♫Fm Swing thru Hip Hop♫

With each decade comes a change in music...style, beat, melody, rhythm. Music from one decade often influences music of another as has been witnessed into the 21st century. Many songs from the 50s all the way through the 90s are still popular. Of course, it was by way of the 20s, 30s and 40s that music has evolved into a passion relative to survival as many listeners would so declare today. 

Each decade has offered its own unique genres of music. Below are the #1 hits in the US on October 20 of each decade from the 1940s to 2010.

Number One Songs On... October 20 by Decade

1940 Bing Crosby - Only Forever

Entering the era of the 40s doesn't leave the Swing behind but instead, finds it going strong as ever! Early in the decade swing, jazz and big band tunes rocked the radio and jukebox of young and old alike. Many musical scores tried to capture the pain and suffering of World War Il remaining upbeat even though the impending future of the country was uncertain.
MORE @Awakenings...

1950 Weavers with Gordon Jenkins - Goodnight Irene

It's the 50s - Rock and Roll, Rock & Roll, Rock 'n' Roll, Rockin' and Rollin'! During the 30s and 40s, combinations emerged binding country singing and steel guitar with big band jazz influences and horn sections. These two-beat jazz rhythms preceded rockabilly recordings. A mixture of musical genres definitely made and kept the 50s rockin' and rollin'! 
MORE @Awakenings...

1960 Drifters - Save the Last Dance for Me

During a time of racial division amid the turn of the civil rights movement, Motown became the sound that changed America with the spirit of the 60s music. Popular music, pop-culture, sprang forth with a tremendous influence on young and old. Now, after over 50 years of success, Motown's sound still reverberates worldwide. Long live rock 'n' roll! MORE @Awakenings...

1970 Jackson Five - I'll Be There

This was a time often described as s.h.r.i.l.l, colorful and simply cr-r-r-r-r-azy. When was it? If you guessed the super groovy 70s, also known as the Decade of the Disco, you nailed it! This was an era filled will the mads, glads and the fads. What do you remember best? Do you ever feel Stuck in the 70s?
MORE @Awakenings...

1980 Barbra Streisand - Woman in Love

Pop stars and their music changed in the 80s with the help of MTV and a greater focus on image. Thanks to MTV the images accompanying recording artists became more important than ever. Several new genres popped up and by early 80s, hip-hop's distinctive place in music history was set. Unique techniques were established as a new genre of music. MORE @Awakenings...

1990 James Ingram - I Don't Have the Heart

With the 90s came many popular styles of music, including the birth of alternative rock. Many European artists were the driving force behind Pop music through the 90s decade. Contemporary R&B brought forth elements of rhythm and blues, pop, soul, funk, and hip hop. Adult contemporary music was popular in the form of soft-rock and singer-songwriter styles throughout the decade.
MORE @Awakenings...

2000 Christina Aguilera - Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You)

With the coming of the new millennium, the music industry entered a crisis. The advent of digital downloading took quite a toll on single records and albums with sales tumbling within the first decade. Simultaneously, though, hip hop, aka rap music, solidified its standing as the dominant influence on global youth culture.
MORE @Awakenings...

2010 Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are

Rock music has remained popular, though it declined in charts presence beginning in the late 2000s, alongside changes in radio format. It has also moved from hard rock and heavy metal genres that have dominated the genre since the Mid-1980s. Pop Rock music since the early 2010s has become softer and more refined, such as Indie Rock. 
MORE @wikipedia.com

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

♫Punk to Pop♫

There are numerous all-female bands of all genres. These consist exclusively of all female musicians, distinctly different from a girl group in which the female members are solely vocalists, though this terminology is not universally followed. Many "all-girl" bands were popular during the Jazz Age (the 20s ending with The Great Depression) rising in popularity through the 50s. Groups composed solely of women continued to emerge with the advent of rock and roll. The 80s, for the first time, saw long-sought chart success from all-female bands and female-fronted rock bands.

Today in Music History: September 26

The Go-Go's An all-female American rock band formed in 1978 (Los Angeles, CA) known as The Go-Go's made history as the first, and to date only, all-female band that both wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to top the Billboard album charts. The Go-Go's have sold more than seven million albums.

From punk to pop...

