The Decade of Nondirection 1950s: a blend of R&B, C&W and pop , creating rock & roll 1960s: a fragmented music market where the Beatles overwhelmed all

markets Rock eventually blended with other styles to create folk rock, soul music, jazz

rock, and art rock Mainstream rock was rejuvenated by the British in the mid-1960s and created 2

styles: The harder blues-based style (Stones)

This then turned into “acid” or “psychedelic rock” The refined, expansionist style (Beatles)

Early 1970s: what styles will appear now???

In the early 1970s: Beatles were disbanding 4 students were killed at Kent State University Vietnam War protest Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison all pass away Altamont violence just happened in December 1969

The youth movement was gone; the youth thought there would be no new exciting trends, revolutionary styles or musical giants. Instead: fragmentation, reaction and continuation.

Factors that characterize the 1970s:

1) The fragmentation of the market Roots laying in the “me first” mentality

Self-realization, self-fulfillment; people wanting to “find themselves” Students concerned with acquiring skills needed for jobs and making money Many of these students were tired of the “heavy” stuff and went back to simpler

styles of disco, country-oriented rock and hard rock Society fragmented into self-interest groups (black, white, male, female,

youth, adult, lower class, upper class, etc) Went from an “either/or” society to a “multiple option” society Radio discovered “formatting”; programming certain styles for a specific

audience Music was divided and segregated into categories and genres

The Decade of Nondirection (cont)

Factors that characterize the 1970s (cont):

2) The consolidation of power within the record industry By the end of the 1970s, the rock market was controlled by 6 major

companies Each fragment of the market was given the product it wanted Stick to the product that works; one they know, understand, and like

Across all 1970s music:

Electronic technology- the synthesizer was in almost every style

Sound reproduction- new heights of sophistication

Recording studio technology- unlimited spectrum of possibilities

Therefore, the 70s is know as the decade of electronic rock

The Decade of Nondirection (cont)

The British Keep Coming The rock mainstream split in the 1970s:

The harder, blues-based (Stones) British art rock trend – eventually fragmented further art rock became known as “progressive rock” “heavy metal”- increased the “hardness” “glitter rock” or “glam rock”- a visual/theatrical distinction Others rebelled against everything and developed the “punk” trend

The refined, expansionist (Beatles) trend: Art rock Top 40 oriented- commercially popular sound

The British Keep ComingEric Clapton & Cream Was a member of the Bluesbreakers and Yardbirds Formed Cream in 1966 (a rock trio)

Their second album, Disraeli Gears (1967), has many improvisational solos “Sunshine of Your Love” (#5 in 1968) uses a very common riff

Wheels of Fire (1968) uses the 12-bar blues “Politician” “Crossroads”

The band broke up in late 1968 Formed the short-lived band, Derek and the Dominoes (1970-

1972) “Layla” – written about his on-and-off love affair with Patti Harrison

Ocean Boulevard released under his own name in 1974 “I Shot the Sheriff”- a #1 hit composed by Bob Marley

The British Keep Coming (cont)Stevie Winwood Born in England in 1948 Formed the group Traffic in 1967

This group had constant breakups, reorganizations, and personnel shifts

Released John Barleycorn Music Die in 1970 (#5) Combined jazz and folk elements with rock

In 1974 the group disbanded Solo release: Back in the High Life (#3 in 1986)

“Higher Love” (#1 and received a Grammy) “The Finer Things” (#8)

Released Roll With It in 1988 (#1) “Roll With It” (#1) “Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do?” (#6) “Holding On” (#11)

The British Keep Coming (cont)Rod Stewart Born in London in 1945 Helped form the Jeff Beck Group in 1967 By 1970, he joined the group Faces & also pursued a solo career His 2nd album: Gasoline Alley (1970)

Hard-rocking album with blues roots Stewart had a hoarse, raspy voice, perfect for the shouting traditionh

of blues-based mainstream rock 3rd album: Every Picture Tells a Story (1971 and #1)

