Music · 1964
The British Invasion and Motown Transform Pop Music
In 1964, the British Invasion officially arrived, led by four mop-topped lads from Liverpool who ignited unprecedented global fandom. Meanwhile, Detroit's Motown Sound hit its stride and folk artists challenged societal norms with radical, poetic anthems.
- February 9, 1964 | TV Broadcast
The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show
Seventy-three million Americans tune in as four Liverpool lads kick off the British Invasion with an iconic live performance.
- July 1964 | The Beatles | Album
A Hard Day's Night
The Beatles release an all-original soundtrack album and starring film, cementing their status as global cultural icons.
- January 1964 | Bob Dylan | Album
The Times They Are A-Changin'
Bob Dylan delivers a stark, poetic masterpiece that becomes the definitive anthem for the era's civil rights and youth movements.
- August 1964 | The Kinks | Single
You Really Got Me
Powered by Dave Davies' slashed speaker cone, this raw power-chord single lays the sonic groundwork for hard rock and punk.
- June 1964 | The Supremes | Single
Where Did Our Love Go
Diana Ross and company achieve their first chart-topping hit, launching an unprecedented streak of five consecutive U.S. number-one singles.
- June 1964 | The Animals | Single
The House of the Rising Sun
Eric Burdon’s howling vocals transform a traditional folk song into a breakthrough blues-rock smash across both sides of the Atlantic.
- March 1964 | Jazz / Bossa Nova
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz and João Gilberto spark a worldwide bossa nova craze with their lush jazz collaboration featuring Astrud Gilberto.
- October 1964 | Simon & Garfunkel
Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel debut as a folk duo, introducing the original acoustic version of 'The Sound of Silence'.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?