Some music stands the test of time. It’s hard to believe some of our favorite records have been around for over fifty years. These fifteen albums are no exception, having been released in 1969 and turning the big 5-0 this year.

Abbey Road

The Beatles’ eleventh studio album featured the hits “Something”, “Come Together” and “Here Comes the Sun”. Released on September 26th, 1969, “Abbey Road” topped the album charts in the U.S. and the U.K. It has the distinction of being the last album the Beatles would record in the studio, although “Let It Be” (recorded prior) would officially become their last released.

Bayou Country, Green River and Willy and the Poor Boys

The first of three albums in 1969 by Credence Clearwater Revival, “Bayou Country” was released in January and featured the hit single “Proud Mary”. It reached the Top 10 on the U.S. Billboard Charts. “Green River” would be the band’s second 1969 album, released in August of that year. Reaching number one on the album charts, the album included the memorable song, “Bad Moon Rising”. CCR’s third 1969 album was “Willy and the Poor Boys” released in November. On a hot streak from their previous records, the album reached the top 10 on Billboard with such songs as “Fortunate Son”, “Down on the Corner” and “Cotton Fields”.

Dusty In Memphis

Dusty Springfield’s fifth solo album was released on January 18th, 1969 in the U.S. Although considered a commercial failure at the time despite the hit song, “Son of a Preacher Man”, over the years, the album has been acclaimed as one of Dusty’s best works.

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

Released in May 1969, “Everybody Knows This is Nowhere” was Neil Young’s second album. Featuring the band, Crazy Horse, the album had the song “Cinnamon Girl” and had an almost two year stay on the Billboard charts.

From Elvis in Memphis

The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s tenth studio album was 1969’s “From Elvis in Memphis”. Recorded in January and February of that year, the album was released on June 17th and featured the songs “In the Ghetto” and “Gentle on My Mind”, reaching the Top 20 on the U.S. Billboard charts.

Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin released both their debut and their follow-up albums in 1969. “Led Zeppelin” was released on January 12th, 1969. Featuring some of their renowned songs such as “Good Times, Bad Times”, “Dazed and Confused”, and “Communication Breakdown”, the album reached number 10 on the charts. Their second outing, “Led Zeppelin II”, released on October 22, 1969, would top the Billboard charts and feature their songs, “Whole Lotta Love” and “Heartbreaker”.

Let It Bleed

Featuring favorites such as “Midnight Rambler”, “Gimme Shelter”, and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, the Rolling Stones album, “Let It Bleed”, was released on December 5th, 1969 and went on to reach number three on the US charts. The album is notable for founding member Brian Jones’ firing during the recording of the album and replacement, Mick Taylor, being brought into the fold. It’s also the first time Keith Richards sang solo on one of the Stones’ recordings.

Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud

James Brown, The Godfather of Soul, already had a long, outstanding career by the time his 27th studio album was released in March 1969. Reaching the Top 10 on the U.S. R&B charts, the single of the same name has been listed by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as one of the top 500 songs that shaped Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Stand!

Released on May 3rd, 1969, Sly and the Family Stone’s fourth album featured the hit song “Everyday People”. The album would reach the Top 5 on the R&B Billboard charts and be certified gold by the end of the year.

The Stooges

The debut album by Iggy Pop and the Stooges was released on August 5th, 1969. Critically and commercially panned at the time, the album is now viewed as helping to open the door for the punk music era and is included on Rolling Stones’ list of 500 greatest albums of all time.

Tommy

The Who’s fourth studio album was released on May 17th, 1969 in the U.S. Featuring their hit song “Pinball Wizard”, the double album reached the Top 5 on the Billboard charts and became a fan favorite live production.

The Velvet Underground

The self-titled album of the Velvet Underground, with Lou Reed on lead guitar and vocals, was released in March 1969. The album was a departure from the hard-hitting sounds of the band’s first two recordings. While it wasn’t originally well received in some music circles, today it’s ranked among the band’s greatest musical achievements.