Guitarist Jane Wiedlin explained the band decided to make the move towards pop music: "We, from the beginning, were always kind of enamored with the pop/punk style, like our favorite band, the band that we always tried to emulate was The Buzzcocks, who had that great pop song done in a punky style. So that was kind of what we were going for from the beginning. And for the first few years when we were just learning how to play, I think we sounded probably a lot worse than we meant to, just because we didn't know what we were doing. And then, slowly as we learned to play, the songs started coming out more and more. It was always trying to sort of straddle the line between pop and punk." (Source: Songfacts.com)

In 2013, Belinda Carlisle described what each member brought to the band. "Charlotte had a certain guitar sound," she said. "Kathy had a rock 'n' roll sensibility. Gina's a really solid drummer with a distinctive sound. Jane [brought] her songwriting and her quirkiness. And the blend of my voice, which isn't a great voice but it's distinctive." (Source: Songfacts.com)

1981 The Go-Go's started a six-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Beauty And The Beat', which is considered one of the "cornerstone albums of (US) new wave" (Allmusic), breaking barriers and paving the way for a host of other new American acts. The LP sold in excess of three million copies and reached triple platinum status, making it one of the most successful debut albums ever.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

♫a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom!♫

A musician often finds himself or herself in roles other than playing a musical instrument or variety of instruments. In addition, their voices are not only for vocalizing in harmony for the chart topper melodious tunes. This latter is especially noted in animated films or cartoons. The characters speak, even the animals, but what about the voices? Robotic, digitized voices are unnatural. Our cartoon and furry friends of television and movies need voices unique to their character. Also, there are opportunities where a musician turns actor or actress. This may require the speaking voice, as well as the singing voice. In other words, in the life of a musician, versatility rocks 'n' rolls. Such is the case for today's spotlight who also left the music business for five years to go into ministry.

Today in Music History: September 14
 

Richard Wayne Penniman The first name is more than likely somewhat familiar but there are various performers with that same given name. However, only one goes by the stage name Little Richard. Why Little? "Little Richard" was his childhood nickname, and even though he was not a little adult (almost 6 feet tall), he kept the name. His family listened to singers like Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald. Richard couldn't find any music he liked, so he created it.

Little Richard...

♥~voiced the "Special Edna" episode during the 14th season of "The Simpsons"
♥~sang the title song with Phillip Bailey to the movie "Twins" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito. Bailey was a member of the band Earth Wind and Fire.
♥~performed at the President Clinton's inauguration
♥~appeared in several early rock films, such as Don't Knock the Rock (1956), The Girl Can't Help It (1957) and Mister Rock ‘n’ Roll (1957).
♥~featured in Down and Out in Beverly Hills and had roles in Last Action Hero, The Naked Truth and The Trumpet of the Swan.
♥~shared the spotlight with The Beatles and toured with The Rolling Stones.

With his blood-pumping piano playing and suggestive lyrics, Little Richard, along with the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, established rock as a real musical form and inspired others, most notably the Beatles, to make a go of it.

1955 Little Richard entered a New Orleans recording studio to begin two days of recording. Things were not going well and during a break, Richard and his producer; Bumps Blackwell went to the Dew Drop Inn for lunch. Richard started playing the piano in the bar like crazy, singing a loud and lewd version of ‘Tutti Frutti'. With only fifteen minutes left in the session, Richard recorded the song and coined the phrase, ‘a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom'.

A Bit of 'Tutti Frutti' Trivia...

Little Richard did not invent the name "Tutti Frutti," it was a popular flavor of ice cream. The phrase is Italian for "All Fruits," and the ice cream had little bits of candied fruit mixed in. In 1938, the Jazz duo Slim Gaillard and Slam Stewart, who recorded as Slim And Slam, released a popular song called "Tutti Frutti," which was about the ice cream. Little Richard's was a completely different song.[Songfacts.com]

In 1957, Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) left the music business to pursue a life as a minister. In 1962, concert promoter Don Arden convinced Penniman to tour Europe after telling him his records were still selling well there. Penniman struggled when he returned to secular music in the 1960s. Read MORE about his return and comeback...

 



And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

♫Everywhere Music♫

Music is everywhere we go. Not only is it nature's way of speaking but it is piped into shopping malls, airports, train and bus stations, and at doctors' offices. Music accompanies television shows and is added as the soundtrack in movies with surround sound in order to feel the vibrations. Even the commercials use music as marketing ploys in order to sell products. There is music during half time at ball games to add entertainment and excitement. Of course, what is a spa or massage parlor without the relaxing comfort of some form of music with waterfalls or rain as the background? In addition to so much music being exposed as an accent and/or background, music simply provides listening pleasure to calm the nerves at the end of an exhausting day or liven a party on a Saturday night.

