30 Nostalgic 1960s Photos That Are A Blast From The Past

By Media Feed | Published 1 week ago

The 1960s was a decade of significant change and growth, both in the United States and around the world. From the iconic Woodstock festival to the historic moon landing, the decade was full of memorable moments that have left a lasting impact on our culture and society. These photos are just a small reminder of the many incredible things that came out of the 1960s.

Read on for a blast from the past! Do you remember any moments from these historic eras?

Tony Curtis’ Sweet Ride

This photo from 1961 captures the iconic Hollywood star Tony Curtis taking a moment to polish his vintage Rolls Royce. By this time, Curtis had established himself as a leading man in Hollywood.

Throughout his career, he acted in over 100 films across various genres. The year before this photo was taken, Curtis starred in one of his most memorable roles as Antonius in Stanley Kubrick’s epic film Spartacus.

John Wayne And His Daughter

This photo from 1960 captures the legendary actor John Wayne, also known as “The Duke,” standing with his daughter on the set of the Western film The Alamo.

Wayne was a major box-office draw for over 30 years in Hollywood and established himself as the epitome of the American Frontier. He starred in 83 Western films throughout his career.

The Supremes Rehearsing

This photo captures The Supremes rehearsing on the set of the television show Hullabaloo on May 11, 1965 in New York City. They are singing their hit song “Stop In The Name of Love” which was one of their most popular tunes in the 60s.

The host of Hullabaloo, Frankie Avalon, is singing along with Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Diana Ross as they prepare to perform. The Supremes, hailing from Detroit, Michigan, went on to become one of the most successful Motown acts in America.

Beach Babe

This photo captures the French actress and model Brigitte Bardot in the early 1960s, vacationing in the French Riviera. Born in 1934, Bardot was one of the biggest celebrities of the 1950s and 1960s.

Her beauty and sensuality made her an international symbol and left a lasting impression on generations to come. Even now, in her 90s, she is still remembered as one of the most iconic faces of cinema.

Ali MacGraw Relaxing In The Shade

This photo captures the iconic actress and model Ali MacGraw in the 1960s. She rose to fame for her role in the film Goodbye, Columbus.

In 1966, she was also featured on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine. At that time, she couldn’t have imagined how successful her career would become, later winning an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Destination: Woodstock

This photo captures a man smiling in his Ford Mustang on his way to the legendary Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, New York. The festival was held in the summer of 1969, and over 400,000 people gathered on a dairy farm in southern New York between August 15th and 18th. 32 acts performed at the festival, including iconic performers such as Joan Baez, The Grateful Dead, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and many more.

Woodstock is widely considered one of the most significant events in music history, known for its role in shaping the counterculture movement and promoting peace, love, and unity.

Beach Day

This is what you’d usually see on an average summer day at Newport Beach, California in 1965.

Everyone back then loved gathering up their friends and heading out to the beach where they spent a majority of their time getting their tan on.

Break From Studying With TV Time

These young adults are students in college in 1960. They’re hanging out and doing what most frat boys did back then: just relaxing with a couple brews and watching television.

They might have been watching The Ed Sullivan Show, Perry Mason, or The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Who knows, really? Maybe they were actually fans of Gilligan’s Island, The Brady Bunch, or Bewitched. We’re not here to judge their television preferences. We’re sure these guys loved seeing Maureen McCormick or maybe even Elizabeth Montgomery on TV.

In The Recording Studio With The Beach Boys

The soundtrack of the ’60s wouldn’t be complete without the harmonies of The Beach Boys. Nothing made us long for the West Coast more than their classic “California Sound.” They crooned their way onto the airwaves and into our hearts with classic throwbacks like Pet Sounds.

In our view, we have Al Jardine, Brian Wilson, and the rest of the gang recording that very album at LA’s Western Recorders studios during the spring of 1966. Do you think they had any idea of how iconic that album would turn out to be?

The Glamour And Youth Of Flight Attendants

Decades ago, nearly every girl dreamed of being a the elite flight attendant sisterhood. Flight attendants were bright and bubbly and radiated glamour and youth. While that isn’t entirely untrue of today’s flight attendants, things have undoubtedly changed.

The ’60s were considered the “Golden Age of the Stewardess.” It was also a time when the majority of fliers were wealthy men. But today, flying isn’t just for the rich businessmen of yesteryear. As flying has become increasingly commonplace, flight attendants have adopted a more universal — and let’s be honest — toned down appeal.

Duck And Cover Drills During School

You know you grew up in the ’60s if you remember having to do “duck and cover” drills during grade school. These students at a Brooklyn middle school are doing exactly that in this photo from 1962.

These drills were meant to prepare us in the event of a nuclear attack, which everyone was worried about in the aftermath of World War II. Thankfully, no one ever really had to use these methods, except during the drills. Bert the turtle was the guy who helped train us as children for the duck and cover drills.

