Girl Groups of the 1960s

HISTORY

As the counterpart to the iconic boy's band, the “girl group” is most basically a group of girls. Yet the girl group has made a unique impact  specifically on, the American, and some of European musical culture. Although there have been very successful female singers in the past, and few girl groups that rose to fame, it wasn't until the late 1950s and early 1960s, that dominantly female bands took off. With a decline in popularity with Rock and Roll, Doo-Wop (the use of vocal harmonization, combined with a simple beat and lyrics) was still highly influential starting in the early 1940s, and originating (like the dance Lindy Hop in Harlem) in African American communities in Los Angeles. Furthermore, evidence of this style can be seen as early as World War II when the Andrew Sisters entertained the Allies, to the British Invasion of the Beatles, to the late 1970s with Disco.

IMPACT ON CIVIL RIGHTS

Girl Groups also formed a base in the second wave of feminism in the early 1960s, showing that women can pursue artistic careers as well as men. Before the 1960s, female artists were mostly in their teens or twenties, focusing on one time hits, and then quickly lose steam when public interest diminished. Because of this, Female artist were rarely taken seriously for long term-professional careers.  Not only were the first 1960s Girl Groups female, many of the best known groups such as The Shirelles and the The Supremes, were African American, not only giving support for female, but also African American Civil Rights.

The impact of girl groups, not entirely, but in part, helped promote, and gather support for the civil rights movements of the 1960s. Of course they also created hits that have lasted into the new millennium. These girl groups show how much of an impact that music can have on culture, how it can promote Civil Rights, or even anti-war sentiment such as the Vietnam War.

YOUTUBE - Scottbradleelovesya

Lastly I would like to help give some attention to Scott Bradlee Lovesya Youtube channel, taking modern songs, and giving them amazing touch from the past. This is just one example of how they have made popular songs like Burn from the modern era, have the look and feel from another time.

Fortunate Son- Creedence Clearwater

Origin

In the September of 1969 Creedence Clearwater, released their album Willy and the Poor Boys. It is placed at number 17 on a list of the 200 greatest songs of the 1960s by Pitchfork Media. Also it is registered in the Library of congress for being culturally, and historically significant to American history. The song was inspired by the wedding of David Eisenhower, the grandson of President Dwight David Eisenhower, to Julie Nixon, the daughter of President Richard Nixon, in 1968. More importantly, and this can not be reiterated enough, it is a snap shot of what American life was back then. The lyrics themselves are crucial in painting this picture. 

Interpretation 
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand  
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh
But when the tax men come to the door
Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes

In this verse, we can tell that Fogerty is talking about a rich family. Rich families dealing with the military have had ways to pull strings from the very beginning. Some could buy positions in the service, but in this case, their families bought their sons freedom from a early grave. Those who, were not as fortunate, during the draft, did not have a choice.

Vietnam War

During the early years of the Vietnam war, there was surprisingly, high moral among troops, eighty percent of the citizens themselves were in favor of the war. 

This song, not intentionally spurred the counterculture of anti-war sentiment to the Vietnam conflict. The song has been widely used to protest military actions and elitism in Western society, particularly in the United States; as an added consequence of its popularity, it has even been used in completely unrelated situations, such as to advertise blue jeans. Ironically though, many will interpret it as an anti-war song, however, it is not as much critical to the war, but is more directed to the “fortunate sons” that were born in the elite classes. Many people suffer in war, but the main point that was meant to be put across was that the majority suffer more than others, some are more equal than others.

Citation

"Fortunate Son." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Apr. 2014. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.

Popular music by Creedence Clearwater

Have you ever seen the rain
Bad Moon Rising
Proud Mary
Born on the Bayou
I heard it through the Grapevine
Suzie Q

SKYFALL- Adele

I think it goes without saying, that James Bond is, probably the best secret, amazing, gun slinging, lades man of a British agent that could be contemplated. Witch is why, I am going to talk to you about SkyFall. The James Bond movies have made as many as 23 movies, (and counting), going as far back as 1962. When it comes to a James Bond movie you need,    exciting opening scene, a “Bond Girl”, an evil villain, and lastly, a great song. Film company Eon Productions invited the singer to work on the theme song in early 2011, a task that Adele accepted after reading the film's script. While composing the song, Adele and Epworth aimed to capture the mood and style of the other Bond themes, including dark and moody lyrics descriptive of the film's plot.

James Bond movies do a fantastic job that captures not only the feeling, but also the films plot, a goal that was achieved by Adele and Epworth. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it perfectly shadows the plot of the movie better than almost any other Bond song. SkyFall is James Bond’s deceased parents house, pursued by the classic, psychotic,  evil villain. Even if it were not in the lyrics “We will stand tall
Face it all together, at SkyFall”, the tone of the music itself, shows dread, then determination, fight, and a acceptance of fate. I might enjoy James Bond as much as any Star Wars fanatic, but this song, this cast, this plot, makes a bloody good movie.


Lyrics

This is the end

Hold your breath and count to ten

Feel the earth move and then

Hear my heart burst again

For this is the end

I've drowned and dreamt this moment

So overdue I owe them

Swept away, I'm stolen

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/adele/skyfall.html

Frank Sinatra

Intro

Aside from instrumental music, vocal songs are the heart and soul of todays and tomorrows popular music. These singers often have other worldly voices that leave us awestruck. Many of us, besides singing in the shower, are often terrible when it comes to singing. However, an individual such as Sinatra, brings a certain color to the canvas.

