Even more holiday music!
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Tunes Du Jour Presents 1957
The year 1957 stands as a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music, where rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and even a touch of jazz converged to create a soundtrack that would resonate for decades. The hits of the year showcase not only the diverse range of genres but also the rise of some of the most influential voices in music history. A prime example is The Crickets’ “That’ll Be the Day,” a track that embodies the early rock ‘n’ roll spirit, blending Buddy Holly’s unmistakable vocal delivery with a catchy, driving beat. It’s a song that helped shape the sound of the era.
Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” is another cornerstone of 1957, with its infectious energy and rebellious attitude. Presley was at the height of his powers, blending rock, blues, and a hint of swagger that would influence generations of performers. Meanwhile, Fats Domino’s “Blueberry Hill” offered a smoother, more melodic contrast. Domino’s effortless combination of rhythm and blues with pop sensibility helped bridge the gap between different audiences, securing his place as one of the genre’s pioneers.
But 1957 wasn’t just about rock ‘n’ roll—it was a year that embraced the full spectrum of American music. Take Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (Banana Boat Song),” a calypso tune that brought Caribbean sounds to mainstream audiences. Similarly, the soulful ballad “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke introduced a voice that would soon come to define soul music. Cooke’s ability to combine gospel roots with pop elegance opened the doors for future R&B artists.
The variety of sounds continued with tracks like “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” by Jerry Lee Lewis and “Lucille” by Little Richard, both of which pushed the boundaries of what rock music could be with their raw energy and wild performances. On the other end of the spectrum, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s rendition of “Summertime” added a jazzy sophistication to the year’s musical offerings, reminding listeners that timeless standards still had a place in the changing musical landscape.
Ninety fifty-seven was a year when rock ‘n’ roll solidified its place in popular culture, while artists from various genres continued to innovate and inspire. Whether through the heartfelt croon of Johnny Mathis on “Chances Are” or the rough-edged blues of Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Working,” the music of this year still echoes today as a testament to a time when creativity flourished across musical boundaries.
Tunes Du Jour Celebrates International Jazz Day
Jazz is a genre that defies easy definition, yet its influence is undeniable across decades of music history. At its core, jazz represents freedom – freedom of artistic expression, freedom to improvise and venture into uncharted musical territory. From the early days of jazz pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday, this artistic freedom has been the driving force behind the ever-evolving sounds of jazz.
The genius of jazz lies in its ability to seamlessly blend composition and spontaneity. Take Miles Davis’ seminal album Kind of Blue, where masterful musicians like John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley were given a simple modal framework to build upon through their improvisations. The result was a transcendent exploration of space, melody, and emotion that still captivates listeners today. Similarly, Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” broke new ground with its innovative use of quintuple meter, exemplifying jazz’s boundary-pushing spirit.
Yet jazz is more than just innovative time signatures and harmonic progressions. It’s a language of human experience, a means of conveying the full spectrum of emotions through sound. Billie Holiday’s haunting rendition of “Strange Fruit” transformed a song into a searing indictment of racism and injustice. Nina Simone’s stirring vocals on “My Baby Just Cares for Me” radiate warmth and playfulness. And Chet Baker’s rendition of “My Funny Valentine” captures the exquisite vulnerability of heartbreak with effortless cool.
As the genre evolved through the latter half of the 20th century, jazz continued to defy conventions and push creative boundaries. The modal jazz of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” was a spiritual exploration unlike anything that came before it. Ornette Coleman’s pioneering free jazz broke down traditional concepts of melody and harmony. And the fusion era saw artists like Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, and Grover Washington Jr. incorporate elements of funk, rock, and R&B into their jazz foundations.
From its humble beginnings in New Orleans to its modern global influence, jazz has remained a quintessential expression of artistic freedom. Its ability to constantly reinvent itself while maintaining a deep reverence for its roots is what makes it one of the most vital and culturally significant art forms of our time. Jazz is more than just a genre – it’s a living, breathing embodiment of the human spirit’s endless capacity for creativity and innovation.
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Throwback Thursday: 1959
The late Wilbert Harrison was born on this date in 1929. His best-known hit is “Kansas City.” That and other songs from 1959 make up today’s playlist.
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 8-4-22
Today’s playlist celebrates the August 4 birthdays of Louis Armstrong, 808 State’s Graham Massey, Sepultura’s Max Cavalera, Frankie Ford, The Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie, Helado Negro, Timi Yuro, Cliff Nobles, Durutti Column’s Vini Reilly, and Yo-Yo; and the August 5 birthdays of Dead or Alive’s Pete Burns, Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch (a/k/a MCA), Sammi Smith, The McCoys’ Rick Derringer, The Remains’ Barry Tashian, Samantha Sang, The Spiral Starecase’s Pat Upton, The Brady Bunch’s Maureen McCormick, and Funkmaster Flex.
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Throwback Thursday: 1960
Look at some of the names who had hits in 1960: Elvis Presley, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Buddy Holly, Ella Fitzgerald, The Everly Bros., Roy Orbison, Fats Domino, The Drifters, Ike & Tina Turner, Dion, Jackie Wilson, Bobby Darin, Chubby Checker, Brenda Lee. It’s like the radio only played superstars. Here are 30 of that year’s best:
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