melody
a linear succession of musical tones that the listener perceives as a single entity
harmony
the process by which the composition of individual sounds, or superpositions of sounds, is analysed by hearing. usually, this means simultaneously occurring frequencies, pitches (tones, notes), or chords.
riff
a short repeated phrase in popular music and jazz, typically used as an introduction or refrain in a song.
phrase
a short passage of music; often in rock music. four measures in length (sometimes eight measures). akin to a sentence in spoken language and divides the music into units that make it easier to comprehend. vocal phrases often correspond to obvious points o
simple meter
when we subdivide the basic beat into two equal parts, we create a simple feel, which is notated using simple meters such as 2/4, 3/4, or most commonly, 4/4
compound meter
when we subdivide the basic beat into three equal parts, this creates a compound feel, which is notated using compound meters such as 6/8, 9/8, or most commonly, 12/8
rhythm section
the task of this section is to establish a solid foundation for singers, instrumental soloists, and other members of the group that focus on the melody. at the heart of the rhythm section is the drummer, whose role is to establish not only the tempo and m
full reprise
when the entire AABA form is repeated
partial reprise
when only part of the AABA form returns
coda
some songs contain an ending section called the 'coda'. the coda often uses musical material from earlier in the song to provide an ending, which is sometimes a fade-out. some musicians refer to the coda as an 'outro' paralleling the beginning section in
12 bar blues
this is a common structural pattern found in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and many styles of jazz. it consists of 12 groups of four-beat measures. the 12 measure structure of the 12-bar blues is distinctive because of the way its measures fall into th
doo-wop progression
this chord progression is most often associated with the doo-wop style of the 1950s. like the 12 bar blues, the doo-wop progression can form the underlying structure for many of the forms discussed in the book. a series of four chords in the key of C
simple verse
a form that employs only verses
simple verse-chorus
when a single musical pattern is used as the basis for both the verses and the choruses in a song
contrasting verse-chorus
when the verses and choruses of a song employ different music
AABA
a song form that uses two verses (A A), a bridge (B), and a return to the verse (A) as its basic organizational pattern. once the complete AABA pattern is presented, a song may repeat all of the pattern (full reprise) or only part of it (partial reprise).
refrain
a subsection that often occurs in a verse. it functions much as a chorus does except that it is too brief to be considered a separate section and is otherwise clearly part of a larger section. the refrain will often occur as the last phrases or phases of
pre-chorus
some songs employ this, which is a section that connects the verse to the chorus. the purpose of a pre-chorus is to build up the musical movement towards the chorus, and in that way it is a special kind of bridge. many times, the lyrics on each occurrence
compound AABA
in a compound AABA form, each A section contains at least one verse and a chorus section (these can be contrasting or not). after two presentations of this verse-chorus unit (A A), a contrasting bridge section occurs (B), followed by a return to some vers
Frank Sinatra
He established a new model for the pop-music singer; building in part on Crosby's accomplishments, Sinatra made the singer the star of the show, paving the way for later rock and roll singers like Elvis Presley and Pat Boone. For 3 years Sinatra was a sin
Jimmie Rodgers
Rodgers's music and performances made him a national star, although his career was cut short when he died from TB. He was primarily a solo performer, who sang and played the acoustic guitar.
Called 'The Blue Yodeler' and had a signature yodel
Bessie Smith
African American blues singer who played and important role in the Harlem Reniassance.
Empress of Blues
faded towards the end of her career as blues fell off the commercial radar
Robert Johnson
A Delta/rural blues man who supposedly sold his soul to the Devil for his musical abilities. Not a commercial success in his lifetime, but rediscovered in the 1960s after his death, and would become one of the most well-respected early blues musicians of
Muddy Waters
Important influence on modern rock 'n roll as the developer of electric blues; he electrified folk blues and influenced nearly every guitar player since his time
Howlin' Wolf
...African American Chicago blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player, from Mississippi. With a booming voice and looming physical presence, he is one of the best-known Chicago blues artists.
Big Joe Turner
Shake, Rattle, And Roll. "Blues shouter" born in Kansas City. From 1945 to 1951, made recordings with many labels before signing with Atlantic in 1951. "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" (1954) was his biggest rock 'n' roll record for Atlantic.
Hank Williams
An American country singer-songwriter and musician regarded as among the greatest country music stars of all time. He charted eleven number one songs between 1948 and 1953, though unable to read or write music to any significant degree.
