George Boyle
The 1960s was a special decade for music, with a range of genres including R&B, Soul, Doo-Wop, and surf rock. The British Invasion also brought popular British groups like the Beatles and the Byrds to the USA. So, it's no surprise that the year 1969 had some of the most popular wedding songs of all time. From Stevie Wonder's timeless classics to Dolly Parton's ballads, there was something for every couple. B.J. Thomas's Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head and Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline were also popular choices for a couple's first appearance at the wedding reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artists | Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, Billy Preston, Andy Kim, Henry Mancini, Frank Sinatra, B.J. Thomas, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Joe South, The Fifth Dimension, Etta James, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Crystals, Neil Diamond, Bob Shane and the Kingston Trio, Frank Sinatra, The Zombies, Aretha Franklin, Shocking Blue, Bananarama, Nancy Sinatra, The Easybeats, The Byrds, Sly & The Family Stone, Ben E. King, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson |
| Genres | Country, Motown, Soul, R&B, Pop, Indie, Harp |
| Type of wedding songs | First dance songs, bridal march, father-daughter dance |
| Lyrics | "You're all I need to get by", "You're just too good to be true", "Can't take my eyes off of you", "When a man loves a woman", "I'll make you happy, baby, just wait and see", "At last", "My love, my darling", "I have hungered for your touch", "A long lonely time", "Take my hand", "Take my whole life too", "For I can't help falling in love with you" |
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What You'll Learn
Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour
Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour" is a timeless classic and one of the most popular wedding songs from 1969. The song is a beautiful expression of love, with lyrics that paint a picture of a pretty little one that I adore. The song's instruments, with the exception of the horns and strings, were recorded on November 8, 1967, at Hitsville USA. The horns and strings were added a little over a week later on November 17 at Golden World Records. Wonder's vocals were added on January 15, 1968, and the song was shelved for a year.
"My Cherie Amour" was first released as the B-side of the single "I Don't Know Why" on January 28, 1969. Despite being the B-side, the song quickly gained popularity, with many radio DJs flipping over the record to play "My Cherie Amour". The song's success led to it being re-released as an A-side for radio. In the US, the song's chart ascent coincided with Stevie Wonder's tour in the UK in June and July 1969. Motown capitalised on this opportunity and released "My Cherie Amour" as a single in the UK, where it entered the pop charts and peaked at number 4, holding that position for three weeks.
The song is an upbeat, light, and easy listen with a slight Latin underbeat. It is considered a love ballad and has been described as poignant and haunting. The success of the song led to the release of the album "My Cherie Amour" on August 29, 1969, with the title track leading Side 1. The song was ranked 32nd for the year 1969 and has since become a standard in the world of romantic music.
"My Cherie Amour" was co-written by Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy, and Henry Cosby, with Cosby also serving as the producer. The song's original title was ""Oh, My Marsha" (or Marcia), written about Wonder's girlfriend at the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan. After their breakup, the lyrics and title were altered to the more general "My Cherie Amour". The intriguing title, a combination of English and French, is reminiscent of the Beatles' hit "Michelle" from 1966.
Stevie Wonder, a blind multi-instrumentalist, had outgrown his juvenile persona and proved his worth as a mid-60s soul star with a string of upbeat hits, including "My Cherie Amour", which has become a timeless classic for weddings and beyond.
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Dolly Parton's I Won't Forsake You
Dolly Parton's 'I Won't Forsake You' is the perfect country ballad to set the mood at a wedding. The song, released in 1969, is about a couple's promise to stay together until "death do us part", making it an ideal choice for a couple's first dance or as the bride walks down the aisle.
Parton, a country music icon, has had a glittering career spanning seven decades, with close to 3,000 songs written and 49 studio albums released. Her music has earned her numerous accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, four People's Choice Awards, and three American Music Awards. She has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
'I Won't Forsake You' showcases Parton's ability to pen heartfelt lyrics and melodies that resonate with audiences. The song's theme of enduring love and commitment makes it a timeless choice for weddings, evoking emotions of devotion and loyalty.
The song's impact is heightened when played right before the bride is given away at the altar, as suggested by wedding planners. It creates a romantic atmosphere and sets the tone for the entire celebration. The lyrics, "With this small empty bottle and broken heart / I keep the vow I made / I won't forsake it / I promised to death do us part", capture the depth of emotion and dedication in a marriage.
Including 'I Won't Forsake You' in a wedding celebration is a way to honour Parton's legacy and create a memorable experience for the couple and their guests. The song's popularity in 1969 and beyond underscores its enduring appeal and ability to transcend time, solidifying its place as a classic in the world of wedding music.
