: Musician Alan Jackson performs onstage during CMT Giants as they honor Hank Williams Jr. held at the Gibson Amphitheatre on October 25, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images for CMT) -
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 8 — Pictured: Musical guest Bobby McFerrin performing on December 10, 1988 — Photo by: Raymond Bonar/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank -
NASHVILLE -August 16: Country Music Singer Songwriter Reba McEntire Performs on August 16, 1988 in Nashville, Tennessee (photo by Beth Gwinn/Getty Images)