Who was the most l
Les Paul
was an American jazz, country, and blues guitarist, songwriter, luthier, and inventor. He was one of the pioneers of the solid-body electric guitar, which made the sound of rock and roll possible. Paul taught himself how to play guitar and while he is mai
Acuff-Rose
Founded by Fred Rose and Roy Acuff, famous publishing company, signed artists such as Gene Autry and Hank Williams
Which was the Nashville-based publishing firm that was important for the growth of the country and western music industry in that city?
unli
Louis Jordan
King of Jump Blues,
"Typmpani Five"; uptempo, humor; crossover appeal (black and white).
Chess Records
An American record label based in Chicago, IL that specialized in blues, R&B, soul, gospel music, early rock and roll and occasional jazz released. It was formed and ran by Leonard and Phil Chess, immigrant brothers from Poland. This company produced and
Mercury Records
All of the following were independent labels in the late 1940s and early 1950s EXCEPT
Non independent label, only one of the majors of the 1940s and 50s who wasn't independent
King Records
was an American leading independent record company and label founded in 1943 by Syd Nathan in Cincinnati, Ohio. The label owned several divisions, including Federal Records, which launched the career of James Brown, it operated until 1975, and now operate
Atlantic Records
an American major record label founded in October 1947 by Ahmet Erteg�n and Herb Abramson. Over its first 20 years of operation, Atlantic Records earned a reputation as one of the most important American recording labels, specializing in jazz, R&B and sou
hokum blues
within black culture at the mid-century, there was a well-established musical tradition of songs called 'hokum blues' that poked fun at various aspects of adult relationships, mostly centered on sexual relationships and the many situations that can arise
Tin Pan Alley
the sheet music business was concentrated in an informal district of NYC often referred to as Tin Pan Alley, where songwriters and producers clustered to form the geographic heart of the industry. the area got its name from the high concentration of songw
big band jazz
big bands were led by instrumentalists such as Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Glenn Miller. singers were used sparingly as featured soloists. thus, the celebrity in the band was its leader, as the musicians and singers ofte
doo-wop
immediately following WWII, doo-wop groups began to emerge from urban neighborhoods. the singer in these groups often could not afford instruments, so their vocal arrangements were completely self-contained and did not require accompaniment. a common prac
country and western
instruments vary with the style of the music; Most bands use drums and string instruments such as the guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, or fiddle. Some bands use brass or woodwind instruments. Other instruments used by country bands include the accordion, pi
western swing
popularized by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys and Milton Brown and His Musical Brownies, western swing also helped to define western music as a style that put a cowboy twist on the big band idea. in addition to a rhythm section and horns, as one might e
country blues
Country blues (also folk blues, rural blues, backwoods blues, or downhome blues) is acoustic, mainly guitar-driven forms of the blues, that mixes blues elements with characteristics of folk. After blues' birth in the Southern United States, it quickly spr
classic blues
Blues is a genre and musical form originated by African Americans in the Deep South of the United States around the end of the 19th century. The genre developed from roots in African musical traditions, African-American work songs, spirituals, and folk mu
rhythm and blues
1950s Black popular music. Ensembles were usually loud, often featuring an electric guitar or other electrified instruments. Strong emphasis on vocals because vocalists has to shout over the loud instrumentation. Lyrics are blatantly sexual.
music that co
Chicago blues
Electrified style of blues created in Chicago when migrant bluesmen from the South combined elements of Delta blues and urban blues.
crossover songs
Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers who appeal to different types of audience, for example (especially in the United States) by appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical styles or genres. If the sec
crossover artists
Artists who regularly perform in more than one style, especially blended styles, are known as
covers
a new version of a song (i.e. Run DMC covering Walk this Way)
payola
An illegal payment by record labels to radio stations to persuade them to play the label's records
payola scandal
Dick Clark, Alan Freed and the Radio Payola scandal
got caught up in the illegal payment scandal and it was a drawn out legal battle
rockabilly
the sun recordings are often viewed as some of Elvis's best, and they helped to establish a style that came to be called 'rockabilly'
these songs were mostly recorded without drums, featuring Presley singing to the accompaniment of his acoustic guitar
mus
Chuck Berry
Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry (October 18, 1926 - March 18, 2017) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), known as Little Richard, is an American musician, singer and songwriter.
