MUSIC - THE RISE AND FALL

The Rise and Fall of Music (pt1)

Music originated many years ago, when the sounds were beat onto drums and songs were read off the top of heads. As years passed and generations were created, musicians developed and music became a new horizon. Individuals like Rosemary Clooney, Count Baise and Artie Shaw helped to define the 1940’s era of music. That was an era of jazz and big band styles. It was also the time of the World War II, were music reflected the things that were going on.

Dizzy Gillespie, Bing Crosby and Cab Calloway, to name a few, were the innovators of music during those times. These folks paved the way for the many artists that we so love today. If you scroll back to the 1930’s, we have music that was the same, jazzy and happy although that was a time of depression. Music is supposed to be uplifting and inspiring, but the question is what happened to that?

The music that we once knew has made a major impact on our lives and has fell so dramatically due to the lack of knowledge and love these artist claim to have for their music. Everyone now sounds the same and speaks of all the same things, money, power, respect, drugs, sex and NOTHING!! At least when it was placed into words of music years ago, it was much more respectful and it didn’t sound like the last record that had just played.

Do you all know the history about the song “Annie Had a Baby”, probably not? Well, in simple words, it is the reason why R. Kelly can sing about “bump’n and grind’n” and not have any issues.

To proceed on, 1950’s a time when rock ‘n roll was introduced to the world. A blend of Southern blues and gospel music with an added strong back beat. This music was most adored by teenagers who were trying to break away for the norm. Artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens paved the way for a new era in time. Till this day, these individuals are still lamented by fans while their music is still played by many. Do your history on Fats Domino, Nat “King” Cole, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Lloyd Price, Hank Williams and many more; you will then understand the origination of music. You will appreciate it!!

Briefly, music today is not what it used to be. Artists now just put together tracks and do not adhere to what they are putting out there for our ears to hear. Their music sounds all the same and just about every singer now sounds as if they are crying on wax.

The 1960’s, post baby-boom saga. California surfers took to skateboards and Barbie Doll by Mattel had finally made a successful break-through. Hasbro decided to pave the way with G. I Joe and the troll dolls were every kids good luck charm. The biggest break-through was Motown music. Tamla Motown Record Company stepped onto the scene and brought about artists like Gladys Knight and the Pips, Martha and the Vandellas, the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, The Tempting Temptations and so many more. Not only did black rhythm and blues make a way, but Bob Dylan helped to introduce a folk music revival with artists like Joan Baez and Peter, Paul & Mary. The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Righteous Brothers all came along into the music main stream and it was “all good”.

After Muhammad Ali won gold as light heavy weight and Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and Bob Gibson won the Cy Young award in baseball, a new era was about to cut through the woods and hit the world by storm.

TO BE CONTINUED..........