Simpler Times

Here is a photo of people in line for a balloon at the Central Park Zoo in 1968. Do you remember when they used to have guys blow up a fresh balloon right before your eyes? Back then, the balloons weren’t complicated either. They were just simple solid-colored spheres of joy that we all loved carrying around for a day.

The best part about these simple objects of joy were that they didn’t cost more than a few cents! So much has changed since then and you probably won’t find the same value anywhere.

Celebrating That Giant Leap

On August 13, 1969, New York City held a parade welcoming the astronauts who were on the Apollo 11 Moon Mission. Commander Neil A. Armstrong, command module pilot Michael Collins, and lunar module pilot Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. are sitting in the lead car, waving to a mass of fans.

These guys embarked on the first manned lunar landing that took place on July 20, 1969. This parade thrown in their honor was the biggest parade in New York City history at the time.

The Whisky A Go Go

Located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the Whisky A Go Go is an iconic nightclub that opened up in 1964. The club is known for being an early venue for bands that later became mega-successful such as Iggy and the Stooges, the Doors, Buffalo Springfield, and more.

In 2006, the club was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The location in Hollywood also led to the development of similar establishments in the area such as The Roxy Theatre and the Rainbow Bar and Grill.

Ali Reads About His Fight

Professional boxer Muhammad Ali reads the newspaper reporting about his fight in the 1960s. Ali was a professional boxer, philanthropist, and has been credited as one of the most celebrated sports icons of the 20th century.

He was one of the leading heavyweight boxers of the 20th century and is the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion ever. As inspirational as he was, Ali was also known to be provocative and was even known to be involved in spoken word poetry to express his activism about events during that time.

Alfred Hitchcock In His Natural Habitat

Seeing director Alfred Hitchcock behind a set of drums and holding two large bones as drumsticks shouldn’t be all that surprising for anybody who is a fan of his work. Over his six-decade career, he directed 53 feature films and earned the title of “The Master Of Suspense.”

One description of his film style reads, “A Hitchcock film is an organism, with the whole implied in every detail and every detail related to the whole.” In 1960, he came out with his film Psycho, which is considered to be one of the greatest horror films of all time.

Tina Louise Said Gilligan’s Island Ruined Her Career

Born in New York City, Tina Louise got her first acting role at just two years old. While she studied acting, dancing, and singing as a teen and appeared in numerous small roles in musicals, she got her big break when she made her film debut in God’s Little Acre.

This was just the beginning for Louise who went on to star in a slew of successful movies as well as the hit television series Gilligan’s Island. Although she maintained a successful career after the show, Louise has said that Gilligan’s Island ruined her career. She’s refused to appear in any of the reunions.

Jungle Pam Was Known for Her Antics on the Track

“Jungle Jim” Liberman was the definition of showmanship in the seventies. He was known for his antics on the track, like speeding backward at 100 miles per hour. He had fans near and far, including Pam Hardy.

Pam was so inspired by Jungle Jim that she eventually became the flamboyant showman’s assistant, earning herself the nickname “Jungle Pam.” It was hard to not be distracted by the tall, buxom brunette, who, like Jim, became known for her antics too.

Iconic Actress And Model Sharon Tate

Rising to stardom in the 1960s, actress and model Sharon Tate quickly became known as a bright talent.

She made her film debut in 1961 as an extra in Barabbas, and her most famous role was in 1967’s cult classic film Valley of the Dolls.

Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland Starred In 15 Movies Together

This photo of American actor Charles Bronson and his wife, English actress Jill Ireland, was snapped in 1971 as the stylish duo walked the streets of Santa Monica, Calfornia. They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but this famous couple didn’t seem to care. They starred in a whopping 15 films together.

The pair were married in 1968 and were together until Ireland passed away from breast cancer in 1990.

A Break From Breakfast

Here is Audrey Hepburn taking a break from that infamous pose she does in photos shot for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. They shot the film on location in New York City back in 1961.

Hepburn played Holly Golightly a New York City socialite who seems to charm everyone that comes in her path. The role is probably the most iconic role that Audrey Hepburn has taken on and she has thus become an icon to a generation that grew up during these simpler times. There was a point in most girls’ lives when they tried to imitate the same level of class.

Dorothy Counts

Dorothy Count made history when she became the first African American to join an all-white school in 1957. The year prior, 40 black students applied to transfer to white schools after the passing of the Pearsall Plan in North Carolina.

She started on September 4, 1957, when she was just 15 years old, and paved the way for students of color to enroll in the following years into the early sixties. Counts faced a significant amount of harassment after the leader of the White Citizens Council urged white students to “keep her out” and “spit on her.” Her father pulled her from the school shortly after, fearing for her safety. In 2008, the school issued her an honorary diploma.