An influential figure in popular music and culture for more than six decades, Little Richard's most celebrated work dates from the mid
Elvis Presley
the King of Rock n' Roll" appeared on the Ed Sullivan show in 1955. He recorded at Sun Records. Honorably served in the Army when he was drafted. Home in a former church (Graceland) located in Memphis, Tennessee.
Time served in the Army contributed to dr
Fats Domino
Antoine "Fats" Domino, Jr. (born February 26, 1928) is an American pianist and singer-songwriter of French Creole descent. Five of his records released before 1955 sold over a million copies and were certified as gold records, and he had 35 records in the
Carl Perkins
was an American singer-songwriter who recorded most notably at the Sun Studio, in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning in 1954. His best-known song is "Blue Suede Shoes".
According to Charlie Daniels, "Carl Perkins' songs personified the rockabilly era, and Carl
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis (born September 29, 1935) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and pianist, often known by his nickname, The Killer. He has been described as "rock & roll's first great wild man."
A pioneer of rock and roll and rockabilly music, Lew
Pat Boone
an American singer, composer, actor, writer, television personality, motivational speaker, and spokesman. He was a successful pop singer in the United States during the 1950s and early 1960s. He sold over 45 million records, had 38 top-40 hits, and appear
Bill Haley
American rock and roll musician. He is credited by many with first popularizing this form of music in the early 1950s with his group Bill Haley & His Comets and million-selling hits such as "Rock Around the Clock", "See You Later, Alligator", "Shake, Ratt
Alan Freed
an American disc jockey. He became internationally known for promoting the mix of blues, country, and rhythm and blues music on the radio in the United States and Europe under the name of rock and roll. His career was destroyed by the payola scandal that
Dick Clark
an American radio and television personality, as well as a cultural icon who remains best known for hosting American Bandstand from 1957 to 1987. He also hosted the game show Pyramid and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, which transmitted Times Square'
Sun Records
Sun Records is an American independent record label founded by Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee in 1952. Sun was the first company to record Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash.
Sun Records discovered and first recorded such influential musician
Sam Phillips
an American musician, businessman, record executive, music producer, and disc jockey who played an important role in the emergence and development of rock and roll and rockabilly as the major form of popular music in the 1950s. He was a producer, label ow
the day the music died
the day the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly all died
British society teen culture during the 1950s
Characteristics of British society after WWII:
Economic recession/depression
devastated infrastructure from bombing raids
wartime rationing
high unemployment
little financial assistance from allies
Postwar baby boom
thousands of working class kids
underst
british music industry vs. american music industry
� British Music Industry
� Very controlled - unlike united states with independent record labels who were able to flourish, it was controlled by four record labels
mersey beat
fusion of rock and roll (mainly Chuck Berry guitar style and the midtempo beat of Lubbock sound artists like Buddy Holly), doo-wop, skiffle and R&B. The genre provided many of the bands responsible for the British Invasion of the American pop charts start
rave ups
instrumental jams performed by The Yardbirds
Decca Records
The record company the Rolling Stones originally signed with. At the time, they were trying to compete with Capitol Records and the Beatles.
EMI Parlophone Records
a German-British record label founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindstr�m Company as Parlophone. The British branch of the company was founded in 8 August 1923 as The Parlophone Co. Ltd., which developed a reputation in the 1920s as a leading jazz re
Capitol Records
Capitol Records, LLC (also referred to simply as Capitol and Hollywood and Vine) is an American record label which operates as a division of the Capitol Music Group. The label was founded as the first West Coast-based record label in the United States in
The Beatles
A rock 'n' roll singing group from Liverpool, England that was phenomenally popular in the middle and late 1960s. The intense devotion of the groups fans, especially the hysterical screaming that the group provoked in large crowds of large teenagers was c
The Rolling Stones
____________ strove to be more earthy; they portrayed a vulgar look (no uniforms). Encouraged by manager Andrew Oldham, they were considered the rougher, sexier, more dangerous alternative to the Mersey beat of the Beatles.
The Yardbirds
The Yardbirds are an English rock band formed in London in 1963 that had a string of hits during the mid-1960s, including "For Your Love", "Heart Full of Soul", "Shapes of Things" and "Over Under Sideways Down". The group launched the careers of guitarist
The Who
British Rock group that first got together in 1964. Hits include My Generation and Substitute. Powerhouse band with heavy bass sound that was heavily influenced by 60s rhythm and blues. One of the first bands to make heavy influence of the synthesizer.
