How The Beatles Destroyed Rock ’n’ Roll by Elijah Wald
(Oxford University Press, 2009)
Review by Belmont professor Don Cusic:
This isn’t really a book about the Beatles; rather it is a book that notes the distortion of the history of popular music through the years. Wald, who wrote an excellent book on Robert Johnson, notes that histories of rock ’n’ roll—or the music industry in general—tend to be written by guys who like cutting edge music much more than “popular” music. For example, Paul Whiteman was the most commercially successful early jazz big band leader, but historians ignore him in favor of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington (who both admired Whiteman) because 1) Whiteman was white and 2) he was commercially popular.
Once the party line is established, other writers tend to follow it.
This also happened when rock ’n’ roll comes into the picture. People like Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Patti Page (remember “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?”) are dismissed as “white bread” because they do not suit the writer/critics taste. Pat Boone, who competed head to head with Elvis in the 1950s—and had a whole string of top chart hits from that era—has become a whipping boy for those who disliked his covers of R&B songs and disparage him instead of acknowledging that he, too, was a cultural force in that era.
As for the Beatles, well, those who write about them ignore the fact that “Hello Dolly” by Louis Armstrong pushed them off the top of the singles charts in 1964 and that Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Roger Miller (he never mentioned Roger—but I loved him!) had big hits during the British Invasion. After the Beatles and the British, according to Wald, rock music was frozen in time.
Wald laments that “the segregation of American popular music that began with the British Invasion has hurt white music more than it hurt black. Rock and its white relatives stagnated—not in the sense that no good music was made but in that there have been few major advances in the past thirty-plus years. Meanwhile, the black dance music of the 1970s led into hip-hop and rap, which have inspired and transformed popular styles around the world.”
Wald also criticizes rock bands for not being grounded in live performances. He states, “Facing an audience for four or five hours a night, seven nights a week, was tough work, but that was how virtually all my favorite musicians got their education, and its an education that very few artists will ever have again.”
Wald hits home here. Most young musicians today learn a few chords and then go directly to writing songs and recording them. In the past that’s where the big pay-off has been—being a celebrity through airplay and albums—but times are changing and records ain’t what they used to be. Still, as long as being a celebrity has a bigger payoff than being a musician, then who’s to blame the young folks for chasing stardom instead of craft?
Book Review of “How The Beatles Destroyed Rock ’n’ Roll”
/by DonCusic(Oxford University Press, 2009)
Review by Belmont professor Don Cusic:
This isn’t really a book about the Beatles; rather it is a book that notes the distortion of the history of popular music through the years. Wald, who wrote an excellent book on Robert Johnson, notes that histories of rock ’n’ roll—or the music industry in general—tend to be written by guys who like cutting edge music much more than “popular” music. For example, Paul Whiteman was the most commercially successful early jazz big band leader, but historians ignore him in favor of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington (who both admired Whiteman) because 1) Whiteman was white and 2) he was commercially popular.
Once the party line is established, other writers tend to follow it.
This also happened when rock ’n’ roll comes into the picture. People like Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Patti Page (remember “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?”) are dismissed as “white bread” because they do not suit the writer/critics taste. Pat Boone, who competed head to head with Elvis in the 1950s—and had a whole string of top chart hits from that era—has become a whipping boy for those who disliked his covers of R&B songs and disparage him instead of acknowledging that he, too, was a cultural force in that era.
As for the Beatles, well, those who write about them ignore the fact that “Hello Dolly” by Louis Armstrong pushed them off the top of the singles charts in 1964 and that Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Roger Miller (he never mentioned Roger—but I loved him!) had big hits during the British Invasion. After the Beatles and the British, according to Wald, rock music was frozen in time.
Wald laments that “the segregation of American popular music that began with the British Invasion has hurt white music more than it hurt black. Rock and its white relatives stagnated—not in the sense that no good music was made but in that there have been few major advances in the past thirty-plus years. Meanwhile, the black dance music of the 1970s led into hip-hop and rap, which have inspired and transformed popular styles around the world.”
Wald also criticizes rock bands for not being grounded in live performances. He states, “Facing an audience for four or five hours a night, seven nights a week, was tough work, but that was how virtually all my favorite musicians got their education, and its an education that very few artists will ever have again.”
Wald hits home here. Most young musicians today learn a few chords and then go directly to writing songs and recording them. In the past that’s where the big pay-off has been—being a celebrity through airplay and albums—but times are changing and records ain’t what they used to be. Still, as long as being a celebrity has a bigger payoff than being a musician, then who’s to blame the young folks for chasing stardom instead of craft?
Jamie Tate
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“One Beer Away From Loving You”
Bodell Records/Edgehill
A performer since the age of four, Tate has a long history of performance that ranges from southern honky tonks to classical theaters. While in high school, Tate was given the opportunity to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade as well as the Gala Concert Series celebrating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in Westminster Central Hall.