“Maggie May” (#1 in 1971) Atlantic Crossing (1975- made the Top 10)

Some feel his post-1975 work falls short of his earlier blues-based classics

“I Don’t Want To Talk About It”

The Gentler Side of the BritishFleetwood Mac Formed in 1967 from the John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers Debuted as the quartet in August 1967- Jeremy Spencer,

Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie In the early 1970s, they transitioned from a strong blues

base style to a softer style Moved to Los Angeles by 1974 with a new lineup: Fleetwood,

two McVies, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham Fleetwood Mac (1975) became their first #1 album Rumours (1977)

“Dreams” (#1) “Go Your Own Way”

By the 1980s, many members pursued individual careers, including Stevie Nix

The Gentler Side of the British (cont)Elton John Born as Reginald Dwight in England in 1947 2nd album: Elton John (1970)

“Your Song” made the Top 10 in 1971 From 1971-1976, he released 9 albums; 7 became #1 Honky Chateau

“Honky Cat” “Rocket Man”

Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player “Crocodile Rock” “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” “Bennie and the Jets”

1975- he starred in the movie version of Tommy 1997- he remade “Candle in the Wind” for Princess Diana’s

funeral Reached 11 million sales in the first month

Soundtracks: The Lion King and The Road to El Dorado

The Gentler Side of the British (cont)Peter Frampton Played with the group Herd in the late 1960s and with

Humble Pie in the early 1970s His solo career began with Frampton Comes Alive! (1976)

Reached #1 for 10 weeks “Do You Feel Like We Do”

Featured a “voice box”

His follow-up album: I’m in You (1977) Only reached #2

Mainstream Rock in the StatesCreedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) Led by John Fogerty in San Francisco Formed as a high school group called the Blue Velvets in 1959;

group later became known as the Golliwogs and then CCR in 1967 Remade the hit “Suzie Q” by Dale Hawkins (#11 in 1968) 2nd album: Bayou Country (1969)- fosters the deep southern image

“Proud Mary” (#2 in 1969) Willy and the Poorboys

“It Came Out of the Sky” “Down on the Corner” “Cotton Fields”

1971- Tom Fogerty left the band (John’s brother) They released Mardi Gras but it was not as successful October 1971- they disbanded

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Doobie Brothers Formed in San Jose in 1969 1st album: Toulouse Street (1972)

“Listen to the Music” (#11 in 1972) They were on the softer side of mainstream The Captain and Me (#7 in 1973)

“Long Train Running” (#8) “China Grove” (#15)

Tom Johnston (lead singer) left the band in 1977 due to illness Continued with 2 members from Steely Dan

Their music became more sophisticated and jazz-oriented By 1982, their popularity peak passed

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Steve Miller Raised in Dallas and liked R&B Moved to Chicago to play with Muddy Waters Moved to San Francisco in 1966 and formed his own band

He remained with the blues-based rock instead of joining the acid rock scene

His big break was his 9th Album: The Joker (# 2 in 1973) “The Joker” (#1)

1982: Abracadabra (#3) “Abracadabra” (#1)

His music showed his blues roots with a little country and the old San Francisco sound

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Sly and the Family Stone Sylvester Stewart was born in 1944 in Dallas but moved to California He created “psychedelic soul”- soul music with psychedelic rock His group, The Stoners, became known as “Sly and the Family Stone”

in 1967 Dance to the Music (1968)- title song made top 10 4th album: Stand! (#13 in 1969)

“Everyday People” (#1) They performed at Woodstock in 1969

The Woodstock film enhanced their popularity “I Want to Take You Higher”

Their style combined many elements: Funky beat with bass line and jazzy/soul hornline The guitar work was the psychedelic sound of San Francisco Their lyrics were drug-, black-, and youth-oriented Typically 2 or 3 lead singers on one sing

By 1971, the group began deteriorating

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Journey Began in 1973 with former Santana members (Gregg Rolie & Neal

Schon) 1977- Steve Perry added as lead singer 4th album: Infinity (#21 in 1978)

