Artists Across the Decades 1960S, 1970S and 1980S

Artists Across The Decades 1960s, 1970s and 1980s

Kaitlyn Tousaw 3rd December 2018

Abstract

My group created a website called Artists Across The Decades. My portion of the website was to research Bob Marley (popular in the 1960s), Elton John (popular in the 1970s) and Michael Jackson (popular in the 1980s). Therefore, the pages I worked on were 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The subpages I contributed to were as said previously, artists Bob Marley, Elton John and Michael Jackson. I split each artists page into sections, their origin, impact and their greatest hits. Our overall goal for the website was to create a timeline of several influential artists whose music inspired us and continues to inspire us as we evolve. We went with a black and white theme, and every once in a while we added a splash of colour to grab the users attention. We made it easy to navigate through, adding headings and statements such as ”Click the artist you want a deeper understanding on.” I gave a brief paragraph on who the artist was and how they got into music, followed by how they influenced society and culture, then I finished it with their most successful songs.

Contents

Contents i

List of Figures ii

1 1960s 1

2 Bob Marley 1 2.1 Origin ...... 2 2.2 Impact ...... 3 2.3 Music ...... 3

3 1970s 5

4 Elton John 5 4.1 Origin ...... 6 4.2 Impact ...... 7 4.3 Music ...... 7

5 1980 8

6 Michael Jackson 9 6.1 Origin ...... 10 6.2 Impact ...... 10 6.3 Music ...... 11

References 13

i List of Figures

1 Marley jammin’ the guitar ...... 4 2 Elton playing the piano ...... 8 3 Michael strutting the pose ...... 12

ii 1 1960s

Rock music dominated the popular music scene during the decade. However the music of the 1960s not only revolutionized many genres it also captured the peace, love and spirit of the era’s political movements. It was a period of creative explosion and proud voices, as well as fearless innovation.

• Bob Marley

2 Bob Marley

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945 in Jamaica. It started his musical career at the age of 18, joining a group with two other singers, Tosh and Livingston.

It would be easy to dismiss Bob Marley (1945-1981) as someone who is and should remain a figure of the 20th century. However, this does not help to explain why even after his death from cancer three and a half decades ago, he continues to be revered by millions of people around the world. Marley’s images can be found almost everywhere, ranging from T-shirts and hats, to bags and even coffee mugs. His greatest hits compilation, “Legend”, has sold an estimated 27.9 million copies since it was released in 1984. It still sells 250,000 copies a year..1

Rastafar:

This is the beginning stages of a reggae2 star, hrough Marley’s music, people in all corners of the world came to embrace Rastafari. This has helped shape the Rasta philosophy tothe extent that it can no longer be attuned solely to the needs of believers in Jamaica.It is found that everywhere it has been adapted to suit the needs and concerns of the society in which it has been embraced. This has further led Rasta scholars such as 1S. Maganga, ‘Under the Influence of ... Bob Marley, the Timeless Music Man,’ 3, accessed November 6, 2018, http://theconversation.com/under-the-influence-of-bobmarley-the-timeless-music-man-63347 . 2T

1 2. Bob Marley

Richard Salter to argue that there is no one thing as Rastafari but rather only “Rastafaris”. What Salter means by this is that as a phenomenon Rastafari is understood in the societies where it is found. This further demonstrates how far and wide the phenomenon has spread globally. There are currently an estimated one million followers around the world. Marley’s message of Rastafari would further be extended to scholars who would play their part in educating the public about the nature of Rastafari.3.4

THOUGHTS:

1. He showed perseverance through his cancer

2. Continued to spread the message of peace, happiness and love

3. Inspired people by speaking the truth in his music

4. Made people aware of the religion Rastafar

2.1 Origin

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945 in Jamaica. It started his musical career at the age of 18, joining a group with two other singers, Tosh and Livingston. However, the group dissolved because Tosh was selling records claiming them as his own without the other group members consent. Marley moved on and formed a new band called “Bob Marley and the Wailers” producing some of his most celebrated albums. When Marley left Jamaica, he moved to England where the band created “Exodus” and “Kaya.” In 1970 people really got to know who Bob Marley was through the release of their first international album. After the band folded, Marley continued hissolo career creating hit after hit..5

3Maganga, ‘Under the Influence of ... Bob Marley, the Timeless Music Man,’ 3. 4D. V. Moskowitz, Bob Marley: A Biography (Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007), 3, isbn: 978-0-313-33879-3. 5‘Bob Marley - The Official Site,’ 5, accessed November 29, 2018, http://www.bobmarl e y . c o m / .