“I first sang with my dad onstage at the age of four!” recalls Tate. “I remember him sayin’ right before we went on, ‘Now, try to remember the words,’ or ‘When we get offstage, everyone is going to want to talk to you and take your picture.’ It was at that young age that I began performing. I loved it, I still love it, and I will always love it.”
http://www.jamietatemusic.com/
Nashville Draws Dave Matthews to CMAs, Mizrahi to Fashion Show
/by Sarah SkatesPictured L-R: ASCAP VP/GM Marc Driskill, Dodd, and ASCAP VP Dan Keen.
The invitation-only ASCAP Country Awards take place tonight, honoring the 50 most performed songs of the year…. Also at ASCAP, songwriter Andy Dodd, the pen behind hits for Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Camp Rock and Jesse McCartney, moved to Nashville recently and visited the organization’s local office.
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The star-packed lineup for “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” grows even stronger with the announcement today (10/19) that Dave Matthews will join Kenny Chesney to perform “I’m Alive,” which they recorded together for Chesney’s Lucky Old Sun album. Other performers already announced include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Billy Currington, Vince Gill and Daughtry, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Zac Brown Band. “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Paisley and Underwood, airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.
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The Nashville Symphony’s annual spring fashion show fundraiser will welcome renowned designer Isaac Mizrahi on April 20, in conjunction with luxury clothier Gus Mayer. Mizrahi will be on hand to present his fall 2010 collection and a celebrity will host the event.
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Paul Worley and Jo Dee Messina
Jo Dee Messina has been in the studio with hit producer Paul Worley putting the finishing touches on her upcoming Curb Records release, Unmistakable. Fans can expect a new single soon.
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Gloriana is premiering its second video, “How Far Do You Wanna Go?” on CMT today.
Twitter users can listen to Sugarland’s new Christmas album, Gold and Green.
Wade Bowen premieres the brand new video for “Trouble” exclusively on Yallwire with a personal video introduction.
Warner Bros. Records’ Whitney Duncan and Big Machine’s Steel Magnolia (Meghan Linsey, Joshua Scott Jones) made their Grand Ole Opry debuts over the weekend.
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Garth Video: Watch The Big Announcement
/by Sarah SkatesGarth Brooks and Steve Wynn discuss the upcoming concert series.
Skaggs, Morgan Among ICM Award Winners
/by Sarah SkatesAlso on hand to perform were Jason Crabb, Randy Houser, Adam Gregory, Carter Twins, Halfway to Hazard, Cherryholmes, Katalyst, Jordyn Shellhart, CrossCountry the Band, James Payne, Del Way, Tommy Brandt, Dennis Agajanian, Greg McDougal and Amanda Fessant.
Wayne Elsey, CEO & Founder of charity Soles4Souls, went barefoot as he presented an award to raise awareness for the more than 300 million children worldwide who do not have shoes.
Voted on by the CCMA membership, the 2009 ICM Awards will be aired on TCT Networks, The Worship Network, and more channels, which reach a combined 500 million people throughout the world.
Complete list of winners:
Entertainer of the Year CrossCountry the Band
Male Vocalist Tommy Brandt
Female Vocalist Sandra Dee
Vocal Duo The Roys
Vocal Group Point of Grace
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song “Up To Him,” Tracy Lawrence
Mainstream Country Artist Ricky Skaggs
Christian Country Song “Good Ole Boys,” James Payne & Del Way
Songwriter Russ Murphy
Video “God Must Really Love Me, Craig Morgan, Director, Eric Welch
New Artist Steve Richard
Musician Dennis Agajanian
Comedy Act Barry McGee
Radio Personality Leon Joplin
Radio Station WCWV, Summersville, WV
Living Legend Award Ken Holloway
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist The Isaacs
Youth In Music Award Matthew Wacaster
Music Evangelist of the Year Russ Murphy
Faith, Family, & Country Movie Fireproof, Provident Films
Television Network TCT Network
Point of Grace
Charlie Daniels And Others Plan Holiday Music, Benefits
/by Sarah SkatesMeanwhile, Chris Young, Gretchen Wilson and Phil Vassar are set for The 2009 Charlie Daniels Band and Friends Concert to benefit Christmas 4 Kids. Other annual fundraising events include the Annual Tour Bus Show on Mon., Dec. 14 at the Hendersonville, TN Wal-Mart. Tickets and details at www.Christmas4kids.org.
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Tracy Lawrence’s 4th annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry will take place Tues., Nov. 24 from 8 AM-5 PM at the Nashville Mission parking lot (639 Lafayette St.) Since the food drive’s inception, Lawrence and celebrity pals have raised almost $200,000 worth of meals and cash donations.
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Lee Greenwood’s new Christmas offering, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, features holiday classics and will be released on Country Crossing Records.
Jeff Cook has released his first solo holiday album, Christmas Joy. The ten track album will have new and classic material. On Tues., Nov. 3, it will be available for digital download via iTunes, Amazon.com, and Cook’s website, www.jeffcook-agb.com.