The Kinks
The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1964 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are regarded as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the era. The band emerged during the height of British rhythm a
The Animals
The Animals are an English rhythm and blues and rock band of the 1960s, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, during the early part of the decade. The band moved to London upon finding fame in 1964. The Animals were known for their gritty, bluesy sound and deep-
Gerry and the Pacemakers
Gerry and the Pacemakers were an English beat group prominent in the 1960s Merseybeat scene. In common with the Beatles, they came from Liverpool, were managed by Brian Epstein, and were recorded by George Martin.
They are most remembered for being the fi
Bob Dylan
Folk singer __________ is the most important American contributor to rock music and the first poet of the mass media.
Plugged in at Newport festival, went electric. Mr. Tambourine Man, covered by The Byrds, etc.
The Byrds
The Byrds were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) remaining the sole consistent member, u
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. Distinguished by their vocal harmonies
Phil Spector
Phillip Harvey "Phil" Spector (born Harvey Phillip Spector; December 26, 1939) is an American record producer, musician, songwriter, and businessman who developed the Wall of Sound, a music production formula he described as a "Wagnerian" approach to rock
The Monkees
The Monkees are an American rock band originally active between 1965 and 1971, with subsequent reunion albums and tours in the decades that followed. They were formed in Los Angeles in 1965 by Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider for the American television se
The Shirelles
The Shirelles were an American girl group that achieved popularity in the early 1960s. They consisted of schoolmates Shirley Owens (later Shirley Alston Reeves), Doris Coley (later Doris Kenner-Jackson), Addie "Micki" Harris (later Addie Harris McFadden),
Brill Building
A New York City office building where several major music publishers and record labels located their operations in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It became associated with producers like Phil Spector and Don Kirshner and songwriters like Carol Kind and G
garage band style
Garage rock (sometimes called '60s punk or garage punk) is a raw and energetic style of rock and roll that flourished in the mid-1960s, most notably in the United States and Canada. The term derives from the perception that groups were often made up of yo
folk rock style
Folk rock is a music genre combining elements of folk music and rock music. In its earliest and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and the United Kingdom around the mid-1960s. The genre was pioneered by the Los A
concept album
A studio album where all musical or lyrical ideas contribute to a single overall theme or unified story.
psychedelic rock, style and culture
psychedelic movement sought new ways to experience the world
counterculture leaders challenge the establishment
drugs played a central role (LSD and marijuana)
drug was thought to awaken the 'true' state of consciousness
abandon society's false pretenses
Timothy Leary
wrote 'The Psychedelic Experience'
important in the history of rock as an advocate, author and promoter of psychedelic drug experiences
Pink Floyd
part of the London psychedelic scene
an English rock band formed in London. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. Distinguished by their use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, extended compositions
The Doors
part of the US psychedelic scene
The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. The band got its name, at Morrison's suggestion
Jimi Hendrix
one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music. spent the first half of the 1960s playing in various bands, including stints with Little Richard and the Isley Brothers. In 1964 he moved to NY, where he worked with soul singer Curtis K
Cream
Cream were a 1960s British rock supergroup power trio consisting of bassist/singer Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist/singer Eric Clapton. The group's third album, Wheels of Fire (1968), was the world's first platinum-selling double album. Th
San Francisco psychedelic scene
rise of counterculture occurred here
Haight-Ashbury
neighborhood Victorian homes became rehearsal spaces
Psychedelic Shop bookstore opened
Human Be-In
etc.
London psychedelic scene
'Poets of the World/Poets of Our Time'
The UFO Club - organization center for British counterculture
Pink Floyd, Beatles, etc.
