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Inspired by the joy of rock and roll music and dancing.

Inspired by the idea of dedicating all one's love to a single person.

The duet was inspired by the chemistry between Washington and Benton, showcasing their playful banter.

Inspired by the nurturing and comforting aspects of love.

Berry Gordy produced Marv Johnson's recording, with backing vocals by the Rayber Voices. The writing credit includes Gordy, Mike Ossman, Al Abrams and John O'Den. Issued by United Artists in 1960 and included on More...

The song was inspired by the intensity of romantic love.

The song was inspired by the magnitude of romantic feelings.

Inspired by the depth and strength of romantic love.

Inspired by the enduring and powerful nature of love, compared to a flowing river.

Anka wrote the song about his crush on Annette Funicello when he was 17 years old.

Inspired by the pain of watching a once-strong relationship fall apart.

Jeff Barry and Ben Raleigh created a teenage-tragedy narrative in which a young man enters a stock-car race to earn money for a wedding ring and dies in a crash. Ray Peterson recorded the song with Hugo and Luigi...

Holly wrote the song as a wedding gift for his wife, Maria Elena, inspired by their relationship.

A cover of the 1925 song, inspired by the timeless nature of declaring one's love.

Dedicating one's life to love

A teenage girl's first love

A sad love story

The popularity of babysitting among teenagers

Expressing love through a song

Bobby Rydell began performing as a child drummer in Philadelphia before becoming associated with the city's teen-pop singers. His recording repertoire included Wild One, Volare, Swingin' School and Wildwood Days,...

Appreciation for a partner's love

Describing the beauty of one's love

A plea to a new lover to treat an ex-partner well

The excitement of falling in love

The excitement of new love

The different aspects of true love

The uncertainty of young love

A 1938 song by Johnny Mercer and Harry Warren

Eddie Hodges began as a child performer in television, film and the Broadway musical The Music Man. His screen work included A Hole in the Head and Summer Magic. As a recording singer, he became known for I'm Gonna...

The Shirelles began as a school vocal group in Passaic, New Jersey, before recording I Met Him on a Sunday for Florence Greenberg's Tiara label. Their later Scepter work paired an R&B background with string...

Elvis Presley's early records brought country, blues, gospel, R&B and pop into a new rock-and-roll setting during the 1950s. His singing and physical stage style helped carry that mixture to a large audience. His...

Written by Berry Gordy Jr., the song was originally intended for The Temptations.

Written by Cindy Walker, the song showcased Orbison's unique vocal style.

Written by Phil Spector and the Brill Building team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

Channel co-wrote the song with Margaret Cobb, inspired by a phrase often used by a disk jockey.

Written by Don Gibson in 1957, Charles' version was inspired by his desire to create a country-soul crossover hit.

Barbara George grew up singing in a New Orleans church choir and writing songs. Fellow musician Jessie Hill introduced her to Harold Battiste's AFO label, where her recording career developed within the city's R&B...

Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, following up on the success of "The Loco-Motion."

A cover of the 1940 standard written by Lionel Rand and Ian Grant.

Originally written in 1945 by Edward Heyman and Victor Young for the film "Love Letters."

One of the earliest Lennon-McCartney compositions, written when they were teenagers.

Ottawa-born Paul Anka developed a career as both a singer and a songwriter. Diana and Lonely Boy became familiar parts of his own repertoire, while other performers recorded his compositions, including Tom Jones with...

Based on the traditional nursery rhyme, the song was written by Al Byron and Paul Evans.

Written by Peter Udell and Gary Geld, the song is about a summer romance.

The song encouraged listeners to dance and exercise.

Phil Spector and Jeff Barry wrote this song as the ultimate expression of teenage love and desire.

This song from the film "Fun in Acapulco" capitalized on the bossa nova craze.

The song portrayed the emotional vulnerability of a man in love.

The song was a defensive response to criticism of a romantic partner.

This cover of a Leon Payne country song expressed unconditional love.

Bill Pursell combined classical training with a career as a Nashville pianist, arranger and educator. He studied composition with Howard Hanson at Eastman, then moved to Nashville at Eddy Arnold's invitation. Our...