Early Life

Frank Sinatra was born on the 12th of December 1915. From the very beginning he has been involved in singing. In the late 30's, he had begun his long musical career as a boy singer in swing music. However he first hit it big in the 1940's, when he signed a contract with "Columbia Records", as a solo singer. Throughout the 1950's he worked as an actor, and received an Academy Award, in his first film "From here to Eternity". Rarely writing, Sinatra was purely a singer, in fact only "helping" with writing two songs in his entire career. It wasn't until the 1960's when singer/songwriters could seriously stand toe to toe with Sinatra.

Music

Throughout Frank Sinatra's musical career he was thoroughly successful, making the top charts of popular magazines for decades. He is referred to as one of the greatest singers of all time, having a gifted voice.

However, because he rarely wrote anything, he can not be said as to "revolutionize" music in the ways of such bands like the Beatles, and Elvis. If anything can be said of Sinatra, it is that he spoke his songs with passion, and an interpretation that could make meek songs, standout as some of the best. Here is a link to just some of his music.

 http://www.allmusic.com/album/sinatra-sings-great-songs-from-great-britain-mw0000095905

Violin

Introduction

My Artwork

First and foremost, although this particular blog deals with violins, and its fairly rich impact on music, all musical instruments are vital to "good music". It may be bluntly obvious to you that the instruments of music are needed for song. However, we often take these tools for granted, and its role should not be ignored.

Many instruments are rather wonderful by themselves.First and foremost, although this particular blog deals with violins, and its fairly rich impact on music, all musical instruments are vital to "good music". It may be bluntly obvious to you that the instruments of music are needed for song. However, we often take these tools for granted, and its role should not be ignored. Many instruments are rather wonderful by themselves.

Origin

The history of the violin is quite interesting. Emerging in the 11th and 12th centuries, it became a new and exotic tool in late Persia, and improved in the great Empire of the Byzantines. Having a small stature, it was easy to carry, and consequently, its popularity spread like wildfire among travelers. Eventually it made its way to Italian operas of the 15th century.

Materials

As a member of the string family, it has four unique strings that run down its spine, held together by tuning pegs. The body of the violin is made of spruce, but its fingerboard is made out of ebony. The characteristic bow, which is traditionally made out of horse hair, must be routinely rubbed with rosin to keep its grip. Depending on its length and tension, the violins sound is fairly sharp.

Interpretation

As well as part of many classical music pieces, and characteristic songs, the violin is very important, how again? The violin is a string instrument, that much is clear, but how, and why it has become so imperative and unique to music is the big question. In laymans terms, music is a way of expression, much like painting, or sculpting. So when the violin contributes its eerie high pitched, and oddly relaxing tune, it is essential to know how it plays it part.

How you interpret music, it completely up to you. Music is emotion, it is thought. The violin is roughly over 10 centuries old, and has a long story to tell. Whatever instrument you play, whether its the violin, or another instrument, or nothing at all, just sit back and enjoy the "music to your ears".

Point of Reference

Garry Giddin, a fellow bloger, who also has an interest for that old sound from the record, has posted a most original article. The article, "Brand New Old Music" is a interesting perspective on the old time music. Many would have you believe that old music is dead, but in fact is very much alive. However, first, I will give you some background on this music called Jazz. Jazz first arose in the early 20th century in the deep south, around African communities, most notably, New Orleans, in Louisiana. Difficult to define, it takes many forms, and is famous for its

impovision when played. From blues, to Ragtime,  it has evolved considerably since 1910, such as serving as a basis for "big band" songs. Jazz is actually in many forms of popular modern music, but is so diverse and improvised that it has just gotten off the beaten path, and is still evolving. Garrys blog, "JazzTimes" gives a descriptive mix of a narrative and analysis of the sudden new music, and bangs that he has found to play "Old Time Music". This new old music, comes from hard working Jazz musicians from all over the United States, aspiring to the legends who had made such great pieces in the past. Garry makes a comparison of "traveling back in time with H.G wells", as it brings him back to the days of Jazz.

Link: http://jazztimes.com/articles/16280-brand-new-old-music

Gene de Paul

 Gimme Some Skin My Friend

This song was made famous by the Andrew Sisters. The song was created by Gene De Paul, who was born in New York City and served in the United States Army during World War II. He died February 21, 1988. De Paul was well known for working on musicals. De Paul filmed the move, "In the Navy" with the Andrew Sisters as lead characters who sang his original song "Gimme some Skin my Friend". In other movies, he worked with Universal Studios, and Walt Disney Studios. 

Andrew Sisters

History:

The song was made very popular by the Andrew Sisters, who were a close harmony singing group. They became famous with their big hit, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". Historically they entertained allied forces in World War II, extensively in America, Africa, Italy, and Hawaii.

The song, "Gimme some Skin my Friend" refers to the friendly shaking of hands and acknowledging one another through a friendly gesture. The Andrews Sisters added some sex appeal to this song and increased its popularity. This song remains very influential even today.