Rock and Roll History Exam 2

Roger Christian

Was a DJ and lyricist that co-wrote several of the Beach Boys most famous tunes and was a mentor to Brian Wilson. Gave them songs that were mostly about cars. He also wrote songs for Jan and Dean.

Alan Freed

Was an American DJ whose career was destroyed by the payola scandal and eventually committed suicide after numerous lawsuits and the loss radio station. Payola included paying money in order to have your song played on the air.

Allen Ginsberg

Was an American poet who had profound impacts on Bob Dylan. His poetry which opposed racism, sexual oppression, and militarism, is reflected clearly in Dylan's songs.

Al Nevins

Was partners with Kirshner and started Aldon Music with him. He was a famous lyricist and noted Tin Pan Alley writer. Member of the Three Suns. Considered one of the major forces behind the evolution of the 1950s music into the 1960s pop/rock music.

Roy Orbison

Wore all black clothes paired with jet black sunglasses. He was signed by Sam Phillips to Sun Records. Best success would come with Monument Records. He would often times stand still and not move during performances. "Oh Pretty Woman"

Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman

Worked at the Brill Building. Worked with Leiber and Stoller to create several chart topping hit songs. They also worked with Phil Spector. Wrote the song, "Save the Last Dance for Me" for The Drifters.

Lulu

A Scottish singer-songwriter. Achieved international fame, even singing songs that appear in James Bond films.

Lesley Hornby ("Twiggy")

A British cultural icon of the Swinging London. Nicknames for her thin build and androgynous look..

Peter and Gordon

A British pop duo. Part of the British invasion, their massive hit, "A World Without Love", granted them international fame.

Buffalo Springfield

A Canadian-American rock band. The band combined parts from various different genres including folk, rock, British invasion, and psychedelic rock. Neil Young was a famous member.

Beach Boys

A family group that was headed by Brian Wilson. The Beach Boys were the first group to encapsulate the California dream, and owe much of their success to the image that they created of California. Their album, "Pet Sounds", is regarded as one of the best of all time and allowed them to compete with the Beatles for a long time. Brian's abusive father was their manager. They harmonized together and created sweet melodies with their voices. They created the myth of fun in California and used California surf slang to help drive the point. They also brought about the idea of singing about cars which were increasing in general popularity above just being a form of transport, they were now raced. This was shaped by disc jockey Roger Christian who helped Brian write from time to time.

Eddie Cochran

A famous Rockabilly artist who epitomized the rocker image of the 1950s. Sharply dressed but carried a rebellious attitude. "Summertime Blues" was his biggest hit. Died at 21 in a road accident during his British tour in 1960.

Woody Guthrie

A huge influence on Bob Dylan. His guitar read, "This machine kills fascists" and popularized the folk genre as well as protest songs. He was so influential to Dylan, that his first album was largely Guthrie songs and Dylan even wrote tribute songs to Guthrie. He wrote hundreds of protest songs in his lifetime, and is also known for the "Dust Bowl Ballads". Additionally he sang the song, "This Land is Your Land"

"Wrecking Crew" (members included: Hal Blaine [drums], Carol Kaye [bass], Tommy Tedesco [guitar], Leon Russell [keyboards])

A session crew that played for literally hundreds of songs, and had hundreds of hits in the top 40. They are considered one of the most successful session recording groups in music history. They were the de facto house band for Phil Spector during the "wall of sound" years. They performed for so many artists such as, Frank Sinatra, The Mamas and Papas, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Sonny and Cher, and even Jan and Dean. Their guitarist alone, Tommy Tedesco, had been rumored to have had over 140 top 40 hits that he had contributed to.

Fabian Forte

A teen idol of the 1950s. Performed several times on American Bandstand as a teen idol, he had several top ten hits. Was drafted for Vietnam, but was declared unfit for service after presenting a doctor's note that stated that induction into the Army could cause him to develop homosexual tendencies. Sang "Tiger" and "Turn Me Loose"

Del Shannon

American Country music and Rock artists best known for his #1 hit "Runaway"

Dick Clark

American Radio and television personality. Hosted American Bandstand and Caravan of Stars from 1957 to 1987. Provided a national outlet for rock and roll, which allowed many artists to reach massive quantities of fans. He also marketed to the teen audience and helped in the creation of many acts. Owned stakes in many radio programs. He also played a huge role in making rock not only popular to teens but acceptable to to a white audience and parents. He groomed teens to act proper. Promoted the Philadelphia sound with Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobbie Rydell, Chubby Checker, and Paul Anka.