Little Johnny Taylor brought a gospel background to blues and R&B, including an early period with the Mighty Clouds of Joy. After initial secular singles for Swingin', he recorded for Galaxy with producer Cliff...

This cover of a Drifters song was Dion's attempt to transition to a more soulful sound.

The song captured the blissful feeling of being deeply in love.

The song expressed a woman's deep love and devotion to her partner.

The song described the disappointment of a relationship losing its spark.

Written by Paul McCartney and given to Peter and Gordon (Peter was dating Paul's sister Jane Asher).

Written by Ivory Joe Hunter, recorded by Presley in 1958 but unreleased until 1964.

Holland-Dozier-Holland supplied the Four Tops' breakthrough Motown hit in 1964. The museum identifies it as the beginning of their major chart run.

Written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, continuing the success of "Where Did Our Love Go."

Written by Paul McCartney while the Beatles were in Paris, reflecting on fame and money.

Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, inspired by wedding traditions.

Written by Bert Berns and Jerry Ragovoy, becoming a soul music standard.

The Dave Clark Five developed through Britain's ballroom circuit before reaching international audiences during the 1960s British Invasion. Dave Clark's emphatic drums, Mike Smith's vocals and keyboards, and Denis...

The Searchers emerged from Liverpool in the 1960s, with Needles and Pins exemplifying their combination of ringing guitars and vocal harmony. The band later recorded for Sire, continuing beyond its first pop era....

Theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, written by Lionel Bart.

Al Martino developed as an Italian-American pop singer after growing up in Philadelphia, where his family worked in masonry. Singers such as Al Jolson and Perry Como helped encourage his interest in performing. His...

Written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, exemplifying the girl group sound.

Written by Howard Greenfield and Helen Miller, originally intended for Neil Sedaka.

Originally written by Wayne Cochran in 1961, based on a true story of a car accident.

English version of the Spanish song "Cuando Calienta El Sol" by Carlos Rigual and Mario Rigual.

Written by Alfred Braggs and Deadric Malone, blending blues and soul styles.

Written by Rudy Clark, inspired by the idea that a kiss reveals true love.

Written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, originally intended for The Marvelettes.

Written by Sonny Bono about the struggles of a young couple.

Written by Van McCoy, known for "The Hustle."

Glenn Yarbrough developed a clear tenor style through folk singing and the coffeehouse circuit. With Alex Hassilev and Lou Gottlieb, he formed the Limeliters, taking the name from an Aspen folk club. His later solo...

Written by Graham Gouldman, who later formed 10cc.

Written by Clint Ballard Jr., about the ups and downs of romance.

A cover of a 1952 song by Karen Chandler.

A soulful declaration of love.

Co-written by Redding and Jerry Butler.

The Searchers emerged from Liverpool in the 1960s, with Needles and Pins exemplifying their combination of ringing guitars and vocal harmony. The band later recorded for Sire, continuing beyond its first pop era....

Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White.

Written by Smokey Robinson and Warren "Pete" Moore.

Written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, inspired by a real-life argument.

Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.

Written by Don and Phil Everly about the cost of relationships.

A cover of Buddy Holly's 1960 song.

Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David as a message of universal love.

Produced by Phil Spector, the song was inspired by the vocal style of Bobby Hatfield.

Written by Toni Wine and Carole Bayer Sager, inspired by a Muzak version of the Rondo movement of Sonatina in G major by Clementi

Harpo's blend of blues and R&B styles

Written by Sonny Bono, inspired by spaghetti westerns

Written quickly by Steve Winwood, his brother Muff, and Spencer Davis

A cover of an R&B song by The Olympics

Lou Rawls's singing developed through Chicago gospel groups before moving into jazz, blues, soul and popular song. His early Capitol album Stormy Monday paired him with the Les McCann Trio, and later work included...

The universal power of love

A romantic ballad about devotion

Petula Clark began as a child radio and concert performer during the Second World War, then worked in British films and television. Her recording career expanded across English, French, German and Italian songs. The...

