1960
- Singer/songwriter Jesse Belvin dies in a car crash following a concert in February. Two months later Eddie Cochran dies at 21 in a car crash while on tour in England with Gene Vincent.
- The attempted mainstream watering down of rock continues with the birth of dance records, specifically the twist which has adults taking part as well as kids and becomes the most widespread dance craze since the Charleston ruled the 20's.
- The Shirelles launch the girl group era with "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" which manages to get sex back into songs under the veil of innocence.
- Motown Records makes its first splash with "Shop Around" a #1 R&B hit by The Miracles.
- Roy Orbison has his first major hit with "Only The Lonely" and helps to alter rock songwriting of the 60's to focus on more introspective issues.
- The Ventures hit instrumental "Walk - Don't Run" leads to the creation of surf-rock which brings the electric guitar back into prominence.
- Elvis Presley is discharged from the Army and immediately scores a series of hit singles and albums upon his return with a slightly less menacing, more mature persona.