Ed Sullivan

American television personality. Had the Ed Sullivan Show for 23 years on Sunday nights. Brought young talent to the spotlight with his show. Had performances from Elvis, Beatles, Supremes, Dave Clark Five, Animals, Beach Boys, Jackson 5, Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones, Mamas & the Papas. Said he wouldn't present Elvis with a family audience. Banned Bo Diddley from his show which made names like Bob Dylan upset.

Connie Francis

An American Pop singer who was a top charting female artist during the late 1950s and 1960s. Sang the song "Stupid Cupid" which was written by Neil Sedaka.

Joan Baez

An American but in someway colored, mexican I think, folk singer and political activist during the civil rights era. Performed many Bob Dylan songs which helped contribute to her rise to fame. Her covers of Dylan's songs helped popularize Dylan in pop music.

Peter, Paul, and Mary

An American folk group comprised of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers. Influenced by Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, they covered several Bob Dylan songs which topped charts and contributed to Dylan's popularity even more.

The Monkees

An American pop and rock band. The American response to the Beatles. Much less popular but still enjoyed success. Even had their own television show for a while. Led by Davy Jones. They have sold over 75 million records to date including "I'm a Believer".

Sonny and Cher

An American pop music duo that also worked for Phil Spector under Phillies records. They sang the hit songs, "Baby Don't Go" and "I Got You Babe", which catapulted them into fame. Made that really annoying song in Groundhog Day.

Phil Ochs

An American protest, folk singer. He wrote hundreds of songs during his lifetime, and released several albums. Performed at anti-Vietnam and civil rights rallies around the nation. Committed suicide in 1976 after succumbing to problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism.

Lovin' Spoonful

An American rock band. Notable songs include, "Summer in the City" and "Do You Believe in Magic?"

Jan and Dean

An American rock duo. They were pioneers of the "California sound" and had the first surf song, "Surf City" to hit the #1 on the hot 100. Their lyrics helped paint the picture of the utopian California, such as "two girls for every boy". Also had songs written by Roger Christian.

Gerry and the Pacemakers

An English beat group. Came from Liverpool just like the Beatles. They were also managed by Brian Epstein and recorded by George Martin.

Dusty Springfield

An English pop singer. Had six top 20 singles. Her beauty and massive success made her one of the most iconic women of the 1960s.

The Hollies

An English pop/rock group. Had major hits in all charts across many countries. Graham Nash would later leave the group to form Crosby, Stills, and Nash. They have never disbanded and still perform today.

Petula Clark

An English singer, She was dubbed the "First Lady of the British Invasion". She has sold over 60 million records with hits including "Downtown" and "I Know a Place".

Shangri-Las

An all white pop girl group, and achieved modest success among the charts in the early 1960s. They sang the hit song, "Leader of the Pack". Signed t Red bird Records with Leiber and Stoller.

The Shirelles

An early all black female pop group. They were the first all female group to have a #1 hit, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" which was written by King and Goffin.

Zombies

Another English rock band. Their album Odessey and Oracle is ranked 100 on the Rolling Stones 500 greatest albums. Sang the song, "Time of the Season".

Marianne Faithful

Another English singer. A lead female artist during the British invasion with her hit song, "As Tears Go By".

Gene Vincent

Another Rockabilly pioneer of the 1950s, Sang the famous rockabilly songs, "Be-Bop-A-Lula" and "Rip it Up."

Kingston Trio

Basically revived folk music and sold millions of records in the process. Three white guys. Made folk commercially and publically viable, and the group still holds sales records and chart topping hits records. Formed by three college students.

Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil

Co-wrote over 50 hits on the Billboard Charts. Made songs for the Crystals and the Animals. They also worked closely with Phil Spector over the course of their careers.