The Ray Conniff Singers was the vocal ensemble associated with arranger and conductor Ray Conniff. His Columbia arrangements often blended voices with instrumental sections; the chorus also developed a separately...

A soulful expression of deep, comforting love

Written by P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri about young love

Written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, based on a gospel song "You Can't Hurry God"

English lyrics were added to an Italian song "Io che non vivo (senza te)"

Jackie Wilson brought a highly flexible voice and precise rhythm to soul, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and orchestral popular songs. He began his solo Brunswick career in 1957 after singing with Billy Ward and...

The ideals of the Summer of Love and the hippie movement

A passionate declaration of love

A cover of the Four Tops' hit about desperate love

A cover of The "5" Royales song about long-distance love

The idea of a love that lasts forever

The universal human need for companionship

The energy of rhythm and blues music

The Tremeloes became a familiar British pop group through songs including Here Comes My Baby, Even the Bad Times Are Good and Silence Is Golden. Their CBS recordings extend beyond those singles into psychedelic pop...

The intensity of a powerful romantic connection

Stevie Wonder's first girlfriend

Cover of the song from "Promises, Promises," sung with Jones's powerful vocals

The sudden end of a seemingly perfect romance

The intensity of passion in a short-lived relationship

A promise of enduring love

Bobby Vinton grew up in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, where his father led a local band. He formed his own group as a teenager and studied music composition at Duquesne University while playing Pittsburgh-area clubs. An...

The taboo of interracial relationships in the 1960s

The energy and excitement of rock and roll

The search for meaning and connection in life

The film of the same name about a teacher in a tough London school

A cover of The Beatles song about hidden emotions

The beauty of a deep, committed relationship

Aretha Franklin developed as a singer and pianist in the gospel life of her father's Detroit church. Her early recordings for Columbia drew on pop, blues and jazz before her Atlantic work brought gospel phrasing and...

An English version of an Italian song about loneliness and lost love.

A plea to a lover not to leave after finally finding each other.

The song was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham in a single night.

Jim Morrison wrote the lyrics after seeing a woman walking on the beach in Venice, California.

This romantic ballad showcases the softer side of late 1960s rock.

A song about staying faithful while a loved one is away.

A duet between two of Motown's biggest groups, promising devoted love.

An exuberant declaration of being in love.

The song explores the theme of jealousy in relationships.

A bittersweet song about the end of a relationship.

The Delfonics helped establish Philadelphia soul through the partnership of lead singer and co-writer William Hart with producer and arranger Thom Bell. La-La (Means I Love You), Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)...

Motown places this recording in the group's later, socially conscious period rather than the uncomplicated romance of their early hits. It belongs to the Diana Ross-led era.

The Troggs formed in Andover, Hampshire, with singer Reg Presley at the center of their early identity. The group moved from R&B toward a direct, stripped-down rock sound, exemplified by Wild Thing. Its records also...

This instrumental version of a French song became an unexpected hit.

A cover of Brian Hyland's 1962 hit about summer love.

An English version of an Italian song about unexpected love.

The distinctive riff was composed by bassist Jack Bruce after attending a Jimi Hendrix concert.

Originally written for the James Bond spoof "Casino Royale," this version became popular.

Alpert, primarily known as a trumpet player, sang this Burt Bacharach/Hal David composition.

Cover of The Shirelles' hit, given a harder rock edge

Comforting a heartbroken lover

Cover of The Ronettes' song, reworked into a softer pop style

Written by Marvin Gaye and his wife Anna, about sincere love

A plea to a lover not to leave for another man

A high-energy bubblegum pop song about desire for affection

From the musical "Promises, Promises," exploring the pain of heartbreak

The Supremes developed from the Primettes and signed with Motown in 1961. The trio of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard became closely associated with songs written and produced by Holland-Dozier-Holland,...

