Berlin: No More Words (1984)

Berlin formed in the late 1970s. They were influenced by the keyboard work of Kraftwerk and Ultravox and emerged as one of the great synthpop bands of the 80s. The video for "No More Words" pays homage to Bonnie and Clyde.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIb9QUGjdIc&ob=av2e

The Beach Boys: God Only Knows (1966)

Brian Wilson moved The Beach Boys away from their surf sound and into a more sophisticated realm with the Pet Sounds album. He experimented with a variety of different sounds and instruments and attempted more ambitious melodies and vocal harmonies. "God Only Knows" was one of the first pop songs to include the word "God" in its title further expanding the group's horizons. The song is probably best known to modern audiences as the theme song to Big Love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOMyS78o5YI

R.E.M.: Try Not To Breathe (1992)

"Try Not To Breathe" is about a dying person asking his family not to cry. The song was not released as a single and appears on Automatic for the People. The album centered on mortality and contained many subdued tracks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RKzpCKexlw

Live (audio only):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRepiaBYo1c

Elton John: I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues (1983)

This song has enjoyed an exceptionally long life. It has been used in commercials, on an episode of Family Guy, and remains a radio staple. It's even been covered by Mary J. Blige. The song peaked at #4 on the Hot 100 in 1984.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6KYAVn8ons&ob=av3e

Mary J Blige:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c7xn3zG0iA

The Year in Music: 1939

The Great Depression began its second decade while World War II broke out in Europe. The music of 1939 reflects the hopes for a better time as well as patriotism. Big band music evolved from swing and dominated the musical landscape beginning in 1935.

The following is a sample of what was popular in 1939:

The #1 song of 1939 was Judy Garland's "Over the Rainbow."

Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HRa4X07jdE

and some other popular tunes.

Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHBvksGdhxA

Little Brown Jug by Glenn Miller:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYo6G8RBjAE

God Bless America by Kate Smith:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8QksTKRYS0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnQDW-NMaRs

Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXdnD39GYVU

When the Saints Go Marching In by Louis Armstrong:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyLjbMBpGDA

Coldplay: Clocks (2002)

"Clocks" is one of the few iconic songs to come out of the 2000s. It's a piano driven song with minimalist accompanyment. The main theme seems to be the obsession over time as well as a sense of urgency. On a totally unrelated note, the Detroit Tigers play "Clocks" after a loss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d020hcWA_Wg&ob=av2n

Frank Sinatra: That's Life (1966)

Frank scored another #1 hit with "That's Life" in 1966. The song was written for Sinatra and managed to top the charts despite the dominance of rock music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avU2aarQUiU&ob=av2n

Frank Sinatra: Strangers in the Night (1966)

Frank Sinatra hated "Strangers in the Night" and called it "a piece of shit." Well, it went to #1. Sometimes there is a disconnect between what artists think and what fans like. The song is famous for Sinatra's improved "doo-be-doo-be-doo" which later inspired Scooby Doo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlSbSKNk9f0

Cinderella: Shelter Me (1990)

In the 1980s, Tipper Gore attacked the music industry and tried to censor popular music. This is Cinderella's response to Tipper and others like her...and yes that is Little Richard in the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgi5xdftOIA&ob=av2e

Sammy Hagar: Give to Live (1987)

Sammy Hagar joined Van Halen in 1985, but still owed his record company an album. In 1987, he released I Never Said Goodbye, which featured the hit singles "Give to Live" and "Where Eagles Fly." The two songs became part of the Van Halen live show and later Sammy's solo shows. "Give to Live" peaked at #23 on the Hot 100 and #1 on the rock charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y0QtTWG_vc

Keith Urban: Long Hot Summer (2011)

Adele is #1 on the pop charts and the Foos on the rock charts. Keith Urban is #1 on the country charts. Why would this song come out later in the year and not in Spring?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dtfBxUTXRY&ob=av2e

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Their career in links...