2 2.2. Impact

2.2 Impact

His reggae music influenced culture around the world. Nowadays, reggae music is affiliated with Bob Marley; whenever anyone hears reggae music they automatically think of Bob Marley or the Caribbean and being on vacation. Bob Marley was the first artist to introduce this style of music that the world had never heard before. His music developed calm and chill vibes. His music provided awareness and education to his Rastafari religion. He wrote songs based off his beliefs from his religion, and spread the message of peace, love and happiness. Marley has influenced Jamaica by inspiring the people to enjoy and cherish their Jamaican culture. He was able to bring tourism into Jamaica, contributing to the economic growth as a country. On top of that, he was heavily involved with political change. For instance, in the middle of a civil war in Jamaica he was able to bring together two opposing politicians on stage presenting peace..6

2.3 Music

• No Woman No Cry

• Could You Be Loved

• One Love

• Buffalo Soldier

• Stir it Up

• Is This Love

• Get Up, Stand Up

• Easy Skanking

• I Shot The Sheriff

• Waiting in Vain

6Moskowitz, Bob Marley, 7.

3 2. Bob Marley

Figure 1: 73 years of the birth of Bob Marley: An icon of the twentieth century in 5 songs (E. Press, ‘73 años del nacimiento de Bob Marley: Un icono del siglo XX en 5 canciones,’ 2018-02-06T14:45:39 +01:00, accessed December 3, 2018, https://www.culturaocio.com/musica/noticia-73-anos-nacimi ento-bob-marley-icono-siglo-xx-canciones-20180206144539. h t m l )

• Jammin’

• Punky Reggae Party

• Satisfy My Soul

• Three Little Birds

• Cath a Fire

4 See Figure 1 of Bob Marley performing his greatest hits.

3 1970s

There was more variety in music in the 1970s than ever before. Music listeners had many genres to choose from. The genres were funk, Soul, RnB, Pop, Hard Rock, Soft Rock and Disco. All claimed their place in the music world inthe 1970s. The 70s were a golden era for vinyl records.

• Elton John

4 Elton John

Throughout his career John demonstrated a supreme talent for assimilating and blending diverse pop and rock styles into a propulsive, streamlined sound that was extroverted, energetic, and somewhat impersonal. His recordings were among the first to homogenize electric guitar and acoustic piano with synthesized instrumentation. His vocal style, with its Southern accent and gospel inflections, was strongly American-influenced, as was his pianism, an ornate, gospel-flavoured elaboration of the stylings of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. His first American hit,“Your Song,” in 1970, was a love ballad that combined the introspective mood of the era’s singer-songwriters with a more traditional pop craftsmanship.7

Influence:

7‘Sir Elton John | Biography, Songs, & Facts,’ 5, accessed November 29, 2018, h t t p s : / / www.britannica.com/biography/Elton-John .

5 4. Elton John

And Elton also thinks the music industry has changed since he began his career. He said: ”There weren’t any gay role models in the music industry at the beginning of my career, even Liberace was in the closet! We’ve come a long way since then.”He said: ”It’s changed out of all recognition. I was 20 when the Sexual Offenses Act partially decriminalised homosexuality. ”Back then, being gay was acknowledged as a source of shame. Gay people were spoken of in euphemisms. ”A gay man was a ’bachelor’. Lesbians were ’tomboys’. ”Today, gay couples, married with children, are accepted by most people and even championed by some.8 THOUGHTS: 1. He showed perseverance through being a part of a minority in the LGBT community 2. Inspired people to embrace who they were 3. Contributed to many charities spreading love to everyone