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Frank Sinatra's It Was A Very Good Year
"It Was a Very Good Year" is a song composed by Ervin Drake in 1961 and originally recorded by Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio for their album "Goin' Places". The song was made famous by Frank Sinatra's version in D minor from his 1965 album "September of My Years", which won the Grammy Award for Best Male Vocal Performance in 1966. Sinatra's version became his first number-one Adult Contemporary single and peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The nostalgic and melancholic song recounts the types of girls with whom the singer had relationships at various years in his life: when he was 17, he recalls "small-town girls... on the village green"; at 21, he reminisces about "city girls who lived up the stair"; and at 35, he looks back on his time with "blue-blooded girls of independent means". Each of these years is fondly remembered as a ""very good" year.
In the song's final verse, the singer reflects on their ageing and the autumn of their years, contemplating their entire life "as vintage wine". Sinatra's smooth and passionate vocals masterfully tell a story that captivates listeners and evokes emotions. The song's mature lyrics stand out compared to other songs of its time, and its impact goes beyond mere nostalgia.
"It Was a Very Good Year" has been covered by various artists, including Della Reese, Marlena Shaw, William Shatner, Paul Young, and Ray Charles, showcasing its enduring appeal and recognition as a romantic masterpiece.
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B.J. Thomas's Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
B.J. Thomas's "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" is a cheerful and uplifting song that was a popular choice for weddings in 1969. The song, written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach, was first offered to singer Ray Stevens, who turned it down to record Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down". Bob Dylan was also approached but reportedly declined. The song gained further popularity when it was featured in the 1969 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid".
The lyrics of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" convey a message of optimism and resilience. The song begins by describing a person facing challenges, with raindrops falling on their head, symbolizing difficulties or obstacles in life. Despite this, the person remains hopeful, choosing to talk to the sun about their concerns. They express their dissatisfaction with how things are going, but they refuse to let it bring them down. The chorus emphasizes that happiness will eventually greet them, and they won't let the "raindrops" of life get them down.
The song's upbeat melody and positive message made it a perfect choice for wedding celebrations. It could be played during the couple's grand entrance at the reception or as a non-traditional recessional. The joyful beat and happy lyrics set a festive and cheerful tone for the wedding festivities.
"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" was a commercial success, peaking at #1 on Billboard's Top 100 chart in December 1969 and remaining there for four consecutive weeks. It also topped the charts in Canada, Norway, and South Africa and was a moderate success in other countries. The song's popularity and its appearance in a well-known film cemented its place as one of the most memorable and beloved songs of that year.
Overall, B.J. Thomas's "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" is a timeless classic that continues to be associated with joy and celebration, making it a perfect addition to wedding playlists even today.
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Andy Kim's Baby I Love You
The 1960s was a decade filled with romantic wedding songs that have stood the test of time. From Stevie Wonder to Dolly Parton, the era produced several timeless classics that are still played at weddings today.
One such song that was popular in 1969 is "Baby I Love You" by Andy Kim. Released in 1969, the song is a love ballad with a strong dance beat, characteristic of Kim's style. The song was a commercial success, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 in Canada, and #32 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart.
"Baby I Love You" is an upbeat and joyful expression of love, with lyrics such as "My heart can't wait another day / When you touch me I just got to say / Baby I love you." The song is perfect for a wedding reception, with its danceable rhythm and heartfelt lyrics.
Andy Kim himself became one of the first heartthrobs of the 1970s with the release of this song, and his music continues to be cherished at weddings and other romantic occasions. "Baby I Love You" is a testament to the enduring power of love songs from the 1960s, which still evoke feelings of happiness and romance for couples today.
When planning a wedding, music plays a crucial role in setting the mood and creating memorable moments. From the walk down the aisle to the first dance, songs like "Baby I Love You" by Andy Kim add a touch of magic and help make a couple's special day unforgettable.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular wedding songs from 1969 include:
- "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
- "Venus" by Shocking Blue
- "Oh Darling" by The Beatles
- "Everyday People" by Sly & The Family Stone
- "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head" by B.J. Thomas
Popular artists for wedding songs in 1969 included Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, Billy Preston, and Andy Kim.
Some popular wedding songs from the 1960s include:
- "At Last" by Etta James
- "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys
- "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
- "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King
Some popular songs from the 60s for a wedding playlist include:
- "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
- "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
- "Surfin’ U.S.A." by The Beach Boys
- "Green Onions" by Booker T. & The MG’s
- "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra
Some popular love songs from the 60s for a wedding include:
- "Love Can Make You Happy" by Henry Mancini
- "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder
- "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
- "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" by Marvin Gaye
- "Everlasting Love"