“Wheel in the Sky” By 1980, only 2 original members remained (Schon and Ross

Valory) Frontiers (#2 in 1983)

Side 1 contains milder material Side 2 reflects a hard rock and heavy metal style “Faithfully” – ballad “Edge of the Blade” – heavy metal

“Open Arms” - ballad Other songs to note: “Any Way You Want It” and “Don’t Stop

Believin’”

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)The Allman Brothers 1969- Duane and Gregg Allman (born in Nashville in 1946/47)

formed the group A sextet with 2 drummers and a dual lead guitar format Initiated the southern rock trend

Their breakthrough was the live album At Fillmore East (1971) “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” “Whipping Post”

Duane died in a motorcycle accident in October 1971 His last recordings were on the double album, Eat a Peach (#4 in 1972) The bassist was killed in a motorcycle accident near Duane’s accident a

year later Brothers and Sisters (#1 in 1973)

“Southbound”- a 12-bar blues blending R&B and rock 1976- the band had fragmented

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Lynyrd Skynyrd Their roots can be traced back to Jacksonville, Florida in the mid-

1960s Had same instrumentation as the Allman Brothers but added a third

lead guitar They toured with The Who in 1973 “Sweet Home Alabama” (Top 10 in 1974) 1977- the band’s charter plane crashed, killing Ronnie Van Zant, 2

other members, and injuring others Street Survivors was released 3 days prior to the crash and became #5

on the charts 1982- Best of the Rest – compilation album with 12-bar blues rock

songs “I’m a Country Boy” – shows black vocal style from R&B tradition with a

hard rock riff Another song to note: “Free Bird”

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Kansas Sometimes considered as a progressive rock band or art rock band

Included violin and form structure was more than verse-chorus Formed in 1971 by 6 members from Topeka, Kansas Leftoverture (#5 in 1976)

“Carry On Wayward Son” (#11 in 1977) Point of Know Return (#4 in 1977)

“Dust in the Wind” (#6) 1983- the group disbanded

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Styx They are considered mainstream rock, progressive rock, and soft

rock From Chicago Styx II (released in 1973) made the Top 20 in 1975

“Lady” (#6) “Babe” (#1 in 1979) – was part of soft rock style Their style fluctuated from a harder sound to a softer sound at times

Other song to note: “Come Sail Away”

Mainstream Rock in the States (cont)Foreigner An international band- 3 New Yorkers and 3 Londoners Formed in 1976 and signed with Atlantic Records Foreigner (1977) was their first album Also moved from hard rock to heavy metal to softer side for contrast 4 (#1 album in 1981)

“Waiting for a Girl Like You” Agent Provocateur (1984)

“I Want to Know What Love Is” (#1 in 1985) – power ballad

Mainstream Rock in the EightiesBruce Springsteen Born in 1949 in Freehold, NJ and worked throughout NJ and NYC 1972- signed a deal with Columbia Records thanks to John

Hammond Born To Run (1975) broke top 5

“Born To Run” (#23 in 1975) Side 2 features Clarence Clemons on saxophone Bruce’s voice was raw and unsophisticated Lyrics are related to the folk rock trend- discusses average working-person

themes “Meeting Across the River” “Jungleland”

Born in the U.S.A. (#1 in 1984) “Born in the U.S.A.” (#9) “Dancing in the Dark” (#2) “Cover Me” (#7)

Mainstream Rock in the Eighties (cont)Bruce Springsteen (cont) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Live: 1975-85 (1986)

5-record box set “War” reached Top 10

Tunnel of Love (#1) “Brilliant Disguise” “Tunnel of Love”

By 1989, he split from the E Street Band

Mainstream Rock in the Eighties (cont)U2 Formed in 1976 in Ireland Island Records signed the band to a contract in 1980 War became #12 in 1983 Under a Blood Red Sky was #28 (live album)

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” “New Years Day”

The Unforgettable Fire (#12) “4th of July”- has a New Age feeling “Bad”- repetitive and minimalistic “MLK” – Bono’s vocal abilities are taxed

