The era of the 1960s was full of change and diversity across the nation. The decade included a fight for civil rights, falling political leaders, psychedelic experiences and the Vietnam War. Despite the national issues, It was a time of change.

Many turned to music as a form of escape to the path of the revolution. And here's what they probably listened to.

1. Nancy Sinatra

Nancy Sinatra

Nancy Sinatra was the daughter of late legendary "Fly Me To The Moon" singer Frank Sinatra. Sinatra started her career in the mid-1960s with her debut album of "Nancy in London" released in August of 1966. Throughout the '60s, Sinatra was a fashion icon and actress. Co-starring in films alongside Elvis Presley in "Speedway" (1968). Sinatra's hit songs included "These Boots Are Made For Walking," "Friday's Child," "Bang Bang," and "Sugar Town."

2. The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones

The English rock n roll band was formed in London, England in 1962. The band was formed by childhood friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in hopes of creating a garage band. The band name was inspired by blue's artist Muddy Water's song "Rollin Stone."

The Rollings Stones have made their way to the top as one of the most influential bands of the twentieth century with Billboard-charting songs such as "Paint It Black," "Gimme Shelter" and "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." In 2012, The Rolling Stones celebrated their 50th anniversary and are currently still touring the world.

3. Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin

An English rock band formed in London in 1968, exploring music genres like blues, psychedelia, and folk. Led Zeppelin began their first tour in the United Kingdom of October 1968. The band's first album, "Led Zeppelin," made its way to the Billboard Top 10 in the US in January 1969. With break-out songs including "Stairway to Heaven," "Whole Lotta Love" and "Dazed and Confused," Led Zeppelin has sold 200 million albums worldwide today.

4. The Beatles

The Beatles

What started as a small rock band from Liverpool, England went on to be one of the most legendary bands in the world. Bandmates John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr are names that will go down in music history. The Beatles were formed in 1960 by John Lennon because of his love of music. The band went on to release their first hit song "Love Me Do" in 1962. From there, the fab four went on to create films, and release 23 studio albums.

Their cultural status is still strong despite their breakup in 1970. "Beatlemania" still lives on.

5. Cher

Cher

At the age of 16, Cher dropped out of high school to move to Los Angeles in hopes of pursuing a career in singing and acting. While in LA, she met Sonny Bono, a music producer who also had a talent for singing. Bono encouraged Cher to become a solo artist, but Cher was very shy and nervous. Cher convinced Bono to sing along with her as well later becoming a sensational duo together of Sonny and Cher.

Recording their single "I Got You Babe" in 1965, the duo married and broadcasted their own comedy hour from 1971-1974. In 1974, the duo divorced after 11 years together. Cher went on to become the "Goddess of Pop" throughout the 80's and 90's. Cher has been known for her pop music, fashion and films like "Mermaids" and "Burlesque."

6. The Doors

The Doors

This Venice Beach, California band formed in 1965. The band was named after Aldous Huxley's poem "The Doors of Perception". Lead vocalist Jim Morrison was a film major at UCLA and wrote poems. Morrison's poems became lyrics for his band's songs. "Moonlight Drive" was Morrison's first song for the band, which he sang it to then classmate and Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Manzarek felt the song was incredible and encouraged Morrison that they should start a band.

From then on, The Doors went on to record hits like "Light My Fire," "Break On Through, and "The End." The band only lasted until 1971 when Morrison sadly passed away. The Doors have sold over 80 million copies of their album worldwide.

7. Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin

With over 15 million records sold worldwide by the late Texas native, Janis Joplin was known for her unique raspy voice and her classic rock blues. Joplin recorded songs like "Cry Baby," "Piece Of My Heart" and "Down On Me." Her songs were hits in 1967 and played live for thousands at the Monterey Pop Festival. Joplin was on her way to further her career and success in the music industry when she suddenly passed away to a heroin overdose in 1970. She was only 27.

8. Jimi Hendrix and The Experience

Jimi Hendrix

Psychedelic rock band Jimi Hendrix and The Experience charted music billboards in the mid-'60s with lead singer and guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The band formed in 1966 in London, England. Hendrix was American and heavily influenced by American blues artists like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson. The band went on to perform to thousands at the Monterey Pop festival. The bands hit songs include "Hey Joe," "Purple Haze," and "All Along The Watchtower." Their fame quickly ended when Jimi Hendrix passed away at the age of 27 from an overdose.

9. Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot

French actress and singer Brigitte Bardot began her career in the early 1950s with acting. She starred in films like Le Mepris and Viva Maria. In the early '60s, Bardo began her music career and recorded songs like " L'Appareil À Sous "La Madrague and Tu Veux, Ou Tu Veux Pas?." The French beauty was recognized most for films and influencing style in the '60s. Bardot's music was famous in Europe. Bardot's entertainment career ended in the mid-'70s when she changed careers and devoted her life to animal activism.

10. Santana

Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana, a Mexican-American guitarist who was influenced by the late Ritchie Valens as a child. Santana worked as a dishwasher at a diner until he quit to become a full-time musician. In 1966, Santana met manager Stan Marcum. Marcum introduced Santana to other musicians and later formed a band with the musicians he met, the Santana Blues Band. The band got signed to Columbia Records and shorten their name to just "Santana."

The band was famously known for Carlos Santana's Latin rock guitar solos. Santana's great talent earned the band to tour and play at music festivals like Woodstock. Songs like "Evil Ways," "Oye Como Va" and "Soul Sacrifice" became popular in the psychedelia hippie culture of the late 60s.

These were some of the most influential music artists of the 1960s. From short-lived careers like Brigitte Bardot to long-lasting legacies like The Beatles and The Doors to still-active performers like Santana, these bands and artists shaped music history.

They were certainly iconic.