History of Rock Music (Exam 2)
Neil Diamond
He was a Brill Building composer who wrote "I'm a Believer."
Jeff Barry
He was a Brill Building songwriter who co-wrote, alongside Ellie Greenwich, "Be My Baby" sung by the Ronettes. ("Be My Barry")
Marvin Gaye
He was a Motown artist that traditionally had to follow the energetic Stevie Wonder.
Berry Gordy, Jr. (b. 1929)
He was an expert songwriter, and his prowess created blues and gospel-based pop music designed to appeal to young America. Also, he was the founder and supervisor of Motown Records.
Phil Spector (b. 1940)
He was known as the "First Tycoon of Teen" and founded his own record label at age 21. He created the "Wall of Sound" and teenage symphonies. Lastly, he has more hits than anyone.
Chubby Checker (Ernest Evans b. 1941)
He was signed to Philadelphia-based Parkway Records in 1958. He covered "The Twist" in 1960, which reached Number One.
Smokey Robinson (William Robinson, Jr. b. 1940)
He was the front man of the Miracles who spawned Motown's first hit, "Shop Around." He was also a composer and songwriter for the Temptations.
Dick Clark
His TV program, American Bandstand, promoted "The Twist."
Aldon Music (Brill Building Sound)
It was established in 1958 and was located at 1650 Broadway in New York City.
Philles Records
It was founded by Phil Spector and was heavily supervised by him.
The Brill Building
It was located on 1619 Broadway in New York City and was a publisher spectacle known as "Rock 'n' Roll's Vertical Tin Pan Alley."
Let It Be
It was the only Beatles album that wasn't produced by Martin. Spector produced it instead.
Hitsville, USA
It's Motown's headquarters in Detroit, Michigan.
George Martin
Known as "The Fifth Beatle," he produced the Beatles' albums.
February 7, 1964
The Beatles arrive in America.
The Beatles
- John Winston Lennon, MBE (1940-80) - guitar - Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE (b. 1942) - bass - George Harrison, MBE (1943-2001) - lead guitar - Richard "Ringo Starr" Starkey, MBE (b. 1940) - drums
Bands of the British Invasion
- The Rolling Stones - Herman's Hermits - Gerry and the Pacemakers - The Kinks - The Animals - The Hollies
Motown Production Hierarchy
1. Producer 2. Songwriters 3. Musicians/The Funk Brothers 4. Singers/Artists
Carol Kaye
She was a bassist and a Wrecking Crew musician who played on over 10,000 recordings.
February 9, 1964
The Beatles appear on Ed Sullivan.
Teenage Symphonies
The Twist, "Be My Baby" by the Ronettes, and the Beach Boys fell under this category.
Cavern Club
The early Beatles played at this Liverpool nightclub.
Wall of Sound
There were multiple instruments doubling, and an echo chamber was used.
The Animals
They accompanied Chuck Berry when he toured England.
Don Kirshner/Al Nevin
They owned Aldon Music (aka Brill Building Sound).
Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield
They were Brill Building composers who wrote "Calendar Girl." ("Sedaka Calendar")
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stroller
They were Brill Building composers who wrote "Hound Dog."
Burt Bacharach and Hal David
They were Brill Building composers who wrote "They Long to Be Close to You."
Whitfield & Strong
They were Motown composers and songwriters who wrote "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."
Holland-Dozier-Holland
They were Motown composers and songwriters who wrote "You Can't Hurry Love" sung by the Supremes. ("HDH Hurry")
Carole King and Gerry Goffin
They were a Brill Building married couple who wrote "Will You Love Me Tomorrow." ("King and Goffin Love")
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill
They were a Brill Building pairing who wrote "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'." ("Barry and Cynthia Lovin'")
Gold Star Studios (The Wrecking Crew)
They were a bunch of L.A. studio musicians whom Spector worked with regularly.
Ashford & Simpson
They were a husband-and-wife Motown composing and songwriting team who wrote "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." ("Ashford Ain't Simpson")
The Four Freshmen
They were a vocal group with tight harmonies that influenced Brian Wilson.
The Byrds
They were billed as "America's Answer to the Beatles" when they toured England. Their main hit was "Mr. Tambourine Man," and they were one of the best L.A. rock bands of the '60s.
August 29, 1966
This date marked the Beatles' last live concert performance at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.
Surf Rock
This genre of music was exemplified in the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, and Dick Dale's music.
The Beach Boys
This group was composed of Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine in Hawthorne, California. The band was the bestselling American group of the '60s.
Jan & Dean
This popular duo worked with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys on numerous projects.
Motown
This record company was named after "Motor Town" (as a portmanteau) or "Motor City" Detroit. The label's sound was known as "The Sound of Young America."
The Funk Brothers
This was Motown's house band of 13 members including Earl Van Dyke (on keyboards), James Jamerson (bass), and Benny Benjamin (drums).
Bouncing Down Technique
This was done to put multiple parts down on one track, and it was common for the 4-track recorder.