Music appreciation

What is the birthdate of American popular music, with the Virginia Minstrels presenting the first complete Minstrel Show in Boston?

March 7th 1843

who was the delta Blues singer first inducted into the “27 Club”

Robert Johnson

What is the southern city that could be considered the birthplace of jazz? What year did the Federal Government close down a major portion of the city, spreading jazz around the country?

Storyville Louisiana

In the 30s and 40s what was the style of jazz that dominated this era making it the only style of jazz to be the main popular music style in music history

Swing Jazz

What's the name given to the paired-down musical ensemble of the Big Band, as exemplified by Louis Jordan?

Jump band

Who was the most important white band leader during the big band swing era

Benny Goodman

What is the name of the first major new style of jazz that came as a reaction to the commercialization of Big Band swing?

bebop Jazz

What were the three main waves of Latin music influx into North America? Include the decades these styles came up north.

Caribana Music ( 1910s)

Cuban Music (1930s)

Carambola (1950s)

What was the independent record label founded by two Polish brothers that specialized in blues?

Chess records

What record label discovered Elvis Presley? In which city were they founded?

Sun records and Memphis Tennessee

What is the jazz style that is the direct predecessor to Rock rhythm? How did it become rock rhythm?

Jump blues it became rock rhythm because of its strong backbeat, Melodic focus, and it was guitar driven

What is the artist name of the main proponent of "electric blues", a musician who moved from Mississippi to Chicago?

Muddy Waters

How were Doo-Woop groups important in the racial integration of popular music in American culture? Include both male and female groups

bridging racial divides, challenging segregation, and promoting a sense of community among young people. While primarily a Black genre, its popularity transcended racial lines, leading to the formation of mixed-race groups where Black and White vocalists harmonized together. 

Why was Ray Charles Robinson extremely controversial when he first started in the 1950s?

because he mixed gospel and blues

What's the difference between Rock and Rockabilly?

Rockabilly is a subgenre of rock and roll; the perfect blend of rock, country, and rhythm and blues. The name itself comes from its primary sources: rock and country, or “hillbilly” music as it was referred to at the time

Who can we rightfully consider the "inventor" of Rock'a'Roll? Name some of his musical hits.

Chucky berry

Johnny B Good

You can never tell

Sweet little sixteen

How were Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis very similar, both musically and in their personal lives?

Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis were both pivotal figures in the early days of rock and roll, sharing a vibrant musical style and a somewhat chaotic personal life. Both were known for their high-energy, almost frenetic stage performances and distinctive piano playing, contributing to the genre's energetic and rebellious spirit. 

What are your thoughts on Payola? Is it dead?

Yes, I still think this is something used today. Because it is easy to hide in today’s digital world.

What dance craze did Chubby Checker start? What's so extraordinary about it?

The twist

It broke away from couple dance and created a more open kind of dance

Who was Phil Spector? What did he contribute to popular music and what were his personal, negative traits? Which singer of the Ronnettes did he marry and abuse, necessitating her escape?

Phil Spector was a highly influential American music producer known for his groundbreaking "Wall of Sound" recording technique and his work with iconic groups like The Ronettes and The Righteous Brothers. While he achieved immense success in music, his personal life was marked by erratic behavior, including domestic violence and accusations of mental abuse against his wife, Veronica "Ronnie" Bennett, the lead singer of The Ronettes. Ronnie Spector eventually escaped the marriage and moved to London.

Who is considered the last Rockabilly singer and the first Country Rock musician?

Bob Dylan

Who are the two main bands that represent West Coast rock during the 60s?

Kingsman and Beach Boys

Quickly run through Bob Dylan's life. What is his significance to popular music?

Dylan, born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1941, developed a passion for folk music, particularly influenced by artists like Woody Guthrie. He moved to New York City in the early 1960s, becoming a prominent figure in the New York folk music scene. Dylan's first album, "Bob Dylan," was released in 1962, and he gained recognition for his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics. His second album, "The Freewheeling' Bob Dylan," featured protest songs like "Blowing' in the Wind" and "A Hard Rain's A-Gunna Fall," which resonated with the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war sentiments. In the mid-1960s, Dylan transitioned to electric rock and roll, shocking some of his original fans but further solidifying his reputation as a rebellious innovator.

How would you describe the differences between Paul McCartney songs and John Lennon songs?

McCarntey wrote more upbeat and happy songs whereas Lennon focused more on themes of drugs and the feeling of being high.

Who was Berry Gordy, and what was the importance of his company?

He founded Motown records which dominated RNB in the 70s

What style of music was the main inspiration for the Rolling Stones and other "hard rock" bands? Provide a few examples of these musicians

Rolling Stones were inspired by Muddy water and Howlin Wolf many other Hard Rock bands were inspired by classical musicians like Vivaldi and Beethoven.

Who was the lead singer of Black Sabbath? Describe some of the social the political problems the band Black Sabbath brings to the foreground. Who were some musicians before them who used occultic and demonic imagery to help with sales?

The lead singer was Ozzy Osbourne

Cult and devil worshipping

What song first used the phrase "heavy metal," inspiring the musical style designation? What year did this song come out?

“Born to be wild” by Steppenwolf and it came out in 1968

Name two bands (along with some of their songs) from the Heavy Metal revival of the 1980s.

Scorpion (No one likes you and Rock you like a hurricane)

Def Leppard (Pour some sugar on me and heaven)

What is the main philosophical influence behind Punk?

No future was punks slogan

How did Nirvana "kill" heavy metal?

Nirvana killed heavy metal because of there song teen spirit that came out which was fully grunge and became the new normal

How was Kurt Cobain's death a subject of much controversy at the time and after his death?

Kurt Cobain was said to have killed himself but many believe it was his crazy abusive wife Courtney love

How did James Brown bring rock'n'roll closer to its African roots? What was his nickname?

James Brown, known as the "Godfather of Soul," brought rock'n'roll closer to its African roots by transforming gospel into secular music and creating a rhythmically driven, stripped-down aesthetic. His work, particularly in the 1960s, influenced genres like funk, disco, and hip-hop, and his songs, like "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud," addressed issues of Black pride and the Civil Rights movement.

Describe Elvis Presley's life in some detail.

born in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1935, became a global icon known as the "King of Rock and Roll". His musical career started after winning a school talent show and recording his first song at the age of 18. He gained international fame in the late 1950s, particularly after performing on The Ed Sullivan Show. 

How is jazz similar to popular music? How is it similar to classical music? Why is it considered a "high art" music?

It is similar to popular music because anyone can listen to it and relate to it but it is considered high are music because of how complicated it is to learn and play and be good.

What is the difference between Classic Blues versus Delta Blues?

Delta Blues is a rural, acoustic style originating in the Mississippi Delta, often featuring slide guitar and harmonica, while Classic Blues is a more urban, often vocal-driven style, frequently accompanied by a jazz combo