Cover of Otis Redding's soul classic

A gentle ballad about the power of love

A passionate plea for immediate love and affection

Theme from Franco Zeffirelli's film adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet"

A soulful declaration of enduring love

Created as a B-side filler, became a surprise hit and sports anthem

A call for universal love and kindness

Mel Tillis's song about a paralyzed veteran pleading with his wife

Female version of Herb Alpert's "This Guy's in Love with You"

A soulful love song written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Janie Bradford

A soulful plea for love and affection

Cover of The Righteous Brothers' classic, with a softer approach

This soulful ballad from the Broadway musical "Salvation" became Ronnie Dyson's breakthrough hit.

This romantic ballad became Bobbi Martin's biggest hit and only top 40 entry.

From the musical "Promises, Promises," exploring the pain of heartbreak

This pop song became one of teen idol Bobby Sherman's biggest hits.

This upbeat pop song became Robin McNamara's only hit single.

This one-hit wonder topped charts in several countries and became a staple of oldies radio.

This soulful track preceded the band's more famous hit "Express Yourself."

This R&B ballad became The Moments' biggest hit and was later sampled by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

This upbeat soul song showcased the vocal harmonies of The Friends of Distinction.

This Motown track became one of The Originals' biggest hits.

This upbeat pop song became British band White Plains' biggest international hit.

This smooth R&B ballad showcased a softer side of The Four Tops.

This uptempo song was the third consecutive number-one hit for The Jackson 5.

This romantic ballad helped establish Mac Davis as a solo artist after his success as a songwriter.

Tom Jones grew up in Pontypridd, South Wales, and sang in clubs before signing with Decca. His early records placed a powerful voice within compact pop arrangements, while his repertoire continued to draw on rhythm...

This cover of Dusty Springfield's hit became another successful single for Elvis Presley.

The theme song from the film "Love Story," Williams' version became a hit on adult contemporary charts.

This novelty song became a surprise hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Wilson Pickett brought a gospel-trained, forceful voice into 1960s soul. After singing in the Violinaires and the Falcons in Detroit, he developed an Atlantic solo career through sessions at Stax in Memphis and at...

This pop-rock song was the trio's breakthrough hit, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100.

Freddie Hart developed as both a country singer and a songwriter, with early encouragement from Wayne Raney and Lefty Frizzell. Other artists recorded his material before Easy Loving brought him a much larger...

This soul ballad helped establish Hot Chocolate as a notable act in the UK.

Reddy's version of this song from the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" became a hit in the U.S.

Elliman's original version from "Jesus Christ Superstar" gained popularity alongside Helen Reddy's cover.

This soul ballad became a hit for the female vocal group in early 1971.

This upbeat pop song was one of several hits from the TV show's associated music group.

This blues-rock song addressed social and political issues of the time.

This funky track showcased Wonder's evolving sound and songwriting skills.

One of the last singles released by The Doors before Jim Morrison's death.

This song, promoting free love, became Stills' biggest hit as a solo artist.

Delaney and Bonnie and Friends was the ensemble built around singers Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. Its changing circle of musicians included Eric Clapton, Dave Mason and Leon Russell at different stages. The group...

This R&B ballad about the dangers of taking love for granted became The Persuaders' biggest hit.

This R&B hit became LaSalle's signature song and biggest chart success.

Paul Stookey, also known as Noel Paul Stookey, is a singer and songwriter best known as a member of Peter, Paul and Mary. He also developed a solo catalog, including the album Paul and Wedding Song. His Maine-based...

The moral dilemma of an extramarital affair

The Detroit Emeralds developed from a vocal group built around the Tilmon brothers, passing through the Emeralds name before adopting the Detroit identity. Recordings for Ric-Tic included Show Time, and a later move...

A cautionary tale about casual relationships

The intensity of passionate love

Being overwhelmed by love

Green's enduring feelings for an ex-lover

Charley Pride grew up in Sledge, Mississippi, listening to country music on the Grand Ole Opry. He pursued baseball before his singing brought him to Nashville and RCA Records. His warm baritone became familiar...

The strength found in romantic love

Young, innocent love

A cover of a 1960 song about summer romance

A cover of a French song about lost love

The romance of a rainy day walk

The search for love in a troubled world