Indies On The Rise: Russell Works Oklahoma, Armiger on AOL
/by Sarah SkatesShawna Russell and Way Out West Records form an alliance with Joe Burris, Gilead Productions (l-r): Way Out West Records’ President/Artist Co-Manager, Tim Russell; Russell; Gilead Productions President, Joe Burris; Way Out West’s VP/Artist Co-Manager, Clif Doyal. Photo: Patti Doyal
Oklahoma based artist Shawna Russell has been making big moves in her home state recently, including headlining a concert in Oklahoma City, performing on the Fox 25 News morning show, and entering an endorsement deal with Sheplers Western Wear/OKC. Russell and Way Out West Records have also formed a marketing and regional publicity alliance with Joe Burris’s OKC-based Gilead Productions. Burris will report to Russell and label/artist co-managers, Clif Doyal and Tim Russell, and will also provide non-exclusive booking and sponsorship acquisition services for the artist.
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Cold River Records artist Katie Armiger has been selected as AOL The Boot’s Video of the Week for her current single, “Gone.” The rising star wrote the song the night before she left for Nashville about leaving home to chase her dreams. Watch it here.
Garth Fundis and Jen Foster at her recent showcase.
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Singer-songwriter Jen Foster performed at a showcase Tues. night (10/13) at The Rutledge in Nashville. She is shifting her focus from on-stage performer to behind-the-scenes collaborator and current plans include working with renowned producer Garth Fundis.
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Lots of indies are releasing new product, with many opting exclusively for digital distribution. Black River Music Group’s Emma Jacob’s new CD 2,232 Miles is available exclusively on iTunes. The single “Julianna” is currently featured as a free download in People magazine’s Country issue….Grammy-winner Bryan White’s new studio album, Dustbowl Dreams, has been digitally released, including lead single, “The Little Things.”…. Also going for digital distribution is Derek Sholl with his self-titled album, which includes “When They Come Back,” a tribute to veterans returning from combat.
Mark Wayne Glasmire headed out on the first leg of his fall radio tour of MusicRow Country Breakout reporters last week. The run included visits to 15 stations in four states and supports Glasmire’s debut country single, “Everything Is Gonna Be Alright.” ….Pheromone Recording artist Greg Hanna released his self-titled debut on Tues., Oct. 13. The CD was produced by Hanna and hit songwriter, Kim Tribble. The first single “It’s A Man’s Job” just entered the Top #40 on MusicRow’s Breakout chart and a video to support the single will be airing soon at various video channels.
Skaggs, Morgan Among ICM Award Winners
/by Sarah SkatesAlso on hand to perform were Jason Crabb, Randy Houser, Adam Gregory, Carter Twins, Halfway to Hazard, Cherryholmes, Katalyst, Jordyn Shellhart, CrossCountry the Band, James Payne, Del Way, Tommy Brandt, Dennis Agajanian, Greg McDougal and Amanda Fessant.
Wayne Elsey, CEO & Founder of charity Soles4Souls, went barefoot as he presented an award to raise awareness for the more than 300 million children worldwide who do not have shoes.
Voted on by the CCMA membership, the 2009 ICM Awards will be aired on TCT Networks, The Worship Network, and more channels, which reach a combined 500 million people throughout the world.
Complete list of winners:
Entertainer of the Year CrossCountry the Band
Male Vocalist Tommy Brandt
Female Vocalist Sandra Dee
Vocal Duo The Roys
Vocal Group Point of Grace
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song “Up To Him,” Tracy Lawrence
Mainstream Country Artist Ricky Skaggs
Christian Country Song “Good Ole Boys,” James Payne & Del Way
Songwriter Russ Murphy
Video “God Must Really Love Me, Craig Morgan, Director, Eric Welch
New Artist Steve Richard
Musician Dennis Agajanian
Comedy Act Barry McGee
Radio Personality Leon Joplin
Radio Station WCWV, Summersville, WV
Living Legend Award Ken Holloway
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist The Isaacs
Youth In Music Award Matthew Wacaster
Music Evangelist of the Year Russ Murphy
Faith, Family, & Country Movie Fireproof, Provident Films
Television Network TCT Network
Point of Grace
NBC Debuts Artists in Residence Partnership
/by Sarah SkatesAs part of the program, Bon Jovi has confirmed appearances on the special “Bon Jovi Month” on the Today show in November during which they will appear live on the program on all four Wednesdays that month, capped off with a special concert performance on the plaza on Wed., Nov. 25. Additionally, Bon Jovi will appear on several NBC Entertainment programs and be the featured guest on Bravo’s Inside the Actors’ Studio.
Jon Bon Jovi will be the subject of a USA Character Showcase, which will highlight him as both an artist and philanthropist in an on-air and on-line campaign. He will be a featured panelist at a USA Network and Tom Brokaw-sponsored “Characters Unite National Town Hall,” about overcoming social injustices, in Washington, D.C. Jon will also be featured on NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams, as well as in the company’s award-winning public service campaign The More You Know with spots running on NBCU’s cable and broadcast networks. The band’s music will also be heavily integrated throughout NBC’s network and cable programming.
Nashville Scene: Johnny Jones, 1936-2009
/by contributorA vital piece of Nashville’s R&B history fell silent Wednesday, Oct. 14 with the death of legendary blues guitarist Johnny Jones. Read more.