Andrew Anthony, Senior Research Manager – 

At Deft Research, every survey begins with a series of screening questions to ensure we’re speaking with the right audience. We also include a few unique questions that help us assess attentiveness, engagement, and overall survey quality. One of our favorites is surprisingly simple: What’s your favorite song?

The answers offer more than just a quality check—they provide a fascinating glimpse into the music and memories that resonate most with the people we survey. Among seniors, the responses span generations and genres, from timeless hymns and beloved standards to classic rock anthems, country favorites, and even a few modern hits. Together, they create a soundtrack that reflects the experiences, values, and nostalgia of the generation.

Below are some of the songs that seniors most frequently tell us they love.

Want to listen along? Check out the full playlist here: Listen to the playlist.

1. Stairway to Heaven—Led Zeppelin
2. Let it Be—The Beatles
3. Amazing Grace—Traditional
4. Hotel California—Eagles
5. Sweet Caroline—Neil Diamond
6. My Way—Frank Sinatra
7. Over the Rainbow—Judy Garland
8. I Will Always Love You—Whitney Houston
9. Take Me Home, Country Roads—John Denver
10. The Sound of Silence—Simon & Garfunkel
11. Bridge Over Troubled Waters—Simon & Garfunkel
12. Bohemian Rhapsody—Queen
13. Hey Jude—The Beatles
14. Your Song—Elton John
15. What a wonderful World—Louis Armstrong
16. Spirit in the Sky—Norman Greenbaum
17. Born in the USA—Bruce Springsteen
18. Sweet Child of Mine—Guns N’ Roses
19. Comfortably Numb—Pink Floyd