DAILY DIRT: Best debut of the 1960s? You’ve got plenty to choose from, my friends

Daily Dirt for Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Glad I wasn’t a Pilgrim. You’ll understand, just keep reading. But I’ll give you a hint: I don’t think I could have ever eaten any of that seal or eel … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,330 of The Daily Dirt.

1. I’ll readily admit, I saved what I feel is the best for last.

The 1960s have always fascinated me. Well, at least from about 1965. That’s when I will always feel pop music moved from little more than background music to an art. Sure, the Beatles helped usher in that position, but they had plenty of help as the decade progressed.

Today we wrap up our four-day look at the best breakout singles from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. I feel the ’60s provides us with not only with outstanding choices for the best debut singles from a male (“Brown-Eyed Girl, Van Morrison) and female (“I Only Want To Be With You,” Dusty Springfield), but also an incredible set of debuts from the bands/group category, starting with “The Letter” by the Box Tops.

The unparalleled innovation of the late ’60s, accented by the British Invasion, then followed by the birth of psychedelic and progressive rock styles, allowed music from this decade to help connect a world fractured by social change.

Artists from the ’60s experimented with new sounds and instruments, pushed boundaries and became a powerful tool for social commentary. And we’ve never looked back.

From the Beatles to the emergence of Motown, much of the music from the ’60s continue to resonate today — and there’s a reason. That music was good. Very, very good.

Here’s my look at the premier debut singles from this sensational decade, and may I add there is not a weak link on this list:

1960s

Male

Gold medal: “Brown-Eyed Girl,” Van Morrison (1967). This has become one of the most-played songs in history, with more than 10 million U.S. radio plays. This was Morrison’s first release after exiting the group Them.

Silver medal: “Give Peace A Chance,” John Lennon (1969)

Bronze medal: “Memphis,” Johnny Rivers (1964)

Female

Gold medal: “I Only Want To Be With You,” Dusty Springfield (1964). This song let all the world know about Springfield’s distinctive “blue-eyed soul” sound and stage presence.

Silver medal: “Downtown,” Petula Clark (1964).

Bronze medal: “The Girl From Ipanema,” Astrud Gilberto (1963).

Groups

Silver medal: “The Letter,” Box Tops (1967). One of the most underrated groups in rock history, the Box Tops enjoyed an extensive string of late 1960s and early 1970s hits, but this was the giant. Lead singer, the late Alex Chilton, remains one of the most respected voices of that period. Incidentally, Chilton was 16 year sold when he sang lead on “The Letter”.

Gold medal: “Hang On Sloopy,” McCoys (1965).

Bronze medal: “Black Is Black,” Los Bravos (1966).

Special mentions

“Respect,” Rationals (1967). Some of you may be unfamiliar with this song, so I ask you to check it out on YouTube. It is not Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”. I think you’ll find this as a true gem.

• “Be My Baby,” Ronettes (1963).
• “Walk Away Renee,” Left Banke (1966).
• “I Want You Back,” Jackson 5 (1969).
• “Gloria,” Shadows of Knight (1966).
• “A World Without Love,” Peter and Gordon (1964).
• “Love Me Do,” Beatles (1962).

2. Did you know (Part 413)

• That Americans eat roughly 150 million hot dogs every 4th of July. Remember that later this week.
• That since 1945, all British tanks have included equipment to make tea.
• That actor Samuel L. Jackson was a cheerleader in college.
• That none of the four members of the Beatles could read or write music.
• That the first Thanksgiving likely didn’t include turkey, and other staples like cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes weren’t on the menu either. The pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans likely dined on foods such as seal, deer, eel, squash, berries and cornmeal.

3. Some food for thought:

There are only two days in your life that are not 24 hours in length — the day you are born and the day you die.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — If for some chance, you may not be that familiar with Dusty Springfield, may I suggest you take a half hour and listen to some of her hits. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Also, read some of her background. Her life was a troubled one and the ending was not a happy one.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. His life is not troubled. It’s probably the least troubled life in Quincy.