Ritchie Valens

Died in the plane crash that also killed Big Bopper and Buddy Holly. Sang, "La Bamba" and "Donna"

Buddy Holly

Died in the plane crash that also killed Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens, in the incident famously called the day the music died. He was a central figure in 1950s rock and roll and even opened for Elvis several times. "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day" are two of his main hits. Made 2 appearances on Ed Sullivan Show. Major influence on Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Clapton, Weezer, and Elton John.

The Drifters

Doo-Wop Group. Named so because they were always losing and gaining members. Their career however was long lasting. Originally were formed as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter who was originally part of the Dominoes. Signed with Atlantic Records and recorded "Such a Night", "Honey Love", and "Earth Angel."

Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers

Early Doo-Wop group that was integrated. Headed by Lymon who was only twelve years old. Achieved great popularity, even appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. Had the hit song, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", which reached #1 on the charts.

Pete Seeger

Famous folk singer and political activist. He had a successful career and went on to perform with the Weavers. He was blacklisted during the McCarthy era because of his political views. He was very involved in the civil rights movement. Big influence of Bob Dylan. Sang about the working man.

Mamas and Papas

Famous for their song, "California Dreamin". An early folk rock group.

Gerry Goffin and Carol Klein (King)

Famous songwriters that worked in the Brill Building for Don Kirshner and Aldon Records. They were married from 1959-1969. They co-wrote songs such as "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" for the Shirelles and Take Good Care of My Baby". Together they wrote over 100 Billboard hits and several chart toppers.

Leiber and Stoller

Famous songwriters, wrote songs for Elvis such as, "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock". Worked in the Brill Building. Co Wrote over 70 top hit songs. Helped with building The Coasters to fame with their songs "Yakety Yak", "Young Blood", and "Searchin." Helped write "Stand By Me" with Ben E. King. Launched Red Bird Records with George Goldner focusing on the "girl group" sound.

Ricky Nelson

Had first song, "Poor Little Fool", that was number one on the newly created Billboard Hot 100. He was a top teen idol during the 1950s

Bill Monroe

He is commonly referred to as "The Father of Bluegrass" music. He knows how to have a good time.

Michael Bloomfield

He was a famous guitarist that earned much of his fame solely from his prowess on the guitar. Played an important role in popularizing blues music again during the 1960s.

Don Kirshner

He was a famous music producer who was famous for having a so called, "golden ear". He created Aldon Music which worked across the street from the Brill Building, and employed many of the famous songwriters of the era, he created songs for Bobby Darin, Kansas, and the Monkees among others. He is partners with Al Nevins.

The Byrds

Heavily influenced by the Beatles, evidenced in their misspelling of birds like the Beatles. Roger McGuinn was very influential for his employment of the 12 string guitar. The Byrds are credited as being one of the most influential bands of the 1960s, even though they only attained some commercial success in the 1960s.

Everly Brothers

Heavy influence on the Beatles with their harmonizing style. Beatles would refer to themselves as "the English Everly Brothers."

Ho-Dads

Hot Rods, or people that were into cars. Someone that hung out at the beach, but definitely was not a surfer. A poser, if you will.

Big Bopper

J.P. Richardson Jr. Died in the plane crash in 1959 that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens (Day the music died). Sang the famous song, "Chantilly Lace". Was a DJ before hand.

Dick Dale

King of the surf guitar. Known for his famous song, "Miserlou". Pioneered the surf music style, style of playing/sound, and was himself a surfer. Drew inspiration for his songs from the sounds and feelings that he got when he was surfing. His band was called the Del-tones.

Ronettes

Lead by Ronnie Bennett, who would later marry and even later divorce Phil Spector. Had the massive hit, "Be My Baby". Had several #1 hits on the Billboard 100 and saw great success partly due to Phil Spector's belief that Ronnie Bennett had the voice that was able to work with his famed "wall of sound".

The Coasters

Many of their greatest hits were written by Leiber and Stoller. An important doowop group of the period. "Yakety Yak", "Young Blood", and "Searchin."

Simon and Garfunkel

Most famous for their song, "The Sound of Silence". One of the bestselling music groups of the 1960s and of all time. Had several #1 hit songs and have won 10 grammy awards. Helped bridge a gap between folk and pop sounds.