4.1 Origin

Elton John was born on March 25, 1947, in England. He was always brilliant when it came to composing music, even when he was just a child. As a boy he would sing at parties, family get-togethers, and participated in music lessons. Music always moved him and caught his attention, thus becoming his priority. This resulted in him dropping out of high school to pursue his dreamof becoming a singer. This is when his musical career began. Of course, like any other artist he had to overcome hardships, through producers and record companies shutting him down. He persevered through the many obstacles that were thrown his way, never giving up. It was not until Elton John’s first big hit, “Your Song” that put him on the map and got him recognized. Not only was this the start of his prominent music career, but Elton John and his music influenced several people around the world.9 8B. Showbiz, ‘Sir Elton John: Gay Stigma and Shame Is Still Rife,’ 6, accessed November 29, 2018, https://ewn.co.za/2017/07/29/sir-elton-john-gay-stigma-and- shame-is-still-rife . 9D. Buckley, Elton: The Biography (Chicago Review Press, 2007), 6, isbn: 978-1-55652-713-5.

6 4.2. Impact

4.2 Impact

Elton John is an activist for LGBT social movements worldwide. He was one of the first artists to be involved in a same-sex marriage. Despite being apart of a minority, Elton John was a role model for the LGBT community encouraging others to feel comfortable in their own skin, and not to be ashamed of who you are. His presence has played a role in the social change of society, making people more aware and accepting towards the LGBT community. Furthermore, Elton John is heavily involved with charity work. He is the founder of The Elton John Aids Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization, established in 1992. It supports the innovative HIV prevention, education programs, direct care and support services to people living with HIV. The foundation has raised over 300 million across four continents within 24 years.10

4.3 Music

• Your Song

• Rocket Man

• Honky Cat

• Crocodile Rock

• Daniel

• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

• Candle in the Wind

• Someone Saved My Life Tonight

• Pinball Wizard

• Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

• Bennie and The Jets

• Philadelphia Freedom

10‘About,’7, accessed November 29, 2018, https://www.eltonjohn.com/elton-john .

7 5. 1980

Figure 2: Elton John performing in Norway (Файл:Elton John in Norway.jpg, in Википедия, accessed December 3, 2018, https://ru.wikipedia.org/ wiki/%D0%A4%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BB:Elton_John_in_Norway.jpg )

• I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues

• Blue Eyes

5 1980

Music in the 1980s was all about image and with the evolution and popularity of MTV. There were also several new genres that popped up including, Hip Hop, New Wave and Heavy Metal, all of which have influenced music today. The music focused on artistic themes and the sound was tied to punk rock, dance music, synthesizers and other electronic instruments.

• Michael Jackson

8 6 Michael Jackson

July, 1981: A benefit concert at the Omni Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia, raised 100,000 for the ‘Atlanta Children’s Foundation’ in response to a series of kidnappings and murders that had been plaguing the children of Atlanta for months. April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old cystic fibrosis sufferer, fulfilled a lifelong dream when he was invited to Michael’s Encino family home through the auspices of the ‘Brass Ring Society’. The pair shared an enjoyable afternoon watching movies in the private screening room, eating lunch and playing video games. Before leaving, David was treated to a black sequined glove and Michael’s red leather jacket from his hit, ‘Beat It’. Seven weeks later, the young boy passed away, but not without having had his last wish granted. May, 1984: Michael donated the use of his song ‘Beat It’ to a national advertising campaign against drinking whilst driving. For his contribution, he received a Special Achievement Award which was presented by President Ronald Reagan.11

THOUGHTS:

1. Most people think artists are egotistical, Michael was anything but that, he was very kind and generous.

2. Michael was heavily involved in charity work, influencing everyone to become better versions of themselves.

3. He was able to use his platform to encourage other people to get involved in humanitarian work.

11‘His Humanitarian Work,’ 9, accessed November 29, 2018, http://www.michaeljack sonslegacy.org/index.php/his-humanitarian-work .

