1961 in Music

1961 provided a lull in rock music. Although Elvis returned, the pop scene focused on teen idols. However, change was coming. Motown began to move, Bob Dylan was a year away, and the seeds of the British Invasion were planted when The Beatles made their Cavern Club debut.

Motown scored it's first million seller with "Shop Around" and signed The Supremes. The Beach Boys release their initial single. Frank Sinatra starts Reprise Records. Judy Garland performed at Carnegie Hall. Patsy Cline is seriously injured in an auto accident.


Shop Around by The Miracles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGXa3FiXKM




I Fall to Pieces by Patsy Cline:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuZTk1hdpMs




Judy Garland:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-i2uXjQZHs



#1 Song of 1961:


Stand By Me by Ben E. King:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwZNL7QVJjE

Other important releases:



Runaway by Del Shannon

At Last by Etta James

Crazy by Patsy Cline

Crying by Roy Orbison

Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles

Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes

Runaround Sue by Dion

The Wanderer by Dion

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by The Shirelles
Other Hits:


Let's Twist Again by Chubby Checker

Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis Presley

Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka

Hello Mary Lou By Ricky Nelson

Spanish Harlem by Ben E. King

The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens

Darlene Love: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2011

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/darlene-love/bio/

Official Site: http://darleneloveworld.com/

Darlene Love began her career in the church choir. She joined a girl group, The Blossoms, which worked with Phil Spector.

She sang lead on...

He's A Rebel by The Crystals (1962): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_SXJ18EkNw


She sang backup on many major hits including:

Be My Baby by The Ronettes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-bcn6Rwn44

The Monster Mash by Boris Pickett: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOFCQ2bfmHw

That's Life by Frank Sinatra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NCN6tl_DY0


Solo:

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah (1962): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bWyhj7siEY

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (1963): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV8x7H3DD8Y

Wait Til My Bobby Comes Home (1963): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWSlWvheoNg

Basketball Jones (1973): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu0-j-4TjWg

All Alone on Christmas (1992): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmHbNMCDJyU


She also starred as Trish Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon movies.

1956 in music

The first rock era began in earnest in 1955. The genre exploded dramatically the following year as Elvis Presley became the biggest artist since Frank Sinatra. Elvis was omnipresent in 1956. His talent, youth, and good looks helped expand rock’s appeal to America’s teens. Presley had four #1 singles that year and three of 1956’s top 5 hits. His appearance on Ed Sullivan was a key milestone for that generation.

#1 song of the year:

Que Sera Sera by Doris Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbKHDPPrrc

 

Elvis on Ed Sullivan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGZm7EOamWk

 

Other hits of 1956:

Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mix3gmzPa0

Hound Dog by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzQ8GDBA8Is

Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71fuhzYDeT4

Don’t Be Cruel by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUWMSVDPdGQ

Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76We6yBnIKE

I Want You, I Need You, I Love You by Elvis Presley:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Obxq3kvnc

Be-Bop-A-Lula by Gene Vincent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDU9FP5_B2M

I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yqGujr2-Jw

Blue Suede Shoes by Carl Perkins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAa8BW_sR_c

I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEV58ztuihs

Roll Over Beethoven by Chuck Berry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT3kCVFFLNg

1954 in music

Frank Sinatra wins an Academy Award for From Here to Eternity. The award ignites an amazing comeback for Sinatra. However, a music revolution is underway that few recognize. Alan Freed used the term “rock n roll” for the first time to promote his “Rock n Roll Jubilee.” Bill Haley records “Rock Around the Clock” which would ignite rock n roll. Elvis Presley records “That’s All Right (Mama)” at Sun Studios. Big Joe Turner recorded “Shake Rattle and Roll”, which became a huge hit for Haley. Muddy Waters released the highly influential blues work “Hoochie Coochie Man”, which influenced the next generation of rock stars. Meanwhile, Les Paul creates the first 8 track recorder. In the end, what we think of as the 1950s music scene began in 1954.

#1 song of 1954:

Mr. Sandman by the Chordettes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNuX7bs2qAM

And other hits:

Sh-Boom by the Crew Cuts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9G0-4TWwew

Secret Love by Doris Day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL87sHjXlVU

Hey There by Rosemary Clooney: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSASnjrWxmY

Oh! My Pa-Pa by Eddie Fisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y04seHfYLAA

Other songs of note:

Earth Angel by The Penguins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJcGi4-n_Yw

In The Still of the Night by The Satins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRb1-SAAIzs

Someone to Watch Over Me by Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07b0SbWWFc

Tenderly by Nat King Cole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaK5tSm-H58

I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man by Muddy Waters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_ZhBcNiQQ

Shake Rattle and Roll by Big Joe Turner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Feq_Nt3nM

 

1953 in Music

Elvis Presley begins recording in 1953. At the same time, Frank Sinatra moves to Capitol Records. Bill Haley scores the first rock hit on the Billboard charts and The Platters form. Hank Williams Sr. recorded the most important and timeless song of the year.  Most of the other major events occurred in Opera.

