GOSPEL, SOUL, and MOTOWN Chapter 19
Soul While the stylistic elements of soul weren’t new, their application to rock music was While the stylistic elements of soul weren’t new, their application to rock music was For perhaps the first time, there was a no- compromise presentation of black music for the masses, comparatively free of being watered down For perhaps the first time, there was a no- compromise presentation of black music for the masses, comparatively free of being watered down
Blues and gospel are the “musical parents” of soul Blues and gospel are the “musical parents” of soul
Until the 1960s record labels selling blues or gospel oriented music typically calmed down the driving beat, shouting vocal style and passionate emotion to broaden its market to white teenagers Until the 1960s record labels selling blues or gospel oriented music typically calmed down the driving beat, shouting vocal style and passionate emotion to broaden its market to white teenagers
Doo-wop, still reflected the influence of smoother vocal styles, like Nat King Cole H92KjQ Doo-wop, still reflected the influence of smoother vocal styles, like Nat King Cole H92KjQ H92KjQ H92KjQ Some R&B artists changed their lyric subjects from oppression, poverty and general misery to cars, puppy love and nagging parents Some R&B artists changed their lyric subjects from oppression, poverty and general misery to cars, puppy love and nagging parents Once in a while an artist would break out of that mold, like Little Richard Once in a while an artist would break out of that mold, like Little Richard
Before the term soul came to be applied to their style, artists like James Brown, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin were pulling out the stops and turning their concerts into revival meetings Before the term soul came to be applied to their style, artists like James Brown, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin were pulling out the stops and turning their concerts into revival meetings
Atlantic Records Was founded by Ahmet Ertegun in 1946 Was founded by Ahmet Ertegun in 1946 Began as a small independent label specializing in R&B and gradually gained success featuring crossovers like the Coasters and Ray Charles Began as a small independent label specializing in R&B and gradually gained success featuring crossovers like the Coasters and Ray Charles In the 1960s the label specialized in the new gospel-based form of black rock – called soul and became a major label on par with RCA and Columbia In the 1960s the label specialized in the new gospel-based form of black rock – called soul and became a major label on par with RCA and Columbia
Gospel The term soul reveals the most fundamental aspect of its style; it is the secular offspring of music from the black church The term soul reveals the most fundamental aspect of its style; it is the secular offspring of music from the black church Most soul artists learned the style from singing in church Most soul artists learned the style from singing in church The most important development in black church music in the 20th century was the coming of gospel music and its creator, Thomas Dorsey The most important development in black church music in the 20th century was the coming of gospel music and its creator, Thomas Dorsey
Thomas Dorsey born in Georgia, 1899 born in Georgia, 1899 Popular vaudeville blues composer, singer and pianist in the 1920s Popular vaudeville blues composer, singer and pianist in the 1920s Wrote somewhat ‘suggestive’ blues songs Wrote somewhat ‘suggestive’ blues songs He was the son of a minister and had never fully left the church He was the son of a minister and had never fully left the church In 1929 he devoted the rest of his life to composing and performing religious music In 1929 he devoted the rest of his life to composing and performing religious music
Thomas Dorsey- Father of Gospel Thomas Dorsey- Father of Gospel Q Q Q Q He brought into church performances the same intensity and instrumentation he would have used at a dance hall He brought into church performances the same intensity and instrumentation he would have used at a dance hall Obviously this was met with opposition at first Obviously this was met with opposition at first
Black religious music had long involved shouting vocals and a driving rhythm, but Dorsey’s music was too close to the sound of blues – something the faithful considered to be the devil’s music Black religious music had long involved shouting vocals and a driving rhythm, but Dorsey’s music was too close to the sound of blues – something the faithful considered to be the devil’s music Through the persistence of Dorsey and a number of talented singers, this music, which came to be known as gospel music, caught on Through the persistence of Dorsey and a number of talented singers, this music, which came to be known as gospel music, caught on
Dorsey brought the blues style into the church as gospel music – soul then brought the gospel style back into the world of rhythm and blues Dorsey brought the blues style into the church as gospel music – soul then brought the gospel style back into the world of rhythm and blues
James Brown Born in Georgia, 1933 Born in Georgia, 1933 Formed the Famous Flames in the 1950s Formed the Famous Flames in the 1950s Known many times as the “Godfather of Soul” and the “hardest working man in show business” Known many times as the “Godfather of Soul” and the “hardest working man in show business” I Feel Good Z2rKw I Feel Good Z2rKw Z2rKw Z2rKw
As a musician his goal was to “give people more than what they came for — make them tired, 'cause that's what they came for.” As a musician his goal was to “give people more than what they came for — make them tired, 'cause that's what they came for.” His performances were famous for their intensity and length His performances were famous for their intensity and length He worked out spectacular but precise dance steps, inspiring many artists to come, most notably Michael Jackson. He worked out spectacular but precise dance steps, inspiring many artists to come, most notably Michael Jackson.
