2nd half of pop music

for final exam

Rock Music in the 1970s

Rock diversified into many new styles

Key genres of 1970s rock

Country Rock and Southern Rock.

Country Rock definition

A fusion of country music and rock.

Southern Rock definition

Rock music with Southern themes and blues/boogie influences.

Main instruments in Country Rock

Pedal steel guitar, dobro, acoustic guitar.

Vocal style in Country Rock

Twangy, country-influenced vocals

Sound of Southern Rock

Electric guitars, multiple-guitar leads, blues-rock riffs.

Themes in Southern Rock

Southern identity, pride, working-class life.

What defines the sound of Country Rock?

Use of pedal steel, dobro, and country-style melodies.

Main difference: Country Rock vs. Southern Rock

Country Rock blends country instruments with rock; Southern Rock keeps a standard rock sound with Southern/blues influence.

Role of music in the 1960s

Music became a tool for social and political change, not just entertainment.

Artists as spokespeople for change

Sam Cooke, James Brown, and Curtis Mayfield promoted black pride and empowerment through their songs.

Funk as a new form of activism

unk combined rhythm, social commentary, and political activism, continuing the legacy of earlier soul artists.

1960s racial climate

A period of protest, upheaval, and major change in American race relations.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Law that outlawed segregation in public places and employment

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Law that prohibited discrimination in voting.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s approach

Promoted peace, solidarity, and civil disobedience to achieve equality for African Americans.

Role of musicians in the Civil Rights Movement

Artists like Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield, and James Brown used music to promote black pride and empowerment.

Sam Cooke’s significance

Soul artist whose music reflected hope, change, and civil rights themes.

Curtis Mayfield’s role

Used socially conscious lyrics to inspire pride and political awareness.

James Brown’s influence

Became a major voice of Black Power and cultural pride.

James Brown nickname

“Soul Brother Number One.”

Music and activism connection

Soul and funk musicians used their platforms to address racial injustice and promote empowerment.

"A Change Is Gonna Come" (1964)

A powerful anthem for racial equality written and recorded by Sam Cooke.

Gospel influence in Sam Cooke's music

Used expressive vocals and melismatic passages rooted in gospel tradition.

Sam Cooke and activism

Canceled performances at segregated venues and protested racist policies.

Sam Cooke’s business activism

Founded his own record label and publishing company to combat racial inequities in the music industry.

Curtis Mayfield's role in civil rights

Promoted faith, hope, and social change through his music.

"People Get Ready" (1965

A song of change and hope infused with Mayfield’s Christian faith.

"Keep On Pushing" significance

Adopted as a protest anthem by Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson.

Rise of Black Power (late 1960s)

Focused on black pride, unity, and self-empowerment.

Meaning of "soul" in the 1960s

Came to symbolize black pride and cultural empowerment.

James Brown and Black Power

Dubbed “Soul Brother Number One” and became a leading spokesperson.

"Say It Loud—I'm Black and I'm Proud"

James Brown’s anthem promoting empowerment and black pride.

James Brown’s musical style

Blended gospel and rhythm & blues with fiery, high-energy performances.

James Brown after MLK Jr.'s assassination

His 1968 performance in Boston is credited with helping prevent riots.

Key musicians in James Brown’s band

Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, and Bobby Byrd helped shape the funk sound.

Defining funk characteristics

Interlocking riffs, complex rhythms, and emphasis on groove.

"Cold Sweat" (1967)

Often credited as the first funk song (co-written with Pee Wee Ellis).

Origins of Funk

Emerged in the late 1960s, built on James Brown’s innovative groove.

Key characteristics of funk

Percussive bass lines, interlocking riffs, rhythmic breaks, and drum solos.

Funk as dance music

Funk is primarily dance-focused with strong, steady grooves.

Funk lyrical themes

Range from fun and celebratory to socially conscious.

Funk and Black empowerment

Encourages unity, pride, and empowerment in the Black community.

Social issues in funk lyrics

Addresses racism, poverty, and social injustice.

Sly and the Family Stone identity

Interracial, mixed-gender group from San Francisco.

Rock techniques used by Sly Stone

Fuzzbox, wah-wah pedal, distortion.

Larry Graham's innovation

Created the influential “slap bass” technique.

Themes in Sly Stone’s music

Peace, love, equality, and eventually Black empowerment.

