3 Iconic ’60s Rock Bands That Faded Away With the Decade

The 1960s marked a major turning point in rock music, as the classic rock and roll era gave way to a variety of new subgenres, including hard rock and psychedelia. While some bands that emerged during the decade continued to enjoy success throughout the rest of the 20th century, others gradually faded from the mainstream charts by the end of the 1960s. Let’s revisit a few of these groups and explore what made them memorable.

The Youngbloods
Widely regarded by classic rock fans and musicians as highly influential in folk and psychedelic rock, The Youngbloods are best known for their 1960s hit “Get Together,” a cover of a Chet Powers song that reached the US Top 40. Despite this success, the band managed only one minor hit on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 1970s before disbanding in 1972. They reunited briefly in the mid-1980s but never regained their earlier momentum.

The Cuff Links
This American pop-rock studio band remains somewhat underrated. Their biggest success came in 1969 with “Tracy,” a Top 10 single that showcased the era’s intricate vocal harmonies and innovative studio techniques. Subsequent releases, such as “When Julie Comes Around” and “Run Sally Run,” achieved only modest chart success. Although the exact date of their breakup is unclear, their last known release was in 1975.

Bubble Puppy
Originating from Texas, Bubble Puppy was a whimsical psychedelic rock band active from 1967 to 1972, with several reunions in later years. Their notable acid rock hits “Hot Smoke & Sassafras” and “If I Had a Reason” gained attention in 1969, along with their debut album A Gathering of Promises. Despite being one of the most underrated rock bands of the ’60s, their follow-up album failed to chart, and the band ultimately disbanded by 1972.