Vocally, James Brown emulated Little Richard’s coarse shouting/screaming style, inserting grunts and shrieks – not only did these add energy, but they served a rhythmic purpose too Vocally, James Brown emulated Little Richard’s coarse shouting/screaming style, inserting grunts and shrieks – not only did these add energy, but they served a rhythmic purpose too
He also modeled his appearance after Little Richard – tall hair and a flashy wardrobe including shiny suits and skintight pants He also modeled his appearance after Little Richard – tall hair and a flashy wardrobe including shiny suits and skintight pants As a bandleader, he was extremely demanding – discipline, perfection and precision As a bandleader, he was extremely demanding – discipline, perfection and precision If band members weren’t wearing the exact costumes, arrived to a rehearsal or performance late or even played wrong notes they were fined If band members weren’t wearing the exact costumes, arrived to a rehearsal or performance late or even played wrong notes they were fined
A notable part of James Brown’s live show was the cape routine. Toward the end of the show Brown would collapse onstage, with the MC tending to him and draping a cape over his shoulders. Just before leaving the stage he would run back out and finish the song. A notable part of James Brown’s live show was the cape routine. Toward the end of the show Brown would collapse onstage, with the MC tending to him and draping a cape over his shoulders. Just before leaving the stage he would run back out and finish the song.
Please, Please, Please Released his first hit in 1956 – “Please, Please, Please” (Cape Routine/ Please Please Please) WP1A Released his first hit in 1956 – “Please, Please, Please” (Cape Routine/ Please Please Please) WP1A WP1A WP1A Very close to a typical doo-wop song with piano triplets, smooth background vocals and a passionate lead vocal Very close to a typical doo-wop song with piano triplets, smooth background vocals and a passionate lead vocal
Think In 1960 he released “Think” – it showed a distinct style change; the horn section acted like background vocalists and the drum beat was more crisp and driving In 1960 he released “Think” – it showed a distinct style change; the horn section acted like background vocalists and the drum beat was more crisp and driving His style was further set in stone when he won a legal battle with his record label to gain complete artistic control over his career His style was further set in stone when he won a legal battle with his record label to gain complete artistic control over his career
Right after this he released “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” 8uq-4 and “I Feel Good” – his first two top 10 hits Right after this he released “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” 8uq-4 and “I Feel Good” – his first two top 10 hits 8uq-4 8uq-4 As the 1960s progressed, Brown continued to release music that would eventually influence the development of funk music in the 1970s As the 1960s progressed, Brown continued to release music that would eventually influence the development of funk music in the 1970s
At the end of the 1960s he released “Cold Sweat,” VM2eI which some consider to be the first true funk record – it was also the first of his songs to feature a drum break and a mainly single chord harmony At the end of the 1960s he released “Cold Sweat,” VM2eI which some consider to be the first true funk record – it was also the first of his songs to feature a drum break and a mainly single chord harmony VM2eI VM2eI With in the next two years he released a number of singles that would influence not only funk, but hip hop and various styles of electronic dance music With in the next two years he released a number of singles that would influence not only funk, but hip hop and various styles of electronic dance music
“Funky Drummer” is notable for arguably being one of the most sampled recordings “Funky Drummer” is notable for arguably being one of the most sampled recordings “Give It Up or Turn it a Loose” became a popular hip hop/breakdance song “Give It Up or Turn it a Loose” became a popular hip hop/breakdance song Brown continued to record through the 80s 90s and early 2000s as well as appearing in a number of movies and TV shows Brown continued to record through the 80s 90s and early 2000s as well as appearing in a number of movies and TV shows