Rock Hall Bio: 

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-four-seasons/bio/

In 1960, the Four Lovers became the Four Seasons with Frankie Valli on lead vocals. They released their first single in 1961.

Bermuda (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfYLa8FgCmw

Their breakthrough…

Sherry (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW_u-htXz5M

Big Girls Don’t Cry (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVBvy2cc0Io

Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROe1BwVREjo

Walk Like a Man (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMYZBVbifh8

Candy Girl (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRTkgicMbQk

The British Invasion struck, but did not effect the Four Seasons.

Dawn (Go Away) (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE40KM4SGAY

Stay (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFwLXtRrifQ

Rag Doll (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwuL3Up_mpg

Let’s Hang On (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8782KIj_rKw

Working My Way Back to You (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj0BnpvM5cQ

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZrxAn1a6N8&feature=related

By the late 60s, people wanted harder edged rock music and the Four Seasons struggled.

They experienced an up tick in popularity in the mid-70s.

Who Loves You (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs7RuveoIrE

December 1963 (Oh, What a Night) (1975 and 1994):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDxhugRKZ8g

Grease (Frankie Valli solo) (1978):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At4EY7LQzSk

Following Grease, neither Frankie Valli nor the Four Seasons experienced much success on the charts with the exception of “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” return to the charts in 1994.

Ma Rainey: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Her life and career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/ma-rainey/bio/

Ma Raney began performing at 14. She later joined the Rabbit Foot Minstrels and probably coached Bessie Smith.

In 1923, she signed her first record deal.

Bo-Weevil Blues (1923):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtkRYR3NUEM

Moonshine Blues (1923):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3xZa1ShIlU

See See Rider (1924):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9duTAcatzIM

Jelly Bean Blues w/Louis Armstrong (1924):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLkOJ3rhbg4

Black Bottom (1927):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fizLgmUHmw

Soon This Morning (1927):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WCxokAmEv8

When she finished her record contract, she was let go. Music styles had changed. She toured until 1935 and then retired.
Ma Rainey died in 1939.

Louis Armstrong: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

His life and career in links.

Museum site:
http://louisarmstronghouse.org/

Rock Hall Bio:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/louis-armstrong/bio/

Joined King Oliver’s band in 1922 and later became a band leader himself.

Heebie Jeebies (1926):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksmGt2U-xTE

Potato Head Blues (1927):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfGZB78R7uw

West End Blues (1928):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W232OsTAMo8

Muggles was a slang term for marijuana.

Muggles (1928):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY6Yo6lE-Jg

Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1929):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec0Es-Hdpn0

Lazy River (1931):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NqFE9xdIr0

In 1931, he received a suspended sentence on a marijuana conviction. Around the same time, mobsters ran him out of Chicago.

All of Me (1932):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kyfyZJkzL0

When the Saints Go Marching In:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyLjbMBpGDA

In 1937, he became the first African American to host a national radio program.

Stardust (1947):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r94-7nJt-WM

Hello Dolly! (1964):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp4PbwqNdwo

He was the oldest musician with a number 1 when he unseated the Beatles atop the charts in 1964.

What a Wonderful World (1968):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yCcXgbKrE

We Have All the Time in the World (1969): James Bond soundtrack “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJsPoI2w6-A

Blue Yodel #9 w/Johnny Cash (1970):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4RhtRo6-Zs

Louis Armstrong died on July 6, 1971.

“What a Wonderful World” appeared on the Good Morning Vietnam soundtrack from 1987.
　

Simon and Garfunkel: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/simon-and-garfunkel/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.simonandgarfunkel.com/us/home

Paul Simon:

http://www.paulsimon.com/us/home

Art Garfunkel:

http://www.artgarfunkel.com/

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel formed the group Tom and Jerry in 1957.

Hey Schoolgirl as Tom and Jerry (1957):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ftd49btv2s

They hit it big as Simon and Garfunkel in 1965.

