Our Favorite Dance Songs of the 1960s

There’s no two ways about it—the 1960s had some fantastic dance songs. Music from the 60s makes an awesome, crowd-pleasing addition to your wedding playlist. The songs are danceable and upbeat, they’re clean and family-friendly (for the most part), and pretty much everyone in the crowd from kids to grandparents will know them. 

We asked our DJs to pick a few of their favorite dance songs of the 1960s. Choose a few to add to your “must play” list, or just tell your wedding DJ that you like upbeat tunes from this great decade for music and let them take it from there.

DJ Steve’s 1960s Song Picks

Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (1967)

From the second that jangly xylophone starts chiming, you know you’re in for a treat. Just dare your guests not to belt out “Ain’t no mountain highhhhh enough!” when it gets to the chorus. 

Uptight (Everything's Alright) by Stevie Wonder (1966)

This earlier Stevie Wonder tune sometimes gets forgotten in the wake of his 1970s mega-hits like Superstition and Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours). But this upbeat song with its happy lyrics is totally danceable.

My Girl by The Temptations (1965)

Could these guys be any smoother? This song is a wedding hit on the dance floor, plus it makes a sweet father/daughter dance choice.

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DJ Brian’s 1960s Song Picks

I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye (1968) 

Marvin Gaye’s recording of I Heard It Through the Grapevine wasn’t the first version of this classic, but it’s DJ Brian’s favorite and it’s one of the best-known.

I Want You Back by the Jackson 5 (1969) 

I Want You Back may be an odd song to be recorded by a 10-year-old lead vocalist, but that didn’t stop Michael Jackson and his 4 older brothers from creating a massive hit. 

Twist and Shout by The Beatles (1963)

Fun fact time! Ever wonder why John Lennon’s voice sounds so different on this famous recording? Almost like he’s struggling to get the notes out? That’s because he was. This track was made after 12 solid hours of recording by The Beatles, and Lennon’s voice was practically gone. They knocked out a single take, and that’s the version we all know and love.

DJ Jordan’s 1960s Song Picks

Respect by Aretha Franklin (1967) 

No self-respecting list of 1960s bangers would leave out the Queen of Soul. And honestly, a wedding isn’t a bad time to remind the people in your life of the kind of treatment you deserve.

Your Love Keeps Lifting Me (Higher and Higher) by Jackie Wilson (1967)

It’s been proven by science that it’s impossible to have a bad day after listening to this ultra-happy dance song of the 1960s. From the tambourine to the sax to Jackie Wilson’s falsetto, everyone will be singing this tune to their “one in a million girl.” 

Runaround Sue by Dion (1961)

This song is an absolute toe-tapper. And after hundreds of weddings, we can guarantee that it will get the crowd more animated than the stiff, mannequin-like people in this video. It’s like they directed the audience to look as bored as possible. Weird.

DJ Ryan’s 1960s Song Picks

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) by The Four Tops (1965)

Covered by everyone from The Supremes to Dolly Parton to La Toya Jackson, nothing can top the original! 

This Old Heart of Mine by the Isley Brothers (1966)

Upbeat, romantic, and totally danceable, This Old Heart of Mine is everything we love about tunes from the 1960s.

Ain’t Too Proud To Beg by The Temptations (1966)

The Temptations get a second entry on this list (and they could have several more) with Ain’t Too Proud to Beg. Begging never sounded so good.

Start with these tunes, and if you need more help with a bopping 1960s dance floor playlist, we can help! Maryland’s DJ offers its couple unlimited planning sessions, so we can answer all your questions and make sure your playlist is packed with danceable songs of the 60s and more. Contact us today to get on our schedule and start planning.

Photos by Love and Adventure Photography

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