Although his singles didn’t experience quite the same attention they once did, his influence is undeniable Although his singles didn’t experience quite the same attention they once did, his influence is undeniable Songs that sample James Brown %20Brown/ Songs that sample James Brown %20Brown/ %20Brown/ %20Brown/ He died Christmas day, 2006 He died Christmas day, 2006
Ray Charles Born 1930 in Georgia Born 1930 in Georgia At age 6 he lost his sight due to glaucoma At age 6 he lost his sight due to glaucoma He was trained in music at a school for the deaf and blind in Florida He was trained in music at a school for the deaf and blind in Florida Began as a traveling musician at the age of 15, eventually settling in Seattle, WA Began as a traveling musician at the age of 15, eventually settling in Seattle, WA His early influences were artists like Nat King Cole, and his early music reflected that His early influences were artists like Nat King Cole, and his early music reflected that I Got A Woman (live with intro) U I Got A Woman (live with intro) U U U
He moved to Atlantic Records in 1952, an independent label specializing in “soul” music He moved to Atlantic Records in 1952, an independent label specializing in “soul” music In 1953 he released “Mess Around,” written by Ahmet Ertegun, president of Atlantic Records – this song led to a string of hit singles until In 1953 he released “Mess Around,” written by Ahmet Ertegun, president of Atlantic Records – this song led to a string of hit singles until As he was developing his sound, he began to incorporate female background singers, dubbed the Raelettes As he was developing his sound, he began to incorporate female background singers, dubbed the Raelettes
In 1959 he crossed over to top 40 radio with “What’d I Say” a song that was improvised at a concert when the planned performance ended early mZqU In 1959 he crossed over to top 40 radio with “What’d I Say” a song that was improvised at a concert when the planned performance ended early mZqU mZqU mZqU Because the song was over 6 minutes long (too long for AM radio) it was split into two parts Because the song was over 6 minutes long (too long for AM radio) it was split into two parts
Shortly after this Ray Charles left Atlantic to sign with ABC Records for a much more lucrative deal – higher royalties, complete artistic control and ownership of his master tapes Shortly after this Ray Charles left Atlantic to sign with ABC Records for a much more lucrative deal – higher royalties, complete artistic control and ownership of his master tapes He released a number of #1 singles on his first record at ABC helping his transition to pop music He released a number of #1 singles on his first record at ABC helping his transition to pop music
For the rest of the 1960s and into the 1970s, his releases were hit or miss For the rest of the 1960s and into the 1970s, his releases were hit or miss Over the course of the next few decades, he appeared in various films (The Blues Brothers), TV shows and commercials, increasing his recognition among young audiences Over the course of the next few decades, he appeared in various films (The Blues Brothers), TV shows and commercials, increasing his recognition among young audiences
In 2004, Ray was released – a biographical movie about Charles starring Jamie Foxx In 2004, Ray was released – a biographical movie about Charles starring Jamie Foxx Foxx won an academy award for the role and the movie continued to increase a younger generation's awareness of Ray Charles’ career Foxx won an academy award for the role and the movie continued to increase a younger generation's awareness of Ray Charles’ career Ray Charles died a few months before the movie was released due to liver cancer, but had been deeply involved in the production of the film Ray Charles died a few months before the movie was released due to liver cancer, but had been deeply involved in the production of the film
STAX RECORDS By the 1960s Memphis had been home to popular blues and rockabilly artists By the 1960s Memphis had been home to popular blues and rockabilly artists As the fifties came to an end though, many blues singers had moved to Chicago, and Elvis had moved to Nashville As the fifties came to an end though, many blues singers had moved to Chicago, and Elvis had moved to Nashville
Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton renamed their studio in 1961 – eventually Atlantic became the exclusive distributor of music recorded there Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton renamed their studio in 1961 – eventually Atlantic became the exclusive distributor of music recorded there Their first hits were instrumental – soon after, Otis Redding e4 and Isaac Hayes began writing hits for the small record label Their first hits were instrumental – soon after, Otis Redding e4 and Isaac Hayes began writing hits for the small record label e4 e The studio left its original formula to compete with the slick sound of Motown but ultimately failed and went bankrupt The studio left its original formula to compete with the slick sound of Motown but ultimately failed and went bankrupt
Aretha Franklin Born Memphis Tennessee – 1942 Born Memphis Tennessee – 1942 Her father was a Baptist minister – her childhood was spent hearing gospel music Her father was a Baptist minister – her childhood was spent hearing gospel music In the late fifties she decided to cross over into pop music In the late fifties she decided to cross over into pop music Her first record label tried to make her into a female Nat King Cole crooner, something neither the white easy listening audience nor the black R&B audience was interested in Her first record label tried to make her into a female Nat King Cole crooner, something neither the white easy listening audience nor the black R&B audience was interested in
When her contract expired in 1967 Atlantic grabbed her, using their experience with soul and gospel to bring out the best of her voice – they encouraged her to sing in a shouting gospel style and gave her control over her songs and arrangements When her contract expired in 1967 Atlantic grabbed her, using their experience with soul and gospel to bring out the best of her voice – they encouraged her to sing in a shouting gospel style and gave her control over her songs and arrangements First female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame First female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Respect o1Bg7yBxQo Respect o1Bg7yBxQo o1Bg7yBxQo o1Bg7yBxQo
Isaac Hayes Born 1942 – Died 2008 Tennessee Born 1942 – Died 2008 Tennessee Worked with people like Otis Redding Worked with people like Otis Redding Known for his really deep voice 0mJQ “Walk on By” Known for his really deep voice 0mJQ “Walk on By” 0mJQ 0mJQ Inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 Inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 Played a character in the show “South Park” - ?? Played a character in the show “South Park” - ??
4iG0 Chef – “South Park” songs 4iG0 Chef – “South Park” songs 4iG0 4iG0 Resigned from South Park for religious reasons. Resigned from South Park for religious reasons.
Motown Records Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit, Michigan Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit, Michigan It was known for its ability to produce hit after hit, similar to an assembly line It was known for its ability to produce hit after hit, similar to an assembly line Among the writing staff was the team H-D- H (Eddie and Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier) responsible for 28 top 20 hits in 4 years Among the writing staff was the team H-D- H (Eddie and Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier) responsible for 28 top 20 hits in 4 years
Their formula’s success was undeniable and has been used ever since Their formula’s success was undeniable and has been used ever since Lyrics in the verse were disposable, but the chorus contained the hook line, the song’s title and was written in such a way that it stuck in the listener’s head Lyrics in the verse were disposable, but the chorus contained the hook line, the song’s title and was written in such a way that it stuck in the listener’s head
By exerting control over every step of the production process, Berry Gordy created a distinguishable “Motown sound” By exerting control over every step of the production process, Berry Gordy created a distinguishable “Motown sound” A song was passed around between artists until the right one was found to sing it A song was passed around between artists until the right one was found to sing it The artists were well-groomed and poised, even when doing their distinctive dance steps The artists were well-groomed and poised, even when doing their distinctive dance steps Lyrics were inoffensive and romantic, the beat was danceable and the recording length stayed well within AM time constraints Lyrics were inoffensive and romantic, the beat was danceable and the recording length stayed well within AM time constraints