The Sound of Silence (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hUy9ePyo6Q

Homeward Bound (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtCDjV_WrDc

I am a Rock (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My9I8q-iJCI

A Hazy Shade of Winter (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSd4QJBEMvk

At the Monterey Pop Music Festival (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6K8wfyzAJQ

Scarborough Fair (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYQaD2CAi9A

They helped develop the soundtrack to The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman.

The Graduate (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-3PP7hfIm4

Mrs. Robinson (1968):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_jmDscGi7E

Joe DiMaggio considered suing over “Mrs. Robinson” until he realized what Paul Simon meant with the line “Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?”

Joe DiMaggio around the time of “Mrs. Robinson”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUB6LBsveH0

Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_a46WJ1viA

Cecilia (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5_QV97eYqM

El Condor Pasa (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pey29CLID3I

The duo split in 1970. The pair reunited several times over the years.

Saturday Night Live (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqdZ4AWSaI

The Concert in Central Park (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PNun-Pfb4

Wake Up Little Susie (1982):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq7Ja6-J26E

Grammy Awards (2003):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=debgoWX1tLU

The pair reunited for a tour in 2004-05.

They planned a tour for 2010, but Garfunkel suffered from vocal chord paresis. The tour is on hold.

Toby Keith: Made in America (2011)

#1 this week on the country charts: Toby Keith. Adele is #1 on the pop charts and Foo Fighters are  #1 on the rock charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaAF_3WMJGM&ob=av2e

The Platters: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Rock Hall Bio:
http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-platters/bio/

The Platters formed in 1953.

Only You (And You Alone) (1955):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r2pEdc1_lI

The Great Pretender (1955):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1oJuwkXr0E

The group incorporated in 1955 and earned stock and full royalties.

(You’ve Got) The Magic Touch (1956):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6a-7zjsFaU

My Prayer (1956):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syMjvdK2wDo

You’ll Never Know (1956):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B1iX33N89w

Twilight Time (1958):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWHuZa1DxrM

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (1958):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57tK6aQS_H0

Harbor Lights (1960):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkVedlqywJs

I’ll Never Smile Again (1961):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl1ftD6yWk4

With this Ring (1967):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M54vhpQy0m8

Since the 1970s, legal battles have gone on over The Platters name. Today, there are at least four “Platters” on tour.
　

The Kinks: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Their career in links.

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-kinks/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.thekinks.info/

The Kinks formed in 1964 and rode the British Invasion to America.
Their first single covered Little Richard.

Long Tall Sally (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2eC0en8a98

They set the blueprint for garage rock, hard rock and metal with:

You Really Got Me (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTV48ZUrfnI

All Day and All of the Night (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4DV-5d6a5g&feature=related

Tired of Waiting for You (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz64hWng2vM&feature=related

Despite the success, the band fought constantly and violently.

Set Me Free (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaojZhoeE5s&feature=related

They added Indian influences with “See My Friends”

See My Friends (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCSzxkbMri8

Sunny Afternoon (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h1oRP7FfBw

Ray Davies continued to grow as a songwriter. The Kinks entered their peak creative period in 1967.

Waterloo Sunset (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J3gX47rHGg

Death of a Clown (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xnqf_UXmHmo

Autumn Almanac (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_u0gn1I8xQ

In 1968, the band retired from touring.

Plastic Man (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f95UCJs2rUA

Lola (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixqbc7X2NQY

Apeman (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEep67akIn4

20^th Century Man (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrmQB38aT5U

Supersonic Rocket Ship (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XV1WSCgXzM

Celluloid Heroes (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp_QkUVZGPc

In 1973, Davies tried his hand at the rock opera.

Sitting in the Midday Sun (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpxX6tng9jM

In 1977, he scrapped the rock opera…at the same time new acts, like Van Halen and the Pretenders, were covering the Kinks.

Sleepwalker (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-uRq16lai0

Father Christmas (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjaPXihbORk

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzgIl9Qt7Bg

Better Things (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYSNj9oyT3w

Destroyer (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRpAANsoG8I

Come Dancing (1982):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs2kFrGluKs

Don’t Forget to Dance (1982):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ta118a0crk

Their popularity declined in the mid-80s and they split in 1996. Rumors persist of a possible reunion.
　