9 6. Michael Jackson

6.1 Origin

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Indiana. He is suggested as one of the most legendary music icons. As a kid he was always singing and dancing, soon becoming the youngest member of the musical group, Jackson 5. Jackson 5 was one of the most influential pop groups in the 1970s. Their songs are still played on the radio today, and people are always dancing to their beats, such as: I Want You Back, Blame It On The Boogie, and ABC. As most group bands do, Jackson 5 slowly started to fall apart due to solo careers and betrayal of group members. Michael’s debut in Jackson 5 lead him into becoming the more superior member of the group, attracting people through his talented dancing and remarkable vocals. When Jackson released “Thriller” his fame escalated quickly, and the music video became the most viewed video of all time. Thriller was entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. Now he is known as the “King of Pop.”12

6.2 Impact

Jackson not only influenced people through his music and unique sounding voice, but also through his dance moves and fashion trends. His signature dance moves became a phenomenon across the world and people are constantly imitating his dances moves, whether it be the moon walk or the croch grab. There are several tutorials on Youtube teaching lessons on howto dance like Michael, as well as his dance moves appearing in many games such as Just Dance Wii. When someone asks “Give me your best Michael Jackson” most people respond with attempting to mimic the moon walk, giving aspin, thrusting your hand in the air and shouting hehe in your highest voice. In addition, Michael Jackson inspired fashion and his style is iconic. Fans did not just go to his concerts for his singing, but the entertainment of him dancing and seeing all the unpredictable costume changes. He wore: elaborate, bedazzled jackets, ONE glove, bright colours, and made the fedora attractive. Jackson tremendous impact on society through his humanitarian work. He gave over 300 million dollars to charities, including Make-A-Wish foundation, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, underprivileged children and many more. He went on to build the “Michael Jackson UNFC Endowed Scholarship Fund” which supported students involved with Art and Communications,

12M. Jackson, Moon Walk (Harmony Books, 2009), 10, isbn: 978-0-307-71698-9.

10 6.3. Music giving money each year to students attending United Negro College Fund College or University.13

6.3 Music

• Thriller

• Got to be There

• Man in the Mirror

• Ain’t No Sunshine

• Beat it

• Smooth Criminal

• Billie Jean

• Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough

• The Way You Make Me Feel

• Rock With You

• Black or White

• Human Nature

• Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’

• Pretty Young Thing

• Bad

13‘His Humanitarian Work,’ 10.

11 6. Michael Jackson

Figure 3: Portrait of Michael Jackson (‘Michael Jackson Zdjęcia (686 z 2334),’ accessed December 3, 2018, https://www.last.fm/pl/music/Michael+ Jackson/+images/e815845c27df4e90876253d67bc75c31 ) 12 References

References

‘Bob Marley - The Official Site.’ Accessed November 29, 2018. http://www.bobmarley.com/ . Buckley, D. Elton: The Biography. Chicago Review Press, 2007. isbn: 978-1-55652-713-5. ‘About.’ Accessed November 29, 2018. https://www.eltonjohn.com/elton-john . ‘Sir Elton John | Biography, Songs, & Facts.’ Accessed November 29, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elton-John . ‘His Humanitarian Work.’ Accessed November 29, 2018. http://www.michaeljacksonslegacy.org/index.php/his- humanitarian-work . Jackson, M. Moon Walk. Harmony Books, 2009. isbn: 978-0-307-71698-9. ‘Michael Jackson Zdjęcia (686 z 2334).’ Accessed December 3, 2018. https://www.last.fm/pl/music/Michael+Jackson/+images/ e815845c27df4e90876253d67bc75c31 . Maganga, S. ‘Under the Influence of ... Bob Marley, the Timeless Music Man.’ Accessed November 6, 2018. http://theconversation.com/under-the-influence-of- bob-marley-the-timeless-music-man-63347 . Moskowitz, D. V. Bob Marley: A Biography. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2007. isbn: 978-0-313-33879-3. Press, E. ‘73 años del nacimiento de Bob Marley: Un icono del siglo XX en 5 canciones.’ 2018-02-06T14:45:39 +01:00. Accessed December 3, 2018. https://www.culturaocio.com/musica/noticia-73-anos- nacimiento-bob-marley-icono-siglo-xx-canciones- 20180206144539.html . Permission to use, share, or modify as per Google Advanced Image Search.

13 References

Showbiz, B. ‘Sir Elton John: Gay Stigma and Shame Is Still Rife.’ Accessed November 29, 2018. https://ewn.co.za/2017/07/29/sir-eltonjohn-gay-stigma-and-shame-is-still-rife . Файл:Elton John in Norway.jpg. In Википедия. Accessed December 3, 2018. h t t p s : //ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A4%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BB: Elton_John_in_Norway.jpg . Permission to share and modify.