1964: Was it Really a Musical Turning Point? Data Reveals the Truth

This article uses Billboard chart data to investigate whether 1964 was truly a watershed year for popular music, as many claim. Analyzing 175 acts that charted in the top 40 in 1963, the author finds that half never had another top 40 hit after 1964. However, this wasn't unique to 1964; similar trends appeared in other years. The article argues that while the British Invasion significantly impacted the music landscape, the US music scene was also undergoing its own evolution. The piece also features the remarkable longevity of Frankie Valli, along with song recommendations from Doechii and The Newbeats.