20 of The Greatest Rock and Roll Songs Ever

20 of The Greatest Rock and Roll Songs Ever

20 of The Greatest  Rock and Roll and Rock Songs Ever 

The task of compiling 20 rock and roll songs by singers over 60 who stormed the charts or rekindled their legacy with audacity is no small feat. Few artists in this genre had the audacity to claim number-1 or top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 after 60, so this list blends chart-toppers with iconic tracks that surged in popularity via digital re-releases or live performances when the artists were seasoned rockers. Below, each entry details the song’s chart position, inspiration, record sales, Grammy status, and the singer’s age as of April 21, 2025, or death date, showcasing their audacity to keep rocking.

“Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)

  • Singer: Carlos Santana (bandleader, guitarist; vocals by Rob Thomas).

  • Age/Death: Born July 20, 1947; age 77.

  • Chart Position: Number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks.

  • Inspiration: Written by Itaal Shur and Rob Thomas, inspired by Santana’s Latin rock roots and his wife, blending rock with pop for a comeback with audacity.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies (RIAA Platinum); Supernatural album sold over 15 million worldwide.

  • Grammy Wins: Won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals (2000).

“What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner (1984)

  • Singer: Tina Turner.

  • Age/Death: Born November 26, 1938; died May 24, 2023.

  • Chart Position: Number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks.

  • Inspiration: Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, reflecting emotional independence, tailored for Turner’s comeback with bold audacity.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies (RIAA Platinum).

  • Grammy Wins: Won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (1985).

“Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer (1986)

  • Singer: Robert Palmer.

  • Age/Death: Born January 19, 1949; died September 26, 2003.

  • Chart Position: Number 1 on Billboard Hot 100.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by Palmer’s fascination with love’s obsessive nature, blending rock with a sleek, MTV-era sound.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies (RIAA Platinum).

  • Grammy Wins: Won Best Male Rock Vocal Performance (1987).

“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton (1992)

  • Singer: Eric Clapton.

  • Age/Death: Born March 30, 1945; age 80.

  • Chart Position: Number 2 on Billboard Hot 100.

  • Inspiration: Written after the tragic death of Clapton’s son, Conor, expressing grief with a soft rock/blues style.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies (RIAA Platinum).

  • Grammy Wins: Won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (1993).

“Black Magic Woman” by Santana (1970, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Carlos Santana (vocals by Gregg Rolie in 1970, but Santana-led).

  • Age/Death: Born July 20, 1947; age 77.

  • Chart Position: Number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1970; no top-10 re-charting in 2000s.

  • Inspiration: A cover of Fleetwood Mac’s song, inspired by Latin rhythms and mystical themes.

  • Record Sales: Over 500,000 copies for the single; Abraxas album sold over 5 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins for the song.

“The Best of My Love” by Rod Stewart (1996)

  • Singer: Rod Stewart.

  • Age/Death: Born January 10, 1945; age 80.

  • Chart Position: Number 10 on Billboard Adult Contemporary chart (not Hot 100 top 10).

  • Inspiration: A cover of the Emotions’ song, reinterpreted with Stewart’s raspy rock style, reflecting romantic devotion.

  • Record Sales: Limited single sales data; album If We Fall in Love Tonight sold modestly.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Modern Love” by David Bowie (1983, re-popularized in 2013)

  • Singer: David Bowie.

  • Age/Death: Born January 8, 1947; died January 10, 2016.

  • Chart Position: Number 14 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1983; no top-10 re-charting in 2013.

  • Inspiration: Written as a commentary on love in a secular, modern world, with a new wave rock sound.

  • Record Sales: Over 500,000 copies for the single; Let’s Dance album sold over 7 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins for the song.

“Forever Young” by Bob Dylan (1988, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Bob Dylan.

  • Age/Death: Born May 24, 1941; age 83.

  • Chart Position: Never a Hot 100 hit; minor digital chart activity in 2000s.

  • Inspiration: Written for his children, reflecting hopes for their future with a folk-rock vibe.

  • Record Sales: Limited single sales; Planet Waves album sold modestly.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Angie” by The Rolling Stones (1973, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Mick Jagger.

  • Age/Death: Born July 26, 1943; age 81.

  • Chart Position: Number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1973; no top-10 re-charting in 2000s.

  • Inspiration: Likely inspired by David Bowie’s wife, Angela, or Keith Richards’ daughter, with themes of lost love.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies in 1973.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton (1977, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Eric Clapton.

  • Age/Death: Born March 30, 1945; age 80.

  • Chart Position: Number 16 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1978; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Written for Pattie Boyd, inspired by love and admiration during a moment of intimacy.

  • Record Sales: Over 500,000 copies; Slowhand album sold over 3 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Maggie May” by Rod Stewart (1971, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Rod Stewart.

  • Age/Death: Born January 10, 1945; age 80.

  • Chart Position: Number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1971; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by Stewart’s early romantic experiences, blending rock and folk.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies in 1971.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner (1971, re-popularized in 2003)

  • Singer: Tina Turner (with Ike & Tina Turner in 1971).

