Do You Miss The Fun 50's Music?

In his classic pop-rock anthem "American Pie," Don McLean bemoaned the loss of innocence that came with the death of his musical hero, Buddy Holly, a man emblematic of a decade of fun, frothy songs. When one thinks of 50's music today, it is not lyrical depth or complex harmonic patterns that come to mind. Instead, this was a simpler brand of music for a time of security and optimism. In this period well after the end of World War II and before Vietnam, the 50's music reflected the peace of mind of the population.

The biggest artist in the realm of 50's music was Elvis Presley, who even today is known as the King of Rock and Roll. He emerged on the music scene a fresh-faced teenaged with a sound that knocked people's bobby-sox off. Infusing his songs with the rhythm and blues that was previously thought exclusive to the black music community, he helped bridge the racial gap among young listeners. Older listeners, meanwhile, were scandalized by his hip thrusts but appreciated his respectful readings of Gospel standards.

Chuck Berry was another big name in the 1950s, with his snazzy guitar playing and his love of performing, making it as much of an experience to watch him as to listen to him. Increasingly, the white and black music communities intermingled, learning from each other and creating a melting pot. Singers like the duo the Righteous Brothers had massive crossover appeal, as they looked like they belonged to one group and sounded like they belonged to another. Meanwhile, artists like Ray Charles and Little Richard made a big splash during this time, bringing a wider awareness of blues and related genres.

One can also see in 50's music the beginnings of the folk movement with such artists as Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie and the Kingston Trio. These didn't break into the mainstream too much until the arrival of Bob Dylan in the 60's, but they paved the way for the socially conscious era about to come.

At the same time, other artists who would come to be associated with the folk-rock movement cut their musical teeth on rockabilly and bubblegum pop. Simon and Garfunkel, who learned their distinctive style of close harmony from listening to the Everly Brothers as teenagers, cut a hit single in the 50's as Tom and Jerry. It was peppy and silly and nothing at all like most of what they would record later, but it fit in perfectly with the mood of the time.

The purely pop music of the day included songs by crooners like Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, which appealed more to the older generation, and younger doo-wop singers that sang catchy melodies about love and longing that resonated with a teen audience. Novelty songs also did well during this decade, with offbeat artists like Spike Jones and Allan Sherman making listening to the radio a hilarious experience.

As you can see, while there was a certain sophistication that had not yet entered the music scene in the 50's, the decade was nonetheless a rich musical melting pot.

By: chickie maxwell

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