The Four Tops: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-four-tops/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.thefourtopsoriginal.com/

Their career in links.

In 1956, Levi Stubbs, Duke Fakir, Obie Benson, and Lawrence Payton sang together at a birthday party. They decided to stay together and signed with Chess Records. They changed their name from The Four Aims to The Four Tops and later signed with Motown Records.

Baby I Need Your Loving (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joqjBAJx4ZA

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3bksUSPB4c

It’s the Same Old Song (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS2nWLz-AbE

Motown was not immune to what was going on in the 60s. The Four Tops echoed the streets with…

Reach Out I’ll Be There (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnDm3qr1Knk

And a more depressed Tops released…

Standing in the Shadows of Love (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhtzMwA5gJI&feature=related

Bernadette (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVM00eoohI

7 Rooms of Gloom (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZdhvTUZZwI

If I Were a Carpenter (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXX36b_mlMo

Their chief songwriters, Holland-Dozier-Holland quit Motown over a royalty dispute with Berry Gordy. They struggled until 1970.

Still Water (Love) (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NASl6heMzw

It’s All in the Game (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvD7RkEkH5A

River Deep-Mountain High w/The Supremes (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHpH5rnX0Ec

Their Still Waters Run Deep album inspired Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On?

They left Motown in 1972 when Gordy relocated to LA. They joined ABC Records.

Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I Got) (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drotqeAuVRI

In 1980, they signed with Casablanca Records.

When She Was My Girl (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejg-22i4VYQ

They returned to Motown in 1983.

Indestructible (1988):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COtHMn2BUDE

They were scheduled to fly on Pan Am Flight 103, but missed their plane.

Since the late 80s, they have concentrated more on touring and less on recording.

Holland, Dozier, Holland: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Official Site:

http://www.hollanddozierholland.com/

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/holland-dozier-and-holland/bio/

Holland, Dozier, Holland is one of the greatest songwriting teams in history. They worked at Motown from 1962-1967 and continued as a team until 1974.
Here is a sampling of their hits:

Heatwave by Martha and the Vandellas (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE2fnYpwrng

Where Did Out Love Go by the Supremes (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzKUoxL11E

Baby Love by the Supremes (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23UkIkwy5ZM

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) by the Four Tops (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3bksUSPB4c

Reach Out I’ll Be There by the Four Tops (1966):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnDm3qr1Knk

Baby I Need Your Loving by Johnny Rivers (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqfEQwrR5Wc

Band of Gold by Freda Payne (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_65LLafsa9g

This Old Heart of Mine by Rod Stewart with Ronald Isley (1990):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9eQShsxkj4

Hank Ballard: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/hank-ballard/bio/

1953: Ballard joined The Royals.

Get It (1953):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWNJuWqZqlE

They changed their name to The Midnighters in 1954.

Work With Me Annie (1954): Banned by the FCC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW7gAc96Gmc

Annie Had a Baby (1954): Banned by the FCC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqcOsy2xgvk

Annie’s Aunt Fannie (1954): Banned by the FCC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HvDE9VoCMM

Sexy Ways (1954):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3khr_lp6CY&feature=related

The Twist (1959):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxzHA7zkepw

Finger Poppin’ Time (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWIH91sH1mI

Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPhe97IYAko&feature=related

The Midnighters broke up in 1965.

Solo:

How You Gonna Get Respect (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeg_lFpOsYU

From the Love Side (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHPQBg1XyoE

In the mid-80s, the Midnighters reformed.

Hank Ballard died in 2003 of throat cancer.

R.E.M.: It Happened Today (2011)

When I first heard this song, I thought it might be the sequel to "Everybody Hurts." The hurt continues into the beginning of "It Happened Today" and then dissipates as someone comes of age. Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam makes an appearance on the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRR1a4LAdNA&ob=av2e