Today in Music History: September 5

1954 Kitty Kallen was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Little Things That Mean A Lot'. The American singer's only hit making her the first ever UK one hit wonder. The song had already reached No.1 on the U.S. Billboard chart and also reached No.1 on the Cash Box chart the same year.

1964 The Animals started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'House Of The Rising Sun'. When first released the record company printed the time of the song on the record as three minutes feeling that the real time of four minutes was too long for radio airplay.  

1965 The Rolling Stones recorded their eighth single 'Get Off Of My Cloud' at RCA studios in Hollywood. The song peaked at No.1 in the US and the UK. This song followed "Satisfaction" as The Stones second #1 hit in the US.

1981 Soft Cell were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of 'Tainted Love'. The song had been a hit for Gloria Jones in 1964. (Jones who became Marc Bolan's girlfriend was the driver of the car, that crashed and killed Bolan on 16 September 1977. Jones nearly died in the accident).

 

1981 Stevie Nicks went to No.1 on the US album with Bella Donna, featuring the tracks ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ (the Tom Petty duet), ‘Leather and Lace’ (with Don Henley), ‘Edge of Seventeen’ and ‘After the Glitter Fades'.

1998 Aerosmith scored their first US No.1 single with the Diane Warren written song 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing'. The song which was featured in the 1998 film Armageddon gave the band their first No.1 single after 28 years together. 

1998 Manic Street Preachers scored their first UK No.1 single with 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next'. This is about the Spanish civil war, and the idealism of people from around the world who volunteered to join the International Brigade Franco's fascist army, hence the line, "So if I can shoot rabbits, then I can shoot fascists." The group's 19th hit and the first Welsh act to have a No.1 single since Shakin' Stevens in 1985. The song is in the Guinness World Records as the longest title for a No.1 single without brackets. 

1999 After spending 58 weeks on the UK album chart, Shania Twain went to No.1 with 'Come On Over'. It became the best-selling country music album, and the second best-selling studio album by a female act. To date, the album has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. 

1956 Elvis Presley surprised his mother with a gift of a pink Cadillac. The car remained in the Presley family and eventually went on display at Graceland.

1970 Janis Joplin started recording sessions with a version of the Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster song 'Me and Bobby McGee'. Joplin, (who was a lover and a friend of Kristofferson's from the beginning of her career to her death), topped the US singles chart with the song in 1971 after her death, making the song the second posthumous No.1 single in US chart history after '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay' by Otis Redding.

2008 Over the course of three years, Professor Adrian North of Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh in the UK completed a study of more than 36,000 people in more than 60 countries to rate a wide range of musical styles in order of preference. Professor North is an expert on music psychology and has carried out extensive research on the social and applied psychology of music, in particular the relationship between pop music culture and deviant behavior in adolescence, music and consumer behavior, and the role of musical preference in everyday life.

Check out the results:

Blues fans: high self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle and at ease
Jazz fans: high self-esteem, creative, outgoing and at ease
Classical music fans: high self-esteem, creative, introvert and at ease
Rap fans: high self-esteem and outgoing
Opera fans: high self-esteem, creative and gentle
Country and western fans: hardworking and outgoing
Reggae fans: high self-esteem, creative, not hardworking, outgoing, gentle and at ease
Dance fans: creative and outgoing but not gentle
Indie fans: low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, & not gentle Bollywood fans:  creative and outgoing
Rock/heavy metal fans: low self-esteem, creative, not hard-working, not outgoing, gentle, and at ease
Chart pop fans: high self-esteem, hardworking, outgoing and gentle, but are not creative and not at ease
Soul fans: high self-esteem, creative, outgoing, gentle, and at ease

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...    

Spectacular September

There is absolutely no question as to why September is spectacular! It welcomes the beginning of Autumn, a time of change! A much needed break from the sweltering temperatures of summer, an open door to landscapes erupting in riotous colors—how magnificent! With a new month comes occasions for celebration, so let's take a peek at what is at the top of the list for the month of September. What better start than to begin with music! Not just any music but tunes that date as far back as the 11th century that are still played in the 21st century. Then, make a music connection with each celebration.

Classical Music Month

Classical music may be at the bottom of your playlist but why not move it to the top during Classical Music Month? There is a huge possibility you know a lot more classical tunes than you think. Do you like the movies? More and more classical pieces are indeed intricate parts of their soundtracks. Even television programs and commercials have researched artistic masterpieces for marketing and advertising. You may or may not recognize the titles but perhaps the melodies ring a bell. Here is a sample...