“Everyday People” (1968)

Promotes equality, unity, and understanding; group vocals show togetherness.

“Dance to the Music” (1968)

Celebratory song inviting everyone to dance.

“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (1969)

Stronger Black pride and empowerment; notable slap bass groove.

Sly Stone’s stylistic shift

Music became darker and more stripped-down in the early 1970s.

Recording techniques on There’s a Riot Goin’ On

Use of overdubbing and audible tape hiss (1971).

Bands influenced by Sly Stone

Kool & the Gang, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ohio Players.

Parliament and Funkadelic

Two bands with the same core members led by George Clinton.

Meaning of P-Funk

“Pure, uncut funk.”

P-Funk themes

Black Nationalism, unity, and “One Nation Under a Groove.”

P-Funk cultural role

Created spaces for Black identity and celebration.

P-Funk musical structure

Complex sectional song structures.

Role of Bernie Worrell

Pioneered the heavy use of synthesizers.

P-Funk lyrical style

Wordplay, sci-fi, and fantasy themes.

P-Funk performance style

Showmanship, costumes, and elaborate stage spectacles.

Examples of P-Funk songs

“P-Funk,” “Give Up the Funk,” “Flash Light,” “Chocolate City.”

Blaxploitation genre

1970s film genre created by and for African Americans, featuring urban themes.

Importance of funk soundtracks

Iconic soundtracks by major funk and soul artists.

Earth, Wind & Fire contribution

Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song soundtrack.

Isaac Hayes contribution

Composed the Shaft soundtrack.

Curtis Mayfield contribution

Super Fly soundtrack, including “Little Child Runnin’ Wild.”

Soul Train significance

Longest-running nationally syndicated TV show (1971–2006).

Host of Soul Train

Don Cornelius.

Purpose of Soul Train

Showcased Black music, dance, and culture.

Soul Train Line

A famous highlight featuring dancers in a signature line.

Country music origins

Roots in British Isles folk traditions; commercial recordings began in the 1920s (Jimmie Rodgers, Fiddlin’ John Carson).

Singing cowboys of the 1930s–40s

Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

Post-WWII developments

Honky-tonk (Hank Williams) and bluegrass growth.

TV boost in the 1960s–70s

Shows increased visibility of country music.

Key country tv shows

The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers Show, Johnny Cash Show, Hee Haw.

George Jones

Country singer known for working-class themes, heartbreak, and loneliness.

Songs by George Jones

“Why Baby Why,” “White Lightning,” duets with Tammy Wynette.

Willie Nelson

Country singer/songwriter; key figure in the outlaw movement

Songs by Willie Nelson

Red Headed Stranger (1975), “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”

Patsy Cline

Country singer; one of the first crossover stars.

Songs by Patsy Cline

“Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Crazy.”

Dolly Parton

Country singer/songwriter; started on The Porter Wagoner Show, later crossover hits.

Songs by Dolly Parton

“Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors.”

Iron Butterfly

Psychedelic rock origins; dark, dense sound.

Songs by Iron Butterfly

“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” (1968), 17-minute track with heavy riffs and extended solos.

Steppenwolf

Hard rock band; riff-based with high volume and distortion.

Songs by Steppenwolf

“Born to Be Wild” (1968), featured in Easy Rider soundtrack.

Led Zeppelin

Hard rock band formed from Yardbirds’ remnants in 1968; blended electric blues, acoustic folk, psychedelic techniques.

Led Zeppelin Key members

Jimmy Page (guitar), Robert Plant (vocals), John Paul Jones (bass/keyboard), John Bonham (drums).

Songs by Led Zeppelin

“Dazed and Confused” (1969), “Whole Lotta Love” (1969), “Stairway to Heaven” (1971).

Blue Cheer

Early American heavy metal band; riff-based, high volume, heavy drums.

Key member of Blue Cheer

Dickie Peterson (bass/vocals), Paul Whaley (drums), Leigh Stephens (guitar).

Songs by Blue Cheer

“Summertime Blues” (1968).

Black Sabbath

British heavy metal band; dark, occult themes, riffs based on tri-tone (“devil’s interval”).

Key members of Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), Bill Ward (drums).

Songs by Black Sabbath

“Black Sabbath” (1970), “Paranoid” (1970).

Alice Cooper

American heavy metal band/persona (Vincent Furnier); known for shocking theatrics (guillotines, snakes).