Key Artists and Bands

Édith Piaf: Although her career started earlier, Édith Piaf remained a significant figure in French music during the 60s.
Serge Gainsbourg: Known for his provocative lyrics and unique style, Gainsbourg was a central figure in French music.
Françoise Hardy: A prominent yé-yé singer, Hardy's melancholic and introspective songs made her a standout artist.
Johnny Hallyday: Often referred to as the "French Elvis," Hallyday played a crucial role in popularizing rock and roll in France.
Jacques Dutronc: His witty lyrics and distinctive voice made him a unique figure in the French music scene.

Musical Styles and Genres

Yé-Yé Music: A style characterized by its upbeat, catchy melodies, often performed by young female singers like Sylvie Vartan and France Gall.
Chanson Française: Traditional French song, often featuring poetic lyrics and influential names like Charles Aznavour and Georges Brassens.
Rock and Roll: Imported from the United States, rock and roll found its French proponents in artists like Johnny Hallyday.
Jazz: Jazz continued to influence French music, with artists like Claude Nougaro blending jazz with chanson.

Social Movements: The music of the 60s often reflected the social upheavals of the time, including the student protests in May 1968.
International Influence: French artists began to gain international recognition, influencing and being influenced by global music trends.
Cinema: The French New Wave cinema movement often featured contemporary music, bridging the gap between film and music.

"La Javanaise" by Serge Gainsbourg: A classic example of Gainsbourg's lyrical prowess.
"Tous les garçons et les filles" by Françoise Hardy: A defining hit of the yé-yé movement.
"Retiens la nuit" by Johnny Hallyday: A quintessential rock and roll song in French.
"Ne me quitte pas" by Jacques Brel: Though originally released in 1959, it continued to be influential throughout the 60s.

Vinyl Records: The 60s saw the rise of vinyl records, which became the primary medium for music distribution.
Radio and Television: French music gained wider audiences through radio and television programs, such as "Salut les copains," which played a pivotal role in popularizing new music.