The Monkees Go For A Cruise

This is The Monkees on set for a portrait at Sunset Gower Studios in Los Angeles in 1966. From left to right, we have Mickey Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davey Jones.

Their TV series dominated a good two years of the late ’60s. We enjoyed watching the show about four young men on their quest to become a famous rock ‘n roll band. In some respects, they’ve succeeded – even though it was for a television show. We all remember “Daydream Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville.”

Running Errands In Costume

Still in his costume from his film Spartacus, Kirk Douglas mails off his ballot for the Academy Awards in 1960. Kirk Douglas was a huge film star during the 1950s and the 60s. During his acting career, he earned three Academy Award nominations, an Oscar Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Kirk Douglas’ film Spartacus went on to win four Academy Awards, and at the time was the most successful Universal Studio’s film in history.

Kids Prepare To Leave School On The Bus

Here, children line up in pairs in preparation to load the bus home from school. They are all wearing clothing and styles from the time and equipped with their lunch pails. Very few images capture the 1960s quite like this one.

Today, school buses have become the last resort for some children and their parents who feel the need to drop them off and pick them up every day. Many parents don’t like the idea of their children walking a few blocks alone from the bus stop to home. How times have changed.

Ready to Fly?

Here’s something you don’t see every day. This photo, snapped in 1959, shows a Swedish stewardess named Birgitta Lindman and a showgirl. Lindman was called to inspect the showgirl costume following the new that the stewardesses would soon be getting shorter uniforms.

Just a year prior, Lindman had shot to fame after appearing on the cover of Life magazine. She had competed to be the cover girl for the issue, beating out 53 others. This gives a whole new meaning to the term in-flight entertainment!

Remember When We Used To…?

These girls are waiting for their parents to finish fastening their bikes to the top of their car. Growing up in Missouri, their family bonded by taking biking trips around the lush landscapes of The Show-Me State! There was no better way to enjoy the springtime back then.

Some of our dearest memories are the trips we’d take with our family growing up. Whether it was a yearly tradition or it was just something new for you all to experience, you really cherish these times – even though back then you might have acted otherwise.

Surfin’ USA

Circa 1960, a group of surfer perform surfing maneuvers in Hawaii. In the 1960s, surfing didn’t have the reputation that it does today. While surfing had been around in the 1930s and 40s, it wasn’t until the late 1950s and early 60s that it really began to grow in popularity.

Surfers then had a hippie-esque vibe to them which led to them getting labeled as “beach bums.” Music by the Beach Boys, the Surfaris, as well as movies, helped to popularize the culture and lifestyle.

Raquel Welch’s Controversial Talk On The Dick Cavett Show

Comedy writer and author Dick Cavett led The Dick Cavett Show from 1968 through 1974. The memorable late-night talk show featured Cavett as he interviewed a laundry list of eclectic guests from Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball to David Bowie and Orson Welles.

In the summer of 1970, Cavett had one of the most interesting episodes ever, featuring Raquel Welch and Janis Joplin.

Laughing During Rehearsal

Here is Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke during rehearsals for The Dick Van Dyke Show. They are on the show’s set in Los Angeles in this photo from December 2, 1963.

The Dick Van Dyke show was one of the most successful sitcoms of the 1960s. It lasted for five seasons from 1961 to 1966 on CBS. The show focused on comedy writer Rob Petrie, played by Van Dyke, and his life both at home and at work. Over its run, the show earned 15 Emmy Awards.

Daredevil!

One look at this amazing photo gives us a clue why actress Ann-Margret earned a reputation as a “daredevil!” The stunning redhead is seen here on a motorcycle, an activity she started when she was just 10 years old!

In her professional career, she was first billed as a “female Elvis Presley” and went on to star in such iconic films as Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, The Cincinnati Kid, and Tommy, among others. She’s also a talented singer with some albums to her name!

Beatlemania

In 1964, members of the Beatles are swarmed by female fans getting out of the water in Miami, Florida. beatlemania is described as the very intense craze over the English rock band the Beatles in the 1960s. It began in 1963 and continued up until the band’s dissolution in 1970.

The mania surrounding the Beatles wasn’t just exclusive to the United States, it followed them wherever they went around the world. To this day, it was one of the biggest frenzies directed towards a musical group ever.

A Future Scream Queen

Can you guess who this is? It’s none other than actress Jamie Lee Curtis! This photo was taken in Los Angeles in 1966 when the future actress was just seven years old.

Curtis is the daughter of actress Janet Leigh and actor Tony Curtis, who unfortunately divorced in 1962 when Jamie was just three years old. This was taken over ten years before Curtis would make her film debut as a scream queen in 1978’s Halloween. In this photo, she probably couldn’t have imagined that she would go on to star in so many horror movies.

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