1960s pop had been in full swing since the Beatles conquered America, sparking the so-called second “British Invasion” and eventually taking the entire world by storm. It led the other countries to develop their own version of the “British Invasion” pop sound. France was one of the countries that were caught up … Read more
The Crickets was one of the most iconic rock and roll bands of America. They ruled over the industry for about five decades and produced millions of records. They are the core inspiration of nearly every major successful rock band or singer in America, including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, and … Read more
Pop music has developed into different sub-genres over the years, and one of the most popular subgenres in the 1960s was sunshine pop. Known for its feel-good and “commercialized” sounds, sunshine pop perfectly represented the chill atmosphere of California during the 1960s. In order for us to understand how sunshine pop became … Read more
There have been many popular genres that have popped out of the music scene over the years, but one of the most distinct genres that have been developed was surf rock. The unique sound of surf rock, which is described by many to be both fast-paced and groovy, is often brought by … Read more
If we are asked which band is the best in history, we, restraining the urge to name our favorite band, will most likely name the Liverpool Fab Four. And we’ll do it almost automatically. Many of us do not doubt the greatness and significance of the Beatles simply because it is customary. … Read more
Introduction to Classic Rock The 1960s: Rock Music Comes of Age The 1970s: Rock vs. Disco The 1980s: John Lennon, Classic Rock Radio Stations and MTV Best Selling Classic Rock Artists and Bands Classic Rock – Influence on Culture Artists and Bands Symbols Dress and Fashion Movies Quotes and Commentary on Classic … Read more
Introduction Herman’s Hermits are one of the popular acts to come out of the British Invasion and the of “beat music” scene of the 60s music era. In their peak years, they were led by Peter Noone (“Herman”). The Manchester combo scored several Top 20 and Top 10 hits in the UK … Read more
Introduction: Jimmy Dorsey (February 29, 1904 – June 12, 1957) was one of the highly-regarded musicians and big-band leaders during his time, from the 30s up to the 50s music era. Dorsey was proficient in playing the trumpet, clarinet and saxophone. He recorded several pop and jazz standards that have become oldies … Read more
Introduction: Tommy Dorsey was an American musician and bandleader and one of the prominent figures of the Big Band and Swing era. A jazz trombonist, trumpeter and composer, he was a younger brother of another famed Swing musician and bandleader Jimmy Dorsey. The brothers came even to a point of competing each … Read more
Introduction The Hollywood Argyles were a short-lived studio group assembled by producer/musician/songwriters Kim Fowley and Gary Paxton. They achieved popularity with their 60s music era hit single and now oldies music classic “Alley Oop,” and the group went on to become a one hit wonder. A bit more on The Hollywood Argyles … Read more
Introduction Joe Barry was an American swamp pop singer hailing from Louisiana, known for his only big hit and now-oldies music classic “I’m a Fool to Care” (released on Jin Records) during the early 60s era. Although generally considered as a one-hit wonder, Barry also charted with another single “Teardrops in My … Read more
Introduction: Jimmy Elledge (1943-2012) was an American country singer and musician from the 60s music era. He is primarily known for his only hit and now oldies music classic “Funny How Time Slips Away,” which placed on the Billboard Top 40 chart during this decade, making him a one hit wonder. Brief … Read more
Introduction John Fred and his Playboy Band was a pop and blue-eyed soul group led by John Fred Gourrier (1941-2005). John Fred and His Playboy Band scored their only major hit single “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” in during the late 60s music era and now an oldies music classic. After his … Read more
Introduction Johnny Ferguson (born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1937) is an American country and pop singer-songwriter from the 60s music era. He started as a disc jockey on several of local stations in Nashville. He cut out demo recordings which were noticed by an MGM executive Arnold Maxin. Maxin invited Ferguson to … Read more
Introduction One of the numerous “one hit wonder” groups, The Joe Jeffrey Group fleetingly surfaced in the 60s music scene. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, this pop/soul-oriented band, led by founder and singer Joe Stafford, had a hit with the catchy oldies music classic “My Pledge Of Love,” released under Wand Records. Subsequent … Read more