Hispanic Heritage Month

According to Wikipedia, the term Hispanic is used to denote a link to Spain, whether it is a culture or a group of people. This is why the people of the countries and islands who were once ruled by Spain are labeled Hispanic today. As these geographical locations encompass a large variety of customs, traditions, cuisines, and music/art forms, the Hispanic community is a diverse group which cannot be limited to a stereotype. During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), celebrations are in order for the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. 

 

 

Fall Hat Month

Put away the straw hats worn while gardening and the beach hats topping the head for protection from the summer sun. Jazz up your fall wardrobe with a stylish hat. Both men and women wear hats and hats have been a part of our history for centuries. A hat is a headcovering that may be worn for protection against the elements, for religious reasons, for safety, or as a fashion accessory. In the past, hats were an indicator of social status. In the military, they denote rank and regiment. There are hats for men and hats for women, as well as hats worn by both sexes. Purveyors of men's hats are called hatters and purveyors of women's hats are called milliners. If you like, go cr-r-r-razy during Fall Hat Month.

   International Square Dancing Month

The square dance is uniquely American. So American, almost 50% of the United States (24 to be exact) have designated the square dance as their state (folk) dance (click HERE). However, the format, many of the folk dances movements, and the terminology incorporated into the square dance were brought by early immigrants—English, Irish and Scottish settlers—from other countries to the United States. Celebrate International Square Dancing Month by participating along with a local square dancing club or host a square dance of your own. It's a great way to get some exercise while having fun at the same time!

   National Blueberry Popsicle Month

We may be at the end of the summer season with temps beginning to drop (hopefully) but there are still some warm (even hot) days ahead. Of course, summer treats are not just for summer. Most are enjoyed year around with the Popsicle being one of them. The flavorful explosion of sweet blueberries at the end of summer has never tasted better. Include these in your next frozen treat experiment and you'll be a card-carrying member of the blue tongue society. Step back in time and celebrate National Blueberry Popsicle Month while listening to Jan & Dean's 'Popsicle'...

 

National Piano Month

The piano has been instrumental in many different genres of music with musicians 'tickling the ivories' for centuries. For National Piano Month, celebrate an instrument that continues to be classical, contemporary and flexible at the same time; an instrument that contributed enormously to the development of music as we know it, and continues to play a key role in modern music. It is enjoyed by young and old...there is no age limit when it comes to the piano!

 

 National Chicken Month

Let's Talk Chicken! Did you know there are more chickens than any other domesticated bird on Earth? With that thought in mind, it is so far down the list of endangered species there is no need to worry about running low or heaven forbid OUT of Southern fried chicken! For National Chicken Month, options are endless as to how to enjoy chicken: casseroled, crocked, crusted, baked, BBQed, boiled braised, broiled, fingered, fricasseed, fried, grilled, nuggeted, pied, roasted, rotisseried, rubbed, saladed, sandwiched, sauced, sauteed, seared, smoked, stir-fried, stuffed, just about any way you like it. I fact, you can eat chicken every day for the month and never eat the same recipe twice. While dining on one of your favorite chicken recipes, enjoy one of many popular songs with chicken in the title!

 National Honey Month

Ah-h-h-h, September, so much to celebrate, especially the sweetest gift of nature—honey, of course! This one, simple ingredient is all-natural, delicious and so-o-o-o versatile. The National Honey Board (NHB) has always recognized the importance of honey bees and the benefits of honey. From the kitchen pantry to the bathroom vanity and beyond, honey plays a valuable role in our everyday lives. Did you know to make one pound of honey, a honeybee needs to tap 2 million blossoms? Now, that's what I call a 'worker'! Have a Honey Chipper Day but this time every day for the entire month.

 

 Better Breakfast Month

Celebrate a healthy start every morning during the month of September. If you are not a breakfast eater, this is the month to change your habits. Jump start your metabolism, feel better and stay healthy. The benefits of eating breakfast are well worth the effort. As with any food be sure to include the right foods on the menu. Choose foods that contribute fiber, protein and healthy fats. Did you know breakfast should make up one-fourth to one-third of daily caloric needs? Just don't overdo with the sweets. Eat better during Better Breakfast Month!

Whew! That is a lot of celebration...and, to think that is not all being celebrated but all for now! Enjoy September!

This is classical...this is piano!