The 1960s was a revolutionary decade in the music industry and gave birth to many iconic artists, bands, and genres that are still popular today. However, unlike modern times where we can easily stream or download music with a few clicks on our phones or computers, people back then had different ways of enjoying their favorite tunes.
In this article, we will explore how people listened to music in the 60s and some of the trends that define the era’s musical landscape.
1) Radio
Radio was one of the most common and accessible sources of music in the 60s. Many homes had radio sets; it served as an essential tool for keeping up with news events happening locally and globally but also played significant songs all over their playlists.
During this time, FM radio became commonly used in America for its superior audio quality to AM radio offering more access alternative sounds like rock and blues rather than pop hits. The introduction event was set when Bill Drake joined KHJ Los Angeles in March 1965 after having worked at other gigs like KYNO Fresno previously which altered top-40 programming towards album-oriented rock (AOR) by airing Jimi Hendrix alongside The Beatles complementarily while aiming for demographic audiences indicating beyond those geared towards commercial charts’ standards at large markets.
2) Phonograph Records/Vinyl Records
Vinyl records were probably another way to enjoy your favorite songs from your living room since phonographs were widely known during that time despite not being financially efficient much earlier on. People would buy vinyl records from a record store located nearby versus digital downloading available now days through streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music online sold through platforms that required extra cash spending.
In comparison vinyl would allow you transport sounds across physical space by carrying them around similar to CD’s however these payed off years later for collectors since each pressing edition held particular nuances unique originality sound sample changes subtle annotations added periodically inscribing artists signatures and more which would exceed the value by landmark selling periods in upcoming decades.
3) Television
Perhaps one of the most loved music events to come about on television was “The Ed Sullivan Show”. It originated from New York which reached out globally entertaining audiences since 1948 featuring famous acts such as Elvis Presley The Beatles- who gained popularity significantly after exposure here. People cherished this opportunity reserved for famous musicians’ performances known & unknown while introducing aspects of their act through talks with interviews alongside entertainment pieces such as humor sketches or skits.
4) Jukeboxes
Jukeboxes were versatile musical instruments that offered access to particular songs you liked quickly spare change inserted individually per spin however they found coverage more at businesses such as soda fountain shops, restaurants, bars and cafes thereafter those located on streets available accessible largely then commercial venues owned them around cities presenting a financial risk also when played, it required monitoring facilities presently absent for misuse prevention. This version came way before vending machines exposed years down the line allowing people purchase singing broadsides recordings by artists easily through outright transactions.
5) Concerts/Live Performances
Concerts and live performances are perhaps some of the most memorable ways people enjoyed and experienced music back then since there weren’t many electronic gadgets available nor digital services compared now hence sold-out events throughout America during these times considering touring bands like The Who Rolling Stones- projecting collective experience between thousands attending creating community vibes wherever performed popularizing musicians whilst engaged effectively within fanbase rootedness globally influencing lifestyles directly those seeking rock thematic inspiration outroad boundaries not much prior had exemplified themselves elsewhere beforehand other than “showbiz” counterparts who followed suit besides individual rockers doing solo gigs developing enthusiasts rapidly over time across different social classes possible in large quantities accordingly impressed massive applause inducing sellouts.
In conclusion, these were just a few ways people listened to music in the 60s; preferably playing tunes from vinyl records on turntables while chatting over the radio speakers, waiting anxiously for their favorite musicians to appear on TV or rushing to concerts with their friends for some unrivalled live music experience. With each mode possessing specifics individuality respective charm wonderment; they set as the foundation of modern-day musical interest appreciated by concurrent generations harboring expanded listening know-how that is technologically influenced by past learning opportunities hinged on new concepts and interests sought through contemporary mechanisms like virtually attending shows online platforms at home- still indulging in timeless experiences enjoyed prior giving rise of newer popular artists yet respectful acknowledging traditionalists who trended hallmark originals.