The themes of music from the 1950's to the 1960's changed in many aspects. The rise of girl groups was one of the most monumental phenomenon in music if the decade. Everyone wanted to see the trios and young groups perform. Some of the successful groups included The Marvelettes, The Ronnettes, The Angels, and The Dixie Cups. Each of them had a popular influence on music and they quickly gained interest.
Black artists became more prominent as well, with musicians such as Ray Charles, The Supremes, and Otis Redding who each gained fame in a variety of genres. Motown Records was responsible for some of the largest success and money that resulted from the artists. They brought fame and supported big-name artists, such as Marvin Gaye and The Supremes.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Letter to Teen in the 50's
Dear Lenny,
I know it's been awhile, but there are some pretty big things that have gone on in the music industry during the 50's. I think it's interesting how the whole idea of Rock n' Roll and the genre itself came to be, as well as the turn it started to take after a few events took place.
One of the most ironic aspects is that the popularity of Rock music started with African Americans, and how their "untamed" style of music captivated the easily influenced minds of teenagers, like you and me. Groups such as the Delta Cats were the real beginnings of what we say was Rock n' Roll, but it wasn't too long before white bands and musicians were copying, "taming" the sound, and making big money off of their production.
Some of the bigger names include Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley. All of these artists shaped the industry of the 50's by popular, but not necessarily sustaining effects. That is with the exception of Chuck Berry, whose unprecedented guitar style showed what a guitar was musically capable of. To this day, musicians still take after Berry's style of really creating sounds and melodies with the strings.
Many people, including myself, agree that when Buddy Holly, a talents up-and-comer in all of music, tragically died in a plane crash, it truly was "The Day that Music Died". Record labels were signing bright-faced, fresh white, good boys and girls that could appeal in a non-offensive and teenage heart-throb way. This was popularly said to have been the demise of music of that era
Anyways, hope to see you eventually old friend.
Best regards,
Adam
I know it's been awhile, but there are some pretty big things that have gone on in the music industry during the 50's. I think it's interesting how the whole idea of Rock n' Roll and the genre itself came to be, as well as the turn it started to take after a few events took place.
One of the most ironic aspects is that the popularity of Rock music started with African Americans, and how their "untamed" style of music captivated the easily influenced minds of teenagers, like you and me. Groups such as the Delta Cats were the real beginnings of what we say was Rock n' Roll, but it wasn't too long before white bands and musicians were copying, "taming" the sound, and making big money off of their production.
Some of the bigger names include Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley. All of these artists shaped the industry of the 50's by popular, but not necessarily sustaining effects. That is with the exception of Chuck Berry, whose unprecedented guitar style showed what a guitar was musically capable of. To this day, musicians still take after Berry's style of really creating sounds and melodies with the strings.
Many people, including myself, agree that when Buddy Holly, a talents up-and-comer in all of music, tragically died in a plane crash, it truly was "The Day that Music Died". Record labels were signing bright-faced, fresh white, good boys and girls that could appeal in a non-offensive and teenage heart-throb way. This was popularly said to have been the demise of music of that era
Anyways, hope to see you eventually old friend.
Best regards,
Adam
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Johnny Be Good by Chuck Berry
The song "Johnny Be Good" by Chuck Berry was my favorite of the ones the class listened to. The rythym and catchiness of the flow of instruments is foot-tap worthy to say the least. I think the song's popularity throughout the decades is due to how easily people can dance to it and find relief from stress just from listening to it. The repetition may seem annoying to some, but only makes it easier to sing along and make it that much more recognizable.
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