Your Cheatin’ Heart by Hank Williams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS4LCoh0VGQ

#1 song of the year: Dean Martin “That’s Amore”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69O4PXzAQ5Y

Other hits:

Vaya Con Dios by Les Paul and Mary Ford: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqZ0Sdz_V40

Don’t Let Stars Get in Your Eyes by Perry Como: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmkg_E2evbg

I’m Walking Behind You by Eddie Fisher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vTTjjCQz-w

Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y22tIJ6toPY

Hey Joe by Frankie Laine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0z6BbTpsaY

Three Coins in a Fountain by Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VYWvEkDBtw

And the first rock hit:

Crazy Man, Crazy by Bill Haley and the Comets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBWF2m6K7sQ

Hal Blaine: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2000

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/hal-blaine/bio/

Hal Blaine is a session drummer that worked with everyone from Elvis to John Denver.

Some of the works he appeared on include:

Be My Baby by the Ronettes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCCTn4eviFg

Strangers in the Night by Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbnNr4FzPXg

Help Me Rhonda by The Beach Boys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81BjS3k_FZ8

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww

Up, Up, and Away by The Fifth Dimension: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5akEgsZSfhg

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PNun-Pfb4

Song Sung Blue by Neil Diamond: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ighSddnnaPE

Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain and Tennille: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BURIAZwJkPc

1947 in music

The music industry continued on in 1947 much in the way it did in 1946. Jazz was changing in Charlie Parker’s wake.  George Jones began his career and Patti Page signed a record deal.  Overall, 1947 was a rather drab year in music.

Near You by Francis Craig

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

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah by James Baskett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bWyhj7siEY

Ballerina by Vaughn Monroe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKALVe6P7oE

Always by Frank Sinatra

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLh-m1Z_feY

April Showers by Al Jolson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMCU7OF3sVM
 

Frank Sinatra: My Way (1969)

There are few songs that match their artist more than "My Way" and Frank Sinatra. The tune is about an aging man reflecting back on his life and realizing he might not have made all the right choices, but the choices were his. Paul Anka adapted a 1967 French pop song and gave it to Sinatra. It hit #27 on the charts in 1969. In the U.K., it set a record by appearing in the Top 40 for 75 weeks. It did not leave the British charts until September 1971. The 75 weeks is a record that still stands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egY8rUpxqcE

1946 in Music

Big Band music helped Americans through World War II.  The jazz scene dramatically changed the following year. Charlie Parker released “Ko-Ko” ushering in a revolution in jazz. The genre became less viable commercially and more artist driven. As a result, people gravitated toward pop and away from jazz. It was a defining moment that helped lead to rock n roll because pop was boring and Jazz unlistenable. On a side note,  B.B. King, Bill Haley, and Chet Atkins all began their careers in 1946.

Ko-Ko by Charlie Parker:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ZajJd-1kY

Prisoner of Love by Perry Como:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbNPg_Rp0ws

Five Minutes More by Frank Sinatra:

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

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! By Vaughn Monroe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbb3skLR0Bo

To Each His Own by the Ink Spots:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pRarUQD3L8

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole:

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

Frank Sinatra: High Hopes (Kennedy 1960)

FDR had "Happy Days Are Here Again" and JFK followed with a catchy tune of his own. He borrowed Frank Sinatra's talents for "High Hopes" to tap into the optimism and youth of his campaign. JFK won a nail biter over V.P. Richard Nixon.

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

Here is another campaign song from 1960:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DoUiNxh6_0&feature=related

1942 in Music

World War II came to America in December 1941. As a result, the music of 1942 became the soundtrack of the GI Generation. Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” really touched a chord and emerged as one of the biggest hits of all time. It remains so to this day. By the end of 1942, the Allies had won amazing victories over the Axis, but the war dragged on until 1945. Here are some of the biggest hits of 1942:

White Christmas by Bing Crosby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSUT8Inl14

Moonlight Cocktail by Glenn Miller:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VniYZH5KnUE

I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo by Glenn Miller:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TurG8WeEQk4

Jingle, Jangle, Jingle by Kay Kyser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RcJLOl1nPk

Der Fuehrer’s Face by Spike Jones:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1583adUqSg

Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree by The Andrews Sisters:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5u8E4s57I0

Night and Day by Frank Sinatra:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsB7nvIohVw

Tangerine by Jimmy Dorsey:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-JDUnZv1N0

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

Frank Sinatra: Sunday, Monday, or Always (1943)

Sinatra-mania! When Frank appeared in New York on New Years, 1943, the girls went wild and rushed Times Square tying up traffic for hours.

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

911. I've Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra (1956)

Cole Porter wrote "I've Got You Under My Skin" in 1936. It appeared in the musical Born to Dance that year. Sinatra adapted the song for himself in 1946, but it did not become fully Sinatra-ized until he recorded it a decade later with a band. Since '56, the song has been associated with Sinatra and is considered one of his signature works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab4VD_ll3h0

The Four Seasons scored a top 10 hit covering it in 1966.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnaeZTE7Pdo

The song re-emerged in the nineties as a duet between Sinatra and Bono from U2.

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