The music had a wholesomeness and elegance unlike the aggression of Stax artists or James Brown, but was more successful among white audiences The music had a wholesomeness and elegance unlike the aggression of Stax artists or James Brown, but was more successful among white audiences Eventually some artists grew fed up with Berry Gordy’s control and renegotiated their contracts, leading to very unique sounds coming from Motown Eventually some artists grew fed up with Berry Gordy’s control and renegotiated their contracts, leading to very unique sounds coming from Motown
Motown’s distinct sound was further helped by “The Funk Brothers” – a group of studio musicians that appeared on many of Motown’s hits – Gordy knew they had formed a unique and valuable sound and guarded them viciously – they were forbidden to appear on recordings outside Motown together or perform live together, even locally in Detroit under the threat of being fired Motown’s distinct sound was further helped by “The Funk Brothers” – a group of studio musicians that appeared on many of Motown’s hits – Gordy knew they had formed a unique and valuable sound and guarded them viciously – they were forbidden to appear on recordings outside Motown together or perform live together, even locally in Detroit under the threat of being fired
Artists on Motown Records Stevie WonderThe Temptations Stevie WonderThe Temptations The Jackson 598 Degrees The Jackson 598 Degrees Marvin GayeBoyz II Men Marvin GayeBoyz II Men The SupremesLionel Richie The SupremesLionel Richie
Stevie Wonder Born in Detroit Born in Detroit Auditioned for Berry Gordy at 10 years old – he was impressed by his multi- instrumentalist talent and singing ability and was marketed as a young Ray Charles (although he was blind from birth) Auditioned for Berry Gordy at 10 years old – he was impressed by his multi- instrumentalist talent and singing ability and was marketed as a young Ray Charles (although he was blind from birth)
As he gained success at Motown he eventually renegotiated his contract for higher royalties and more creative control As he gained success at Motown he eventually renegotiated his contract for higher royalties and more creative control His later recordings show this through greater experimentation, specifically with the use of synthesizers and blending together a number of musical styles His later recordings show this through greater experimentation, specifically with the use of synthesizers and blending together a number of musical styles Superstitious s1vE Superstitious s1vE s1vE s1vE
Jackson 5 Originally a trio of the three older brothers, the full lineup became Jackie, Tito, Germaine, Marlon and Michael in 1964 Originally a trio of the three older brothers, the full lineup became Jackie, Tito, Germaine, Marlon and Michael in 1964 The group was managed (and pushed to work very hard) by their father The group was managed (and pushed to work very hard) by their father Once signed with Motown the group fell victim to Berry Gordy’s control, going so far as to creating a fake discovery story – Michael’s age was changed from 11 to 9 to make him appear cuter Once signed with Motown the group fell victim to Berry Gordy’s control, going so far as to creating a fake discovery story – Michael’s age was changed from 11 to 9 to make him appear cuter
Although the group played instruments onstage and were writing and producing song in their home studio, Motown didn’t allow them to record their own compositions or play their own instruments in the studio Although the group played instruments onstage and were writing and producing song in their home studio, Motown didn’t allow them to record their own compositions or play their own instruments in the studio A massive marketing campaign was launched with the group starring in TV specials and cartoons A massive marketing campaign was launched with the group starring in TV specials and cartoons
The group went on to influence the boy band genre, as well as bringing dances such as the “robot” into the mainstream The group went on to influence the boy band genre, as well as bringing dances such as the “robot” into the mainstream I Want You Back mk7bxE I Want You Back mk7bxE mk7bxE mk7bxE Michael Jackson Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough wLenE Michael Jackson Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough wLenE wLenE wLenE
Marvin Gaye What’s Goin On B87c What’s Goin On B87c B87c B87c
Homework List five songs (other than those listed here) for the following people – List five songs (other than those listed here) for the following people – Stevie WonderThe Temptations The Jackson 598 Degrees Marvin GayeBoyz II Men The SupremesLionel Richie