The 60s was a significant decade in the on-going evolution of humanity! It was barely 15 years since the end of the second world war (one of the most devastating wars mankind has ever witnessed); and barely 10 years since the austere 50s.......a period when Europe and the rest of the world were circumspect with every expense, and frivolities and excess existed only as words in the dictionary!

Back home in Africa, governments were still trying to find their feet steering the ships of state handed over to them by the departed colonial masters; and in most cases, also took over the baton of oppression and exploitation the colonialists left behind as well. Most of these new elite suddenly found themselves wielding so much power, and in control of vast resources of which they were ill-prepared to manage......this in turn led to schisms in the socio-political make-up of most African countries, with the tribal fault lines the colonialists supressed (or even encouraged in some cases) becoming ever more evident, and inevitably leading to political upheavals......and in some cases, war!

The 60s heralded the beginning of a period of free expression in all facets of life; especially music! It was a period when you could say music suddenly found its groove, a happy voice (in more ways than one thanks to the growing use at the time of mind-bending stuff like LSD! )........and probably this is why the tag swinging and psychedelic 60s is used when looking back at the decade in retrospect! It was a decade when mankind was opening up new frontiers; even to as far as the moon!

If the 50s was a dreary decade you saw in black and white, the 60s was one that boldly announced its arrival in a kaleidoscope of colour and fun!

Though the thread title mentions 'nostalgia', the 60s was before most of us, but i'm sure we all can feel some kind of connection with it in spirit!

These are some of the evergreen tunes that defined a decade (and you're all welcome to add your own favourites as well)!:

James Brown: It is a mans.....mans.....mans world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juTeHsKPWhY

Mamas and Papas: California dreaming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-aK6JnyFmk

Joe Cocker: With a little help from my friends (Wonder Years anyone? )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCrlyX6XbTU

Procol Harum: A whiter shade of pale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb3iPP-tHdA

Righteous Brothers: Unchained melody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrK5u5W8afc

Sam Cooke: A change is gonna come

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaNzxniXxYE

The Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin: You make me feel like a natural woman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEWuAcMWDLY

Otis Redding: Sitting on the dock of the bay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCmUhYSr-e4

Louis Armstrong: We have all the time in the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMxRDTfzgpU

Louis Armstrong: What a wonderful world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5TwT69i1lU

Ben E King: Stand by me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbg7YoXiKn0

The Hollies: He ain't heavy......he's my brother

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl5vi9ir49g

Jimmy Ruffin: What becomes of the broken hearted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQU4sIn96M4

Martha & the Vandellas: Dancing in the streets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc

Joe Cocker: With a little help from my friends (RIP )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCrlyX6XbTU