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. The band's heavy, guitar-driven sound, rooted in blues and
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. The band is considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical approach changed over the years. Originally formed as a progressive rock band, the
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath were an English rock band, formed in Birmingham in 1968, by guitarist and main songwriter Tony Iommi, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler, singer Ozzy Osbourne, and drummer Bill Ward. The band experienced multiple line-up changes, with I
The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band was an American rock band formed in Macon, Georgia, United States, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman (slide guitar and lead guitar) and Gregg Allman (vocals, keyboards, songwriting), as well as Dickey Betts (lead guitar, vocals, so
Santana
Santana is an American Latin rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1966 by Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana. The band first came to widespread public attention when their performance of "Soul Sacrifice" at Woodstock in 1969 provided a
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "the Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop,[11] heavy metal, and
Yes
Yes are an English rock band formed in London in 1968 by singer Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire. The band have undergone numerous formations throughout its history; nineteen musicians have been full-time members
Yes began their career in 1968, perfo
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier; February 4, 1948) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor whose career spans over five decades. With his distinctive raspy voice and a stage show that features guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, deadly
David Bowie
David Bowie was an English singer, songwriter and actor. He was a figure in popular music for over five decades, becoming acclaimed by critics and other musicians for his innovative work. His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation, his m
blues based rock
blues based rock music coming out of Britain in the 1970s was an important extension of earlier blues-influenced rock. blues music, especially the Chicago electric blues of musicians like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, was central to much rock music of th
British progressive rock
Often incorporated elements of classical music in their compositions
obsessed with concept albums
music = trip or journey
serious lyrics about philosophical and political issues as well as spirituality
The Who - Tommy, etc.
southern rock
Southern rock is a subgenre of rock music and a genre of Americana. It developed in the Southern United States from rock and roll, country music, and blues, and is focused generally on electric guitar and vocals. Although the origin of the term Southern r
country rock
Country rock is subgenre of popular music, formed from the fusion of rock and country. It was developed by rock musicians who began to record country-flavored records in the late-1960s and early-1970s. These musicians recorded rock records using country t
glam rock
Glam rock (also known as glitter rock) is a style of rock and pop music that developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s performed by musicians who wore outrageous costumes, makeup, and hairstyles, particularly platform shoes and glitter. Glam arti
70s radio formats
AOR Format (freeform) - huge w young audiences
Conservative formatting (returned to this by the end of the 70s)
corporate rock
there was a big corporate interest in rock radio in the 70s
advertising and commercial radio stations
generated large revenue and profit by mid 1970s
major corporations stated buying radio stations
Peter Frampton
Peter Kenneth Frampton (born 22 April 1950) is an English-born American rock musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist. He was previously associated with the bands Humble Pie and The Herd. At the end of his 'group' career was Frampton's intern
The Eagles
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. With five number-one singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and six number one albums, the Eagles were one of
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band, formed in London in 1967. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling bands of all time. In 1998, selected members of Fleetwood Mac were inducted in
Boston
Boston is an American rock band from Boston, Massachusetts, that achieved their most notable successes during the 1970s and 1980s. Centered on guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, and producer Tom Scholz, the band is a staple of classic rock radio playlist
Foreigner
Foreigner is a British-American rock band, originally formed in New York City in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and fellow Briton and ex-King Crimson member Ian McDonald along with American vocalist Lou Gramm.
Jones came up with the band's na
Rush
Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in 1968 in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee; guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Lifeson; and drummer, percussionist, and lyrici
Kansas
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on album-oriented rock charts and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". The band has produced eight gold albums, three multi-platinum albums
Styx
Styx is an American rock band from Chicago that formed in 1972 and became famous for its albums released in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known for melding the style of pop rock and hard rock with the power of a hard-rock guitar balanced w
Queen
Queen are a British rock band that formed in London in 1970. Their classic line-up was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (lead guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Queen's earliest works were influenc
Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop is an American singer-songwriter, musician, producer and actor. He was the vocalist of influential proto-punk band The Stooges, who reunited in 2003, and is well known for his outrageous and unpredictable stage antics.
Pop's music has encompassed
MC5
MC5 was an American rock band from Lincoln Park, Michigan, formed in 1964. The original band line-up consisted of vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson. "Crystallizing the co
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground was a rock band formed in New York, America, by singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise (who was replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965). While the group's integrati
The Ramones
The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first band to define the punk-rock sound. Despite achieving only limited commercial success, the band w
Malcolm McLaren
Malcolm Robert Andrew McLaren (22 January 1946 - 8 April 2010) was an English impresario, visual artist, performer, musician, clothes designer and boutique owner, notable for combining these activities in an inventive and provocative way.
