West Knoxville: 865-357-2288 | North Knoxville: 865-339-4422
Maryville: 865-980-8810 | Tullahoma: 931-222-4800

West Knoxville: 865-357-2288
North Knoxville: 865-339-4422
Maryville: 865-980-8810
Tullahoma: 931-222-4800

(No Suit or Sunscreen Required)

We couldn’t cover ALL the good stuff in this blog but we have some GREAT hits, facts and styles that defined the decades that (let’s just be honest here) shaped the best seniors we’re honored to call friends and family. Take a dive into the best decades with us! (We don’t mind if you tell the millennials we said that.)

Walk down memory lane. Sit back, listen to some tunes by clicking on the links and let the memories take you away…

Swing, Rock ‘N Roll, Big Band – What Makes You Groove?

 We have searched far and wide for the top three hits from each decade. From the Tennessee Waltz by Patti Page to “Are you Lonesome Tonight” by the King himself, these hit songs are just like our Parkview Senior Living communities; something for everyone.

What defines the 1940’s musical era? Swing, Jazz, Blues and Big Band

Top 3 Hits in 1940

  1. In the Mood Glenn Miller
  2. Frenesi Artie Shaw
  3. I’ll Never Smile Again Tommy Dorsey & Frank Sinatra

Other popular artists of the ‘40s include: Rosemary Clooney, Count Basie, Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters, Dorsey Brothers, Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald

What were the 1950’s tunes all about? Rock ’N Roll, B-bop, Big Band, Country

Top 3 Hits in 1950

  1. Mona Lisa Nat King Cole
  2. Third Man Theme Anton Karas
  3. Tennessee Waltz Patti Page

Other “hot” artists of the decade include: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Doris Day, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Pat Boone, Gene Autry, Patsy Cline, Sam Cooke, Hank Williams, Teresa Brewer, Ritchie Valens, Harry Belafonte and Ray Charles

As for the 1960’s, it was all about Motown, Rock ‘N Roll, and The British Invasion

Top 3 Hits of 1960

  1. Are you Lonesome Tonight? Elvis Presley
  2. It’s Now or Never Elvis Presley
  3. Marina Rocca Granata

Other popular artists of the 60’s include: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Monkees, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Moody Blues, Janis Joplin, Neil Sedaka, Chubby Checker, The Mamas & The Papas, Cream, The Temptations and James Brown

The funky beats of the 1970’s were all about Disco, Motown, and R&B!

Top 3 Hits of 1970

  1. Let it Be The Beatles
  2. In the Summertime Mungo Jerry
  3. Venus Shocking Blue

Other hit-creating artists of the 70’s include: The Doors, The Who, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Gloria Gaynor, The Bee Gees, The Ramones, Sex Pistols, Electric Light Orchestra, Patti Smith, The Cars, Kool & The Gang, Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth Wind & Fire, Kansas, ABBA, Donna Summer, Queen, Grand Funk Railroad, Blondie, The Carpenters, Elton John and Billy Joel

Curious as to what was the #1 hit song on your birthday or another important date in your life? Look no farther! Click this link to search. Invite some of your neighbors over or gather in the pub to see what hits or dates would be fun to search.

Say what?! What was the price of gas per gallon then?

1930’s – $0.20 / per gallon
1940’s – $0.18 / per gallon
1950’s – $0.27 / per gallon
1960’s – $0.31 / per gallon
1970’s – $0.36 / per gallon

Trends, Styles and Looks

Women’s Hair Styles

1930s: Platinum curls
1940s: Long, waves and side parting
1950s: Shorter, pinned back curls
1960s: Short and straight
1970s: Bouncy waves and flicks

Men’s Hair Styles

1930’s: Comb over
1940’s: Side part with fade hairstyle
1950’s: “The Presley Messy Slickback Style”, “The Rockabilly Side Part”
1960’s: “The Executive Slick Back”, “The Ivy League” look, “The Beatles” mop top, “Freedom Fro”, “The Shag”, “The Hippie”
1970’s: “Long Rock Star Look”, “The Mop Top”, “The Messy Disco”, Afro, “The John Travolta Blow Out Look”

Women’s Fashion

1930’s – The evening gown: “Golden Age of Glamour”, fur stole, puff sleeves, belted waists, large collars, casual sports clothes

1940’s – Boiler suits, knee length A-line dresses with puffed shoulders in patriotic colors, plaid A-line skirts with white button-down blouses

1950’s – Cardigan sweaters, tea length dresses and pencil skirts

1960’s – “Jackie Kennedy” look, bell bottoms, “baby doll” clothing, shift dresses

1970’s – Frayed jeans, maxi dresses, peasant dresses, ponchos, hippie outfits, jewelry made from wood, stones, feathers and beads

We sure hope you enjoyed walking down memory lane with us at Parkview Senior Living. The fun doesn’t have to stop here for seniors who enjoy an active-lifestyle, fun activities, delicious food and best of all, the people who live and work at our four amazing communities in beautiful Tennessee. Tour the location nearest you and see for yourself what makes Parkview such a special place to call home.