As 2024 draws to a close, many are already contemplating how future generations will view the year’s music. In September 2024, Taylor Swift made history by becoming the most awarded solo artist in MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) history. With her record-breaking tour, a slew of awards, and continued chart dominance, Taylor has undeniably become a part of the cultural fabric.
But for some, the feeling of overwhelming musical presence isn’t new. Sixty years ago, in 1964, the world felt similarly captivated by another act. That’s right—The Beatles. The Fab Four had an astonishing impact on the music scene, with eight spots on Australia’s Top 20 charts in 1964. In fact, the Top 6 singles were all Beatles hits:
- “I Saw Her Standing There” / “Love Me Do”:
- “I Feel Fine” / “She’s a Woman”:
- “Can’t Buy Me Love” / “You Can’t Do That”:
- “A Hard Day’s Night” / “Things We Said Today”:
- “I Should Have Known Better” / “If I Fell”:
- “All My Loving” (EP):
Additionally, two more Beatles releases made their way into the charts: “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Hold Me Tight”.
For many, 1964 marked the peak of Beatlemania, and their dominance on the charts mirrored the cultural revolution they helped shape. Just as Taylor Swift’s achievements are defining 2024, The Beatles’ influence in 1964 helped to redefine the entire landscape of popular music.
But it wasn’t all Beatles. The musical landscape of 1964 was filled with other iconic artists who were also making their mark. Elvis Presley, for instance, had hits like “Ain’t That Loving You Baby” and “Viva Las Vegas”. Roy Orbison, another chart-topping legend of the time, contributed the unforgettable hit “Oh, Pretty Woman”. And Billy Thorpe made waves with his hit “Poison Ivy”.
We wonder if, in the next 60 years, Curtin FM will be playing Taylor Swift hits and calling them golden oldies!