Rock and Pop Music

The next episode of my podcast, airing on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, will take a deep dive into Rock and Pop Music from the 1960s—a decade that redefined modern music.

This episode will feature a wide range of genres that shaped the era, including Rock, Pop, British Invasion, Sunshine Pop, Folk Rock, Power Pop, Psychedelic Rock, and more.

These styles emerged from cultural shifts, artistic experimentation, and groundbreaking innovations that left an enduring mark on music history.

Exploring the Defining Sounds of the 1960s

• British Invasion – The early 1960s saw a wave of UK artists dominating the American music scene, led by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, and The Animals. British bands brought a fresh take on rock and pop, blending American rhythm and blues with their own distinct sound. The British Invasion not only transformed the charts but also influenced fashion, youth culture, and the future of rock music.

• Sunshine Pop – This genre, known for its bright melodies, lush harmonies, and optimistic lyrics, became a defining sound of the mid-to-late 60s. Bands like The Beach Boys, The Association, and The Mamas & The Papas embodied the feel-good spirit of the time, crafting timeless hits that reflected the carefree West Coast lifestyle.

• Folk Rock – Merging the storytelling traditions of folk music with the electric instrumentation of rock, Folk Rock became a powerful movement in the 1960s. Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, and Crosby, Stills & Nash were among the key artists who shaped this genre, using their music as a platform for social change and personal introspection.

• Power Pop – Defined by its catchy hooks, jangly guitars, and strong vocal harmonies, Power Pop took inspiration from the British Invasion and added a punch of energy. Bands like The Hollies, Badfinger, and The Raspberries helped create a sound that bridged the gap between rock and pop, influencing later generations of musicians.

• Psychedelic Rock – Born from the counterculture movement, Psychedelic Rock was all about experimental sounds, surreal lyrics, and mind-bending effects. Artists like Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Pink Floyd, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience used studio innovations, exotic influences, and lyrical mysticism to create immersive sonic landscapes that defined the late 60s.

Don’t miss this exciting episode exploring the revolutionary music of the 1960s!

Mark your calendars, and be sure to tune in when we upload the recording—it’s a nostalgic journey through one of the most influential decades in music history!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, January 16th, 2025

1) Keith Hopwood

Keith Hopwood is an English rock and pop musician, singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer, best known as the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the iconic 1960s band Herman’s Hermits.

His work with the group contributed to their distinctive sound during the height of the British Invasion, producing memorable hits that continue to resonate with fans around the world.

In this feature, we’ll delve into Keith’s life with Herman’s Hermits, exploring the band’s influence on 60s pop culture and music.

We’ll also spotlight his new book, “A Hermits Tale,” where he offers an insider’s look at his experiences in the group, shedding light on the excitement and challenges of fame during one of the most transformative periods in rock history.

For more information, visit:
Keith Hopwood’s Website

2) Jim McCarty

Jim McCarty is an English musician renowned for his pivotal role as the drummer in both The Yardbirds and Renaissance.

He was instrumental in shaping The Yardbirds’ signature sound, which famously helped launch the careers of guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. His unique style and forward-thinking approach to rhythm laid the groundwork for much of the innovative rock music that followed.

We’ll be focusing on The Yardbirds and Jim’s upcoming appearances at Fest for Beatles Fans in Jersey City, where he’ll share stories and insights from his remarkable career spanning multiple decades in rock music.

For more information, visit:

• Jim McCarty’s Website
• The Yardbirds

3) Jordan Cole

We’re thrilled to welcome Jordan Cole, musician for The Association and son of Brian Cole, one of the original members of the legendary band.

Jordan carries on his father’s musical legacy, keeping the timeless sound of The Association alive for new generations.

In this episode, we’ll focus on Brian Cole’s contributions to The Association, the band’s defining moments, and their lasting impact on the 60s music scene.

Known for their rich harmonies and unforgettable hits like Cherish, Windy, and Never My Love, The Association became one of the most influential pop-rock groups of their time.

Jordan will share stories, insights, and personal reflections on his father’s role in shaping the band’s success and their continued influence in the music world today.

Learn more about The Association and their legacy at The Association’s Official Website.

4) Richie Unterberger

Joining us on this episode is Richie Unterberger, a renowned author and journalist from San Francisco whose work focuses on popular music, The Beatles, folk rock, The Who, The Velvet Underground, and more.

Known for his deep research and engaging storytelling, Richie has written extensively about rock history, uncovering both mainstream and lesser-known stories from the golden eras of music.

In this episode, we’ll explore Richie’s extensive catalog of books, including:

• Unknown Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll – A deep dive into the careers of underrated and forgotten artists who played a pivotal role in shaping rock music.
• Turn! Turn! Turn!: The ’60s Folk-Rock Revolution – An in-depth look at how folk music evolved into folk rock, highlighting its cultural impact.
• Eight Miles High: Folk-Rock’s Flight from Haight-Ashbury to Woodstock – A continuation of the folk-rock journey, tracing its transformation from the early 60s to the iconic Woodstock festival.
• The Unreleased Beatles: Music and Film – A fascinating exploration of rare, unreleased Beatles recordings and film projects, offering fresh insights into the Fab Four’s creative process.
• White Light/White Heat: The Velvet Underground Day-by-Day – A detailed chronicle of The Velvet Underground’s history, their groundbreaking influence, and their experimental approach to rock music.
• Won’t Get Fooled Again: The Who from Lifehouse to Quadrophenia – An in-depth analysis of The Who’s most ambitious period, exploring the Lifehouse project and the legendary Quadrophenia album.

Richie’s expertise and passion for music history make this a must-listen episode for any rock enthusiast!

Learn more about his work at Richie Unterberger’s Official Website.