Introduction Joe Jones was an American R&B singer-songwriter, who was responsible with forming the all-girl group The Dixie Cups. His only major hit was “You Talk Too Much” during the 60s music era. He figured in some legal issues as well, concerning claims that he took the credit for the songs he … Read more
Introduction Jimmy Jones (1937-2012) was an American singer-songwriter whose distinct vocal quality has been described as an effortlessly soulful falsetto. The Alabama native started his career in show business as a tap dancer, then in 1954 became part of a doo-woop group named the Berliners (later Sparks Of Rhythm). Jones began his … Read more
Introduction Chip Taylor (real name James Wesley Voight, most known for penning songs such as “Wild Thing”; also the brother of actor Jon Voight and uncle of actress Angelina Jolie) and session musician and producer Al Gorgoni were known as the pop musical duo Just Us, based in New York. They released … Read more
Bill Medley (born William Thomas Medley on September 19, 1940 in Sta. Ana, California) is an American singer and songwriter who is also known also as one of the Righteous Brothers .” After gaining several hits with the duo, Medley had finally gained his own hit single (I’ve Had) The Time of … Read more
Introduction Ray Charles was an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter and pianist who became one of the pioneers and most important figures of soul during the 50s and 60s music era. He is called “The Genius” of soul music. He combined soul, R&B, gospel, pop and country to create enduring oldies classic … Read more
Introduction The late Otis Redding was one of the popular artists during the 60s music era. He is now one of oldies music’s legends, and his influence cannot be denied, even almost 50 years after his untimely death. He was a soul and R&B singer-songwriter who was known as “the voice of … Read more
Introduction Muddy Waters was an American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist primarily known for his classic blues standard “Hoochie Coochie Man.” It became a big R&B hit during the 50s music era and is now considered a very influential song. Although he was born and raised in Mississippi, he was otherwise dubbed as … Read more
Introduction Jerry Lee Lewis is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who was dubbed by his nickname “The Killer.” One of the pioneers of the 50s music and classic rock and roll scene, he shot to international fame with his first major hit “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” He scored other classic oldies … Read more
Introduction Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) is no doubt one of the 60s music era legends. The music magazine Rolling Stone ranked him as the greatest guitarist of all time. His raw, energetic blues-influenced guitar playing has not failed to delight music audiences, whether classic rock fans or modern rock fans of the present. … Read more
Introduction Steam was a classic rock and pop band known for their only hit “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” during the late 60s music era and eventually became a “one hit wonder” song and oldies music classic. “Steam” didn’t really exist as a band, and the track was instead recorded … Read more
Introduction The Tornados are an English instrumental/classic rock and roll group formed during the 60s music era. Although they are regarded as a one hit wonder, their only smash hit single “Telstar” earned a distinction as being the first UK single to hit #1 in the United States. Needless, to say, it … Read more
Introduction American singer-songwriter Jerry Samuels turned himself into a one hit wonder as Napoleon XIV, who made a big hit with a novelty single “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” during the 60s music era. Hardly an “oldies music” in the true sense of the word but a nostalgic piece nonetheless. … Read more
Introduction The Surfaris were an American surf rock group originating from Glendora, California. They are best known for their Top 10 pop single and now-classic rock and roll track “Wipe Out” during the early 60s music era where surf music reigned supreme, so to speak. Although they are labeled by mainstream music … Read more
Introduction Lorne Greene was a Canadian actor, broadcaster and recording artist principally known for his role as Benjamin “Pa” Cartwright on the hit American western TV series Bonanza. He also appeared on several Canadian television productions as well. Greene’s brief recording career was highlighted by his surprise #1 Billboard hit “Ringo” during … Read more
Introduction The New Vaudeville Band was a novelty group from England formed by songwriter Geoff Stephens. Their bright and cheerful old-time-tune single “Winchester Cathedral” became a surprise transatlantic Top 10 hit during the 60s music era, and has now become an oldies music classic. More on the New Vaudeville Band here in … Read more