Brought up uncon
The Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although they initially lasted just two and a half years and produced only four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, they are considered one
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, dub, funk, ska and rockabilly. For most of their recording career the Clash consisted
The Cars
The Cars are an American rock band that emerged from the new wave scene in the late 1970s. The band originated in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1976, with singer, rhythm guitarist and songwriter Ric Ocasek, singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, lead guitarist Elli
The Talking Heads
Talking Heads were an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. The band comprised David Byrne (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Frantz (drums), Tina Weymouth (bass), and Jerry Harrison (keyboards, guitar). Described by critic S
punk rock
Punk rock (or simply "punk") is a rock music genre that developed in the early to mid-1970s in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in 1960s garage rock and other forms of what is now known as "proto-punk" music, punk rock bands reject
new wave
New wave is a genre of rock music popular from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s with ties to 1970s punk rock. New wave moved away from smooth blues and rock and roll sounds to create pop music that incorporated electronic and experimental music, mod and di
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actor, and philanthropist. Called the "King of Pop", his contributions to music, dance, and fashion along with his publicized personal li
Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American singer-songwriter, actor, multi-instrumentalist, philanthropist, dancer and record producer. He was a musical innovator who was known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, ex
Madonna
Madonna is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She achieved popularity by pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in mainstream popular music and imagery in her music videos, which became a fixture on MTV. Madonna is known for re
Culture Club
Culture Club are an English band that was formed in 1981. The band comprised Boy George (lead vocals), Roy Hay (guitar and keyboards), Mikey Craig (bass guitar) and Jon Moss (drums and percussion). They are considered one of the most representative and in
The Eurythmics
Eurythmics were a British music duo consisting of members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart. Stewart and Lennox were both previously in the band The Tourists (originally known as The Catch), who split up in 1980; Eurythmics were formed that year in London
The Police
The Police were an English new wave band formed in London in 1977. For most of their history the band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar, primary songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The Police became glob
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin formed in 1976. The group consists of Bono (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). Initially roo
Tom Petty
Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty (born October 20, 1950) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist and record producer. He is best known as the lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, but is also known as a member and co-founder of
The Traveling Wilburys
The Traveling Wilburys (sometimes shortened to the Wilburys) were a British-American supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. The band recorded two albums, the first in 1988 and the second in 1990, thoug
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter. He is known for his work with the E Street Band. Nicknamed "The Boss", Springsteen is widely known for his brand of poetic lyrics, Americana, working class and
Black Flag
Black Flag was an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California. Initially called Panic, the band was established by Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes in the b
Minor Threat
Minor Threat was a hardcore punk band, formed in 1980 in Washington, D.C. and disbanded in 1983. The band was relatively short-lived, but had a strong influence on the punk scene, both stylistically and in establishing a "do it yourself" ethic for music d
Bad Brains
Bad Brains are an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members have objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae
straight edge
Straight edge is a subculture of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco and other recreational drugs, in reaction to the excesses of punk subculture. For some, this extends to refraining from engaging in promiscuous sex, followi
new traditionalist
New Traditionalist refers to the legions of young country singers that emerged in the late '80s. These artists reworked and updated the classic sounds of honky tonk and traditional country, adding contemporary production touches to make it more commercial
hardcore punk
Hardcore punk (often abbreviated to hardcore) is a punk rock music genre and subculture that originated in the late 1970s. It is generally faster, harder, and more aggressive than other forms of punk rock. Its roots can be traced to earlier punk scenes in
British heavy metal
The new wave of British heavy metal (commonly abbreviated as NWOBHM) was a nationwide musical movement that started in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s and achieved international attention by the early 1980s. Journalist Geoff Barton coined the term in
American heavy metal
The new wave of American heavy metal (commonly abbreviated as NWOAHM) is a heavy metal music movement that originated in the United States and Canada during the early to mid-1990s and expanded most in the early to mid-2000s. Some of the bands considered p
speed metal
Speed metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in the late 1970s from new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) roots. It is described by AllMusic as "extremely fast, abrasive, and technically demanding" music.
"It is usually considered les
hip hop culture
originated in NYC's African American and latino communities
rap was part of the urban art form known as hip hop
graffiti artist. tagged trains, buses and businesses
break dancers (aka 'B boys')
participated in non-violent dance competitions
Hip hop is a s
rap
Rapping also referred to as MCing or emceeing, is a vocal style in which the artist speaks lyrically and rhythmically, in rhyme and verse, generally to an instrumental or synthesized beat. Beats, almost always in 4/4 time signature, can be created by samp
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and actor. He rose to prominence in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 and went on to ha
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. The band has sold close to 50 million albums to date. They are frequently ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative and pioneering body
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are a British heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The band's discography has grown to thirty-eight albums, including sixteen studio albums, eleven live albums, four EPs, and s
Van Halen
Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. From 1974 until 1985, the band consisted of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony.
