Electronic music
The sixties was the era when music became more 'electronic'. Composers absorbing ideas from overseas, such as indeterminacy and electro acoustic music, and interpreting them in an Australian context to mixed responses from local audiences.
An icon such as Bruce Clark struck it lucky when he created an electric soundtrack for a cigarette advertisement in 1963. Tape manipulation was used to make this track. It was something new, something people had not heard of yet. It was different, something people wanted in this time. Music icons and iconic music
In 1960 the Shirelles launch the 'girl group' era with the song 'Will you love me tomorrow'. This gets sex back into songs under the veil of innocence.
In 1960, Motown records introduce 'The Miracles' with their first hit 'Shop around'; this sparks R&B. In 1960, Elvis was discharged from the army, this is the start of his music career. In 1961, The Marvelettes "Please Mr. Postman" becomes the first number one pop hit released on a black owned and run label - Motown. In 1962 Elvis gives his last live performance for eight years. In 1962, Surf-rock guitarist Dick Dale debuts the new Fender Reverb amplifier. In 1963, James Brown's album "Live At The Apollo" becomes the first LP by a pure R&B artist to hit the Top Five on the album charts. In 1963, The Beatles have no impact on America or Australia. In 1964 Rock 'n' roll has its first major shakeup in nearly a decade when in late January "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles tops the US Pop chart. In 1964, The Beach Boys and The Beatles toured Australia. Both with fans going crazy. 1965 also saw Jimmy Little have a hit with 'Royal Telephone' - He was the first indigenous Australian to do so. The second musical explosion in 1964 happens when Motown strikes it lucky again with its biggest hits to date by the Temptations. Four top of the charts songs and its newest group 'The Supremes' who score three number ones from July to December. In 1965 Bob Dylan 'plugs in' at the Newport Folk Festival marking his change from acoustic folkie music to rock 'n' roll. In 1965 Blues-rock hits its high point with The Yardbirds, The Who, The Pretty Things and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band turning 'the norm' into their aggressive style. On August the 29th, 1966, The Beatles play their final live concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. In 1966 Southern soul music gets its first number one on the charts with Percy Sledge's 'When a man loves a woman'. In 1966, Australia's prestigious, annual rock band competition, Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds began. Johnny Young was the host of Young Talent Time in 1966 and The Seekers became the first Australian band to sell over a million records internationally. In 1967, Aretha Franklin dominates with her first soul records. This put her on the path to becoming the most popular female singer in rock history. In 1967, The Doors first album became number two on the charts and its lead single 'Light My Fire' hits number one on the charts. This made 'Light My Fire' one of the most successful debuts in the late sixties. In 1968, Motown responds to the growing trend of deeper soul and psychedelic music. They pushed their artists to a less pop-friendly style. This resulted in Marvin Gaye and the Temptations major hits. The Beatles strike it lucky again, but his time it was their best strike. 'Hey Jude', their biggest single ever. The Beatles used their differences in creativity to their advantage. In 1968, the term 'heavy metal' became known from the song 'born to be wild' by Steppenwolf. After Elvis Presley return to prominence in a high rated television show later named 'The 68 comeback special' in which Presley dressed head to toe in leather. In his explosive fashion he performs his old hits. Its all over for The Beatles in 1969 when they perform in public for the final time. 'rooftop jam session' it was dubbed. This performance took place in England on January 29th. They then record their final song together in August that year. Diana Ross leaves The Supremes in 1969 for her solo career. The Isley Brothers career ends ten years later to date with only three large hits, starting their own label 'T-neck' and then score a major single 'It's Your Thing'. This appears to be their first funk record. |
Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special'"We were three minutes from doing it. That is how it happened. Look at the guys around him on stage. They all had burgundy or Levi jackets on. They all had uniforms on. I didn't have a uniform on. My hair wasn't even brushed. I had stepped off to the side when Elvis said `Come here.' 'What?' 'Get a tambourine and come in.' How could I make this up? If I were supposed to be there I'd have the same clothes as them'.
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