"The Sixties" in America

"In the United States, "the Sixties", as they are known in popular culture, is a term used by historians, journalists, and other objective academics; in some cases nostalgically to describe the counterculture and social revolution near the end of the decade; and pejoratively to describe the era as one of irresponsible excess and flamboyance. The decade was also labeled the Swinging Sixties because of the fall or relaxation of some social taboos especially relating to sexism and racism that occurred during this time." (wikipedia.org)

Timeline through 1962

HAIRSPRAY takes place in early June of 1962. The information below is what the people of the 60s had been experiencing thus far.
1960

• The first debate for a presidential election was televised.  It was between Senator John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon.  Nixon seemed nervous, but Kennedy stood tall.  The debate on TV changed many people's minds about Kennedy. 
• This year NASA sent up ECHO, the first communications satellite to be seen with the naked eye. 
• American "U2" spy plane shot down over the USSR.
• The Olympic Games were held in Rome and Wilma Rudolf won three gold medals.

1961

• John F Kennedy moves into the White House.  He gives his famous speech - "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." 
• The soviets have sent the first man into space and the Americans need a man in space, too.  The event came on May 5, 1961.  Alan Shepard was sent to space in the "Freedom 7".  On May 25, Kennedy wanted to have a man on the moon and back before the decade was over. 

1962

• John Glenn became the first man to orbit the earth - 3 times.  It was a five hour flight. 
• Rachel Carson, a scientist and writer, warned that our earth would die of pollution and chemicals.  Especially chemicals that were developed to kill bad insects.  DDT was a real bad chemical.  It killed bad insects, along with good insects, along with plants, along with animals.  She wrote the book Silent Spring with a warning.  At least five states banned DDT. 

Music and Dance

- Chubby Checker popularizes the dance craze "The Twist" with the cover of the song originally by Hank Ballard, "The Twist."
- The Shirelles "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and the 1962 number one hit "The Loco-Motion"
- The Archies "Sugar Sugar"
- The Rolling Stones group was formed
- Motown develops as a pop-influenced answer to soul music.
 - No. 1 US single "Please, Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes
- Soul music develops popularity throughout the decade. Sam Cooke, James Brown, Otis Redding as the leaders of the soul music popularity.
- Funk begins later in the decade with James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone having early hits.
- "You Keep Me Hangin On" by The Supremes uses a fast tempo which would prove innovative in the development of disco music
- Elvis is Back! Elvis returns from the Army. 
- Elvis #1 hit's in 1962 "Can't Help Falling In Love With You," "Return to Sender," and "Good Luck Charm."
- Ray Charles #1 hit in 1962 "I Can't Stop Loving You"
- The Mashed Potato was a popular dance craze, with several songs based around the style.

African-American Civil Rights Movement

  The African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968) refers to the reform movements in the United States aimed at abolishing racial discrimination of African-Americans; this article covers the phase of the movement between 1954 and 1968, particularly in the South. By 1966, the emergence of the Black Power Movement, which lasted roughly from 1966 to 1975, enlarged and gradually eclipsed the aims of the Civil Rights Movement to include racial dignity, economic and political self-sufficiency, and freedom from White domination. Many of those who were most active in this movement with organizations such as NAACP, SNCC, CORE, and SCLC prefer the term “Southern Freedom Movement” because the struggle was about more than just civil rights under law, it was also about fundamental issues of freedom, respect, dignity and economic and social equality. 


To read more on this, please go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement . 

Fashion

The 1960s featured a number of diverse trends. It was a decade that broke many fashion traditions, mirroring social movements during the period. In the middle of the decade, culottes, box-shaped PVC dresses and go-go boots were popular. The widely popular bikini came into fashion in 1963 after being featured in the musical "Beach Party."

The mini-skirt (invented by Mary Quant) and pillbox hat (invented by Jackie B. Kennedy) both became very popular. False eyelashes were starting to be worn and women's hairstyles were a variety of lengths and styles. Because focus was more on colors and tones, accessories were less of an importance during the 60s. People were dressing in psychedelic prints, highlighter colors, and mismatched patterns.

In the early years of the 60s, fashions were reflected by the elegance of the First Lady, Jackie B. Kennedy. In addition to the pillbox hat, women wore suits (usually in pastel colors, with short boxy jackets, and over-sized buttons. Simple, geometric dresses, known as shifts, were also in style. For evening wear, full-skirted evening gowns were worn; these often had a low neck line and close-fitting waists. Capri trousers were the casual wear for women and girls. Also, stiletto-heeled shoes were quite popular. The mini dress was usually A-line in shape or a sleeveless shift. Big hats in very bright colors were worn. 

As mens suits drifted away from pale, toned shades, they were becoming bright and colorful. It included frills and cravats, wide ties and trouser straps, leather boots and even collarless jackets. Ties were worn even five inches wide, with crazy prints, stripes and patterns. Casual dress consisted of plaid button down shirts with comfortable slacks.

As for hairstyles, the first half of the 1960s saw flips, bouffants, and beehives.The chin-length contour cut and the pageboy were also popular hairstyles. The pillbox hat was fashionable, due almost entirely to the influence of Jackie Kennedy, who was a style-setter throughout the decade.