Lecture 8 revised

Chicago's Rock and Roll Scene

• Chicago played a significant role in shaping a unique rock and roll sound.

• Muddy Waters

  • Early innovator of electric guitar in blues music.

  • Collaborated with Chess Records in the 1950s.

  • Too late in his career to capture the younger teen audience.

• Chuck Berry

  • Born in Saint Louis in 1926.

  • Influenced by gospel music from his family.

  • Early troubles as a teenager, including robbery and time spent in reform school.

  • Rose to fame after moving to Chicago in 1955, seeking advice and mentorship from Muddy Waters.

  • Auditioned for Chess Records with "Ida Red," which became "Maybelline" after Leonard Chess's reworking.

Music Innovations and Hits

• Maybelline

  • Promoted by DJ Alan Freed and became an R&B chart-topper.

  • Ushered Berry into mainstream popularity, which included hits like "Sweet Little Sixteen," "Roll Over Beethoven," and "Johnny B. Goode."

  • Themes centered around teenage life, cars, and relationships.

• The Role of the Guitar

  • Chuck Berry's guitar work replaced the saxophone as the front instrument in rock bands.

  • Introduced significant guitar techniques, incorporating call-and-response patterns.

  • Berry's performance style included stage antics like the "duck walk."

Controversies in Berry's Life

• Berry's personal life was marred by scandals, including a 1959 conviction for transporting a minor across state lines for immoral purposes.

• Following his release, he experienced a resurgence with the novelty hit "My Ding-a-Ling" in 1972.

Bo Diddley's Influence

• Bo Diddley

  • Born in Mississippi in 1928 and later moved to Chicago.

  • Mastered the guitar after studying classical violin.

  • Gained recognition for hits like "Bo Diddley," "Who Do You Love," and introduced the unique "Diddley Beat."

  • Used experimental techniques in his guitar playing that influenced various pop and rock songs.

Los Angeles and the Evolution of Rock

• Johnny Otis

  • Born John Veliotis in 1921, had a deep understanding and connection with African-American culture.

  • Key figure in rhythm and blues, finding success as a bandleader, promoter, and DJ.

  • Discovered many legendary artists and created the California Rhythm and Blues Caravan.

• Richie Valens

  • Born Richard Stephen Valenzuela in 1941.

  • Combined rock and roll with traditional Mexican music, most famously in "La Bamba."

  • Died tragically in a plane crash in 1959, marking "the day the music died."

The Gospel Roots of Rock and Roll

• Sam Cooke

  • Known as the King of Soul, born in 1931, transitioned from gospel to secular music.

  • Became the lead singer of the Soul Stirrers and later found massive success with singles like "You Send Me."

  • A savvy businessman in the music industry, took control of his master recordings, and was one of the first African-Americans with a major label.

  • Cooke's career was cut short when he was killed in 1964.

• Ray Charles

  • Often referred to as the Father of Soul, blended gospel, blues, and jazz.

  • Faced adversity, losing his sight as a child but excelled musically.

  • His hit "I Got a Woman" became a defining moment in soul music.

  • Known for his eclectic style and immense influence on rock and soul genres.

The Doo-Wop Phenomenon

• Doo-wop emerged in the 1950s, primarily from African-American youth singing a cappella harmonies.

• Groups practiced in public spaces, leading to popularity but often exploited by record companies.

• Example: "Sh-Boom" by The Chords, which was overshadowed by a cover version by The Crew Cuts.

Rock and Roll Roots

• Bill Haley

  • Defined rock and roll with "Rock Around the Clock," selling millions and shaping the genre's identity.

• Elvis Presley

  • Discovered by Sam Phillips at Sun Records, combined R&B and country influences to redefine popular music.

  • His breakthrough with songs like "That's Alright Mama" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky" marked the birth of rockabilly.