The 'Big 4' Artists Who Defined 1960s New York City Music

From Carole King to The Velvet Underground, these creative forces left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The 1960s were a transformative time for the arts in New York City, as creative talents from around the world flocked to the city to stake their claim. Among the most influential were Carole King, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Velvet Underground, whose distinct musical visions helped shape the era's cultural landscape.

Why it matters

These four artists embodied the energy, diversity, and avant-garde spirit of 1960s New York, leaving an indelible mark on the city's cultural identity. Their music, songwriting, and artistic experimentation continue to resonate and inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

The details

Carole King emerged as one of the most prolific songwriters of the era, penning hits for top acts from her cubbyhole in the legendary Brill Building. Bob Dylan arrived in New York in 1961 as a young folk singer, quickly establishing himself as a singular voice through his poetic, socially conscious songwriting. Simon & Garfunkel captivated audiences with their lush harmonies and introspective lyrics about urban life. Meanwhile, The Velvet Underground fused avant-garde sensibilities with rock 'n' roll, presaging the punk and New Wave movements to come.

  • Carole King began writing hits for other artists in the early 1960s at the Brill Building in Manhattan.
  • Bob Dylan arrived in New York City in January 1961 at the age of 19.
  • Simon & Garfunkel released their debut album 'Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.' in 1965.
  • The Velvet Underground officially solidified their name in 1965 and released their first album in 1967.

The players

Carole King

A native New Yorker who emerged as one of the most prolific and successful songwriters of the 1960s, penning hits for top acts from her cubbyhole in the legendary Brill Building.

Bob Dylan

A young folk singer who arrived in New York City in 1961 and quickly established himself as a singular voice through his poetic, socially conscious songwriting.

Simon & Garfunkel

The acclaimed folk-rock duo whose lush harmonies and introspective lyrics about urban life captivated audiences throughout the 1960s.

The Velvet Underground

An avant-garde rock band that fused experimental sensibilities with rock 'n' roll, presaging the punk and New Wave movements to come.

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The takeaway

The 'Big 4' artists of 1960s New York City - Carole King, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Velvet Underground - each left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape, embodying the energy, diversity, and avant-garde spirit that defined the era. Their music, songwriting, and artistic experimentation continue to resonate and inspire new generations, cementing their legacy as some of the most influential creative forces to emerge from New York City.