  • Age/Death: Born November 26, 1938; died May 24, 2023.

  • Chart Position: Number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1971; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: A Creedence Clearwater Revival cover, reinterpreted with Turner’s energetic rock-soul style.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins for the single.

“Harvest Moon” by Neil Young (1992)

  • Singer: Neil Young.

  • Age/Death: Born November 12, 1945; age 79.

  • Chart Position: Did not chart on Hot 100; album title track.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by Young’s love for his wife, Pegi, with a soft rock/folk vibe.

  • Record Sales: Harvest Moon album sold over 2 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins; nominated for Record of the Year (1994).

“Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits (1978, re-popularized in 2000s)

 

  • Singer: Mark Knopfler.

  • Age/Death: Born August 12, 1949; age 75.

  • Chart Position: Number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1979; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by watching a pub band, reflecting on music’s authenticity.

  • Record Sales: Over 500,000 copies; Dire Straits album sold over 2 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen (1975, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Bruce Springsteen.

  • Age/Death: Born September 23, 1949; age 75.

  • Chart Position: Number 23 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1975; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by youthful dreams of escape and freedom, a rock anthem.

  • Record Sales: Over 500,000 copies; Born to Run album sold over 6 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“American Girl” by Tom Petty (1977, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Tom Petty.

  • Age/Death: Born October 20, 1953; died October 2, 2017.

  • Chart Position: Number 40 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1977; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by a girl’s dreams and struggles, with a heartland rock sound.

  • Record Sales: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers album sold over 1 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Layla” by Eric Clapton (1992, Unplugged version)

  • Singer: Eric Clapton.

  • Age/Death: Born March 30, 1945; age 80.

  • Chart Position: Number 12 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1992; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Written for Pattie Boyd, expressing unrequited love with a blues-rock edge.

  • Record Sales: Unplugged album sold over 10 million.

  • Grammy Wins: Won Best Rock Song (1993).

“Light My Fire” by The Doors (1967, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Jim Morrison (original 1967); Ray Manzarek or Robby Krieger in later performances (2003).

  • Age/Death: Jim Morrison, born December 8, 1943, died July 3, 1971; Ray Manzarek, born February 12, 1939, died May 20, 2013; Robby Krieger, born January 8, 1946, age 79.

  • Chart Position: Number 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1967; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Written by Robby Krieger, inspired by passion and psychedelic rock.

  • Record Sales: Over 1 million copies in 1967.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“Roxanne” by The Police (1978, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Sting (Gordon Sumner).

  • Age/Death: Born October 2, 1951; age 73.

  • Chart Position: Number 32 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1979; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by a prostitute in Paris, blending rock with reggae.

  • Record Sales: Outlandos d’Amour album sold over 1 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

“The Weight” by The Band (1968, re-popularized in 2000s)

  • Singer: Levon Helm.

  • Age/Death: Born May 26, 1940; died April 19, 2012.

  • Chart Position: Number 63 on Billboard Hot 100 in 1968; no top-10 re-charting.

  • Inspiration: Written by Robbie Robertson, inspired by biblical and folk storytelling.

  • Record Sales: Music from Big Pink album sold over 1 million.

  • Grammy Wins: No Grammy wins.

As we reflect on these 20 iconic rock and roll songs, from Santana’s sultry “Smooth” to The Band’s soulful “The Weight,” we’re reminded of the genre’s unparalleled ability to capture the human spirit. Rock and roll’s enduring popularity stems from its raw audacity—a fearless blend of rebellion, vulnerability, and primal energy. It’s the sound of freedom, from Springsteen’s anthemic “Born to Run” to Turner’s defiant “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” The genre thrives on authenticity, channeling universal emotions through electrified riffs, poetic lyrics, and voices that carry the weight of lived experience. Its roots in blues, folk, and country, fused with the swagger of youth and the wisdom of age, make it a timeless mirror for our joys and struggles. The artists here, many defying time itself, prove rock’s power to reinvent and resonate across generations.

Looking to the future, rock and roll faces both challenges and reinvention. The genre’s mainstream dominance has waned, with hip-hop, pop, and electronic music commanding charts. Yet, rock’s spirit endures in hybrid forms—indie, alternative, and punk-infused subgenres keep its flame alive. Emerging bands like Greta Van Fleet echo the classic sound, while artists like Phoebe Bridgers blend rock’s rawness with modern introspection. Technology, from AI-generated music to virtual concerts, offers new platforms for innovation, though it risks diluting the genre’s gritty essence. Social media and streaming, as seen in the re-popularization of classics like “Roxanne” or “Layla,” ensure rock’s legends remain accessible, inspiring young musicians to pick up guitars and tell their stories.

The road ahead is uncertain, but rock and roll has always thrived on defiance. It’s more than music—it’s a stance, a refusal to fade quietly. As long as there are hearts yearning to break free, voices to scream, and stories to tell, rock will evolve, not as a relic, but as a living force. Will it reclaim its throne, or carve a new path in the shadows? The answer lies in the next riff, the next lyric, the next rebel bold enough to plug in and play loud.

 

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