Dion and the Belmonts

Named because they came from Belmont ave. in the Bronx. They were a white Doo-Wop group that saw great success during the 1950s. Sang the song, "The Wanderer", which is pretty good, I listened to it. Fallout 4 for the win.

Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka is an American pop singer, pianist, composer and record producer. Since his music career began in 1957, he has sold millions of records as an artist and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself and others, collaborating mostly with lyricists Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody. Writing songs such as, "Stupid, Cupid", and "Calendar Girl" with Howie Greenfield. Many of his songs were also written by King and Goffin. Sang the song, "Oh! Carol" which was about Carol Klein.

Dave Clark Five

One of the few bands that were able to compete with the Beatles. Their single, "Glad All Over" even knocked the Beatles songs out of the top spot on the Billboard 100. They appeared shortly after the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show which contributed to their popularity. Dave clark was a great drummer who sang as well. Hit the drums to hard he often broke his drumsticks.

Jean Shrimpton

One of the world's first supermodels and an icon of the Swinging London period. Having appeared on numerous covers of famous magazines, she greatly influenced fashion and beauty during the 1960s.

Phil Spector

Owned Phillies Records. Created the famous "Wall of Sound" and ushered in the era of the songwriter and producer. The Wall of Sound included multiple instrumentations and echo and delay effects. He used many pop groups that showed promise most prominently being the Ronettes, whom he later married the lead singer, Ronnie Bennett. He was the creator of Philles Records, and described his approach to music as "Wagnerian". He employed what would later be called the "Wrecking Crew" and would become one of the most influential figures in pop history.

Leadbelly

Played the twelve string guitar and was a talented vocalist in the Blues genre. Helped bring blues back to mainstream as he had a folk aspect to his songs.

Chubby Checker

Popularized the "Twist" dance. He didn't invent it. Dick Clark had him perform it after he saw some audience members dong a similar dance.

Link Wray

Popularized the power chord, which would become a rock and roll standard. A famous talented rock and roll guitarist. Was famous for the song "Rumble."

Donovan

Rocketed to fame with performances on the British TV show, Ready, Set, Go!. The British equivalent to Bob Dylan. Recorded folk songs in Britain but also had American success charting high on both hot 100 charts.

Bobby Darin

Sang Million record selling song, "Splish-Splash". He also acted in several movies and even won a Golden Globe.

Mary Quant

She was an influential figure in the London-based Mod movement. Took credit for the miniskirt and hotpants which would influence rock and roll bands to start dressing for the part. Greatly influenced fashion during the 1950s and 1960s. Encouraged young people to dress how they wanted and treat fashion more individually.

Brian Wilson

Talented artist as well as music creator. He wrote almost all of the Beach Boys songs and garners over two dozen top ten hits for the band. He is a fierce competitor and when the Beatles came to America, he stepped up his game, creating vocal harmonies and melodies that had never been heard before.

Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry

Wrote the hit song, "Be My Baby", for the Ronettes. Also wrote, "River Deep- Mountain High" and saw great successes as songwriters. Wroted as some of the most prolific writers of the Brill Building composers

Soup

The frothy white edge of the waters after a wave breaks.

Bob Dylan

The most famous of all the protest singers and songwriters of the 50s and 60s. Dylan was influenced majorly by Woody Guthrie and Allen Ginsberg the poet. Sang songs that opposed segregation and racism as well as songs that covered topical social issues. His first album was mainly Woody Guthrie cover songs and tributes. Though once his songs began to get covered by bigger artists he was thrust into the spotlight. He soon became the face of an entire generation, which was something that Dylan opposed and he soon made the controversial switch to electric guitar, much to the dismay of folk fans. Later in his career he toured with The Band. Highway 61 Revisited was Dylan's first attempt at a more rock based album using and electric guitar.

Righteous Brothers

Their first hit, "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'", which was produced by Phil Spector, topped charts and served to demonstrate Spector's mastery of music. Beasts that sang, "Unchained Melody".

Polys

a nickname for surfboards which had recently become more affordable because of the innovation of polyurethane boards which is where poly comes from.