JOUR 420: B#2

The Music Revolution

As Gil Scott-Heron famously said, "The Revolution will not be televised," the music that came from over half a century ago brought change to the music industry that would forever impact America.

It's truly amazing to think how certain musicians and artists can change the entire music industry. The 1960's and the times described in Michael Walker's Laurel Canyon was not just a change from the music in the 1950's, it was a revolution.

A few artists stick out to me more than others: The Beatles and Elvis Presley. They were the biggest game changers in the industry, not only because of their talent, but because they were so different from what America was used to. Or as Michael Walker described it, "white popular culture."

The Beatles became one of America's favorite bands in the 1960's, and their music still remains popular to this day; the Beatles performing Revolution (below).

Just as Jazz had become the revolution in the 1920's, rock and roll emerged and sliced "through the meringue of white popular culture." (Walker, 43). Bands such as the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones came from England and brought something special to America. Their music, especially the Beatles, were one of the biggest influences in Laurel Canyon, influencing and inspiring many bands such as the Byrds and many others. 

Something that I found very interesting was the fact that the Beatles came to America just three months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and in a way, served as a tonic for the American people. Chris Hillman, a member from the Byrds had even said, "I feel like the Beatles actually healed us. It was almost God-sent that they came over." (Walker, 8).

Elvis Presley greatly influenced rock and roll with his "black-sounding songs" and with provocative or sexual dancing. Presley performs Jailhouse Rock (below).

Elvis on the other hand, was both popular and controversial at the time because he was very provocative. Walker described Elvis Presley as "a white hillbilly singing black-authored, or more typically, black-sounding songs, his courtly country manners betrayed by the unrestrained sexuality of his performance." (Walker, 43). Before Presley, there was the influence of Chuck Berry and Little Richard in rock and roll, which broke open the door (and some racial barriers in music), leading to genres such as blues, R&B, soul, pop and hip-hop.

Little Richard, was one of the first entrepreneurs to rock and roll, influencing artists such as Elvis Presley. Little Richard performing Long Tall Sally and Tutti Frutti (below).

In a way, their music was a change from the normal American life. It led to more musicians and bands that created music with meaning. They lived fast and wild lives, and for many young people, it was a way to rebel against the boring life they knew. 

My Perspective on the Classics

When it comes to old school music, or classic hits from the 1960's, I am one of the only 20-year old's that absolutely loves them. In fact, I prefer music that ranges from the '60's through the '90's over any music from today. My favorites come from the Motown and classic soul era.

Motown Records in Detroit, MI.

With that said, I never liked the Beatles. I could never listen to their music without getting annoyed or bored...

...Whoa, everybody calm down, put away the pitchforks and torches. That's just my preference. I'll tell you right now, that I would rather listen to the Beatles than most of today's music. I was influenced by soul music, because that is what I would always hear growing up. I'm sure that if I was born and raised in the '60's, my perspective would be different.

Although, I didn't like their music, I always respected them as musicians and their influence in America. Without the influences from The Beatles and Elvis Presley, many of the artists and groups that we know so well today, would never have existed, and that includes many artists that I love.

They started the biggest music revolution in American history. I think we're due for another one, and hopefully, we will get one soon.