-
Period: to
Unit 5
-
Ruth Brown
Ruth Brown (1928-2006) Ruth Brown, known as Miss Rhythm, was one of the most influential R&B artist of the 50's. Her first hit, in 1949, called "So Long" was quickly loved and she became widespread through the following years. Coming out with hits like, "I'll Wait For You" (1951) and Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean" in 1953. Ruth served as an inspiration for generations of female soul singers, and introduced the up-and-coming R&B style to a wide audience of both blacks and whites. -
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley (1935-1977) Known as rock's first true superstar, was a household icon and sex symbol. He was a country boy, with dashing good looks, and a strong voice. He mixed his country upbring and his soulful voice together and came out with his first hit, "That's Alright, Mama" in 1954. He was the first performer to mix country and blues and his international fame took off. Elvis's most important early recordings include "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), "Hound Dog" (1956), "Love Me Tender"(1956) -
The Coasters
The coasters, who were produced by the team of of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two early songwriters and producers who brought "uptown" sophistication to "downtown" R&B. The Coaster began in 1957 with "Searchin" and "Young Blood". One of their more famous songs is "Yakety Yak" recorded in 1958. -
Ray Charles
Ray Charles (1930-2004) Ray Charles, who went blind when he was 7 and battled a herion addiction in his later years was known as the most influential R&B artist of his time. He transformed himself from a jazz-influenced pianist, into a epic R&B star. His first major hit was, "I Got A Woman" in 1954 and from there, he progressed his gospel-influnced vocals and pounding piano and set the pattern for his later hits, including, What'd I Say" (1959) and "Hit The Road Jack" (1961). -
James Brown
James Brown (1933-2006) The godfather of Soul, James Brown, created a highly rhythmic style of R&B called funk. Funk combined stripped-down harmonies, driving rhythms, and high-energy vocals to create this compelling musical style. Some of his most popular songs include, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (1965), "Cold Sweat" (1967), and "Say It Loud-I'm Black and I'm Proud (Part 1)" (1968). -
Beach Boys
Beach Boys (1961-Present) The Beach Boys brought the popular sound of surf music to the 60's. Surf music was guitar-based rock about girls, cars, surfing, and other California-based youth activities. Dennis Wilson died by drowning in the early 80's and his brother Carl died a few years back in 1998 of cancer. Some of their hits include, "In My Room" (1963), "Surfer Girl" (1963), "Don't Worry Baby" (1964), "The Little Girl I Once Knew" (1965), "California Girls" (1965), "God Only Knows" (1966). -
The Beatles
The Beatles (1960-1970) The Beatles, whose active time together was short lived compared to other groups, their fame and hundreds of hits proves this band to be one of the greatest groups of all time. They were a British group that brought a perky sound to rock. They swept the nation with their good looks and new sound and produced hits such as, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" (1963), "Can't Buy Me Love" (1964), "A Hard Day's Night" (1964), "Help!" (1965), and "Strawberry Fields" (1967). -
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin (1942-Present) Aretha Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul, started out her career as gospel singer at her father's church. She was noticed by producer Jerry Wexler and becam a household name, With hits including, "Respect" (1967), "Chain of Fools" (1967), "Think" (1968), and "Rock Steady" (1971), Aretha has grown to be one of the best female singers ever. She was the only performer at the 2009 Presidential inauguration ceremony for Barack Obama. -
Sly & the Family Stone
Sly & the Family Stone were active from (1966-1983). Sly and the Family Stone helped the funk era go mainstream in the late 60's. They were one of the few bands that had inter-racial members and mixed genres of music, such as, funk, soul, and rock. The group influenced numerous funk bands in the 70's and beyond, some of their hits included; "Dance to the Music" (1967), "Everyday People" (1969), "Hot Fun in the Summertime" (1969), and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" (1969). -
Woodstock
Woodstock (August 15-18 1969) Woodstock is arguably the most memerable concert ever held. It was held in Bethal, New York on a dariy farm. The concerts message was what caught the attention of people nation wide. After World War 2, all anyone wantd was peace. The three days were dedicated to peace, love, and harmony. The concert included 32 artists, bad trip tents and no violence. After running out of food, everyone banned together and made it one of the most memerable days in music history. -
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson (1958-2009) Michael started out as the baby brother and lead singer in his families group called the Jackson 5. As their fame as a group increased, so did Michael's fame and by the 80's he was on his own and producing some of the most memerable music of all time. With HUGE hits, such as, "Rock with You" (1979), " Billie Jean" (1982), "Beat It" (1982), "Bad" (1987), and the most famous, "Thriller" (1982). He touched the hearts of millions, recognized after his death this year. -
The Rolling Stones