The band went on to becom
Motley Crue
M�tley Cr�e was an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California on January 17, 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, lead singer Vince Neil and lead guitarist Mick Mars. M�tley Cr�e has sold more th
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. Guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson formed the band in 1983 shortly after Mustaine's dismissal from Metallica. A pioneer of the American thrash metal scene, the band is
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band based in San Rafael, California. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles when vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield responded to an advertisement posted by drummer Lars Ulrich in a local newspaper. Metallica's curr
R.E.M.
R.E.M. was an American rock band from Athens, Georgia, that was formed in 1980 by drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist/backing vocalist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe. One of the first alternative rock bands, R.E.M. was noted for
The Pixies
The Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. Until 2013, the band comprised Black Francis (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), Kim Deal (bass, vocals) and David Lovering (drums). The band
Soundgarden
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1984 by singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Matt Cameron became the band's full-time drummer in 1986, while bassist Ben She
Nirvana
Nirvana was an American rock band formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Nirvana went through a succession of drummers, the longest-lasting being Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990. Despite rel
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has comprised Eddie Vedder (lead vocals), Mike McCready (lead guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar) and Jeff Ament (bass). The band's fifth
Subpop Records
Sub Pop is a record label founded in 1986 by Bruce Pavitt. In 1988, Sub Pop Records LLC was formed by Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman in Seattle, Washington. Sub Pop achieved fame in the late 1980s for first signing Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney and many oth
gangsta rap
Gangsta rap or gangster rap is a subgenre of hip hop music with themes and lyrics that generally emphasize the "gangsta" lifestyle. The genre evolved from hardcore hip hop into a distinct form, pioneered in the mid-1980s by rappers such as Schoolly D and
alternative rock
Alternative rock (also called alternative music, alt-rock or simply alternative) is a genre of rock music that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular in the 1990's. In this instance, the word "alternative" re
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band, also known by the initialis DMB, is an American rock band that was formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. The founding members were singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews, bassist Stefan Lessard, drummer and backing vocali
Phish
Phish is an American rock band that was founded at the University of Vermont in 1983. Known for musical improvisation, extended jams, blending of genres, and a dedicated fan base, the current line-up�guitarist and lead vocalist Trey Anastasio, bassist and
Oasis
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (guitar), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass guitar), and T
Blur
Blur are an English rock band, formed in London in 1988. The group consists of singer/keyboardist Damon Albarn, guitarist/singer Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Their debut album Leisure (1991) incorporated the sounds of Madche
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), Colin
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo (often abbreviated as YLT) is an American indie rock band formed in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1984. Since 1992, the lineup has consisted of Ira Kaplan (guitars, piano, vocals), Georgia Hubley (drums, piano, vocals), and James McNew (bass, vocals)
Pavement
Pavement was an American indie rock band that formed in Stockton, California in 1989. The group mainly consisted of Stephen Malkmus (vocals and guitar), Scott Kannberg (guitar and vocals), Mark Ibold (bass), Steve West (drums) and Bob Nastanovich (percuss
Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire is an American-Canadian indie rock band based in Montreal, Quebec, consisting of husband and wife Win Butler and R�gine Chassagne, along with Win's younger brother William Butler, Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury and Jeremy Gara. The band's c
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup changed frequently during its fir
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine (also known as RATM or simply Rage) is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group consists of rapper and vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom More
Muse
Muse are an English rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The band consists of Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards), Chris Wolstenholme (bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboards) and Dominic Howard (drums, percussion).
Muse relea
classic rock
Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock (AOR) format in the early 1980s. In the United States, the classic rock format features music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on commer
technological advancements
cds, file sharing, etc.
napster
online retail sales
digital downloads outpace sales of digital media
iTunes
rock music in the media
documentaries, rock n' roll hall of fame, etc.
more recognition for artists
jam band
Jam bands are musical groups whose live albums and concerts relate to a unique fan culture that began in the 1960s with the Grateful Dead, and continued with The Allman Brothers Band, which had lengthy jams at concerts. The performances of these bands typ
indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1980s. Originally used to describe independent record labels, the term became associated with the music they produced and was initially used inter
britpop
Britpop is a UK based music and culture movement in the mid 1990s which emphasised "Britishness", and produced bright, catchy pop music partly in reaction to the US led grunge music and the UK's own shoegazing music scene. The most successful bands associ