Mainstream Rock in the Eighties (cont)U2 (cont) The Joshua Tree (#1 in 1987)

The group was together for 11 years without a change in membership Was awarded a Grammy- “Album of the Year” “With or Without You” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” “Where The Streets Have No Name”

Rattle and Hum (#1 in 1988) Double album that adds other stars to the songs “Helter Skelter” “Hawkmoon”

Achtung Baby (#1 in 1991) Zooropa (#1 in 1993)

“The First Time” All That You Can’t Leave Behind (#3 in 2000)

“Beautiful Day” “Stuck in a Moment That You Can’t Get Out Of”

Mainstream Rock in the Eighties (cont)Huey Lewis and the News The band played a variety of styles including punk, new wave, and

disco throughout the U.S. and England Picture This (1982) became #13 Sports (#1 in 1983)

“Heart and Soul” (#8) “I Want a New Drug” (#6) “The Heart of Rock and Roll” (#6) “If This Is It” (#6)

“The Power of Love” was the theme in the movie Back to the Future Lewis was considered a nostalgic throwback to earlier rock and roll

days by contrasting the sex, drugs and violence trend of 1980s rock Simply a good guy playing rock and roll

Mainstream Rock in the Eighties (cont)Female Stars

Tina Turner Appeared as a “new” star in the mid-1980s Private Dancer (#3 in 1984)

“What’s Love Got To Do With It” (#1)

Blondie A male quintet with lead singer Debby Harry from NYC punk-new wave

scene “Heart of Glass” (#1 in 1979)

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Came from punk background “I Love Rock’n’Roll” (1981-1982)

Pat Benatar Classically trained singer “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” (1980)

Mainstream Rock Beyond the EightiesSome artists maintained a classic rock act

Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Eagles

Some artists became more mellow Eric Clapton, Sting, Elton John, Eagles

Some artists moved toward the softer, more adult-oriented sound but continued to produce rebellious, energetic, and often loud aspects of rock & roll

Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel

Several artists turned towards classical music Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Billy Joel

1970 Original Version 1992 Acoustic Version

“Layla” by Eric Clapton

High energy rock feeling 2 screaming rock guitars Vocal style was like youth

rebellion Prominent guitar riff

throughout Tempo: 114-120 bpm Beat is in 2 subdivisions

during verse and in 4 subdivisions during the chorus

Relaxed, laid-back musical feeling

Acoustic guitar and acoustic piano

Vocal style is lighter and mature

Guitar riff is gone Tempo: 93 bpm Beat is in 3 subdivisions

• The 1992 version earned 9 Grammy nominations.• He was awarded 6 Grammys including Record of the Year, Song of the

Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Tears in Heaven”

Rock LyricsEarly Topics 1950s- boy-girl romance, good times, teenage life in the 1950s 1960s-the folk trend brought about social and political issues,

promoted change in society, provided a better way of life

Drugs 1967- drugs became explicit and obvious (no longer a double

entendre) Since the 1960s- artists reflected the drug-oriented segment of the

rock community and spread the pro-drug message to a broader audience Therefore yes, rock music was an active agent in the growing use of drugs

Sex The late 1960s had more explicit sexual references It remained constant through the 1970s and intensified in the 1980s Two aspects: 1) combination of sex and violence, 2) fascination of

“deviant” sexual behavior

Rock Lyrics (cont)Rebellion The more the adult society did not like it, the more kids did It became a youth society The rebellion of the 70s and 80s grew increasingly angry and

negative Including against school, parents and other authority figures Rappers then carried these topics further against women, police, and white

people There was a trend towards the occult and satanism

Suicide A few songs were fascinated in death in the late 50s and early 60s By the 1980s, suicide rates had tripled and was the 2nd leading cause

of death of people under 25 yrs old, many of which committed suicide while listening to suicide-oriented songs

Not all rock-and-roll lyrics deal explicitly or implicitly with drugs, sex, violent rebellion, satanism and suicide.