Rock Evolution – The History of Rock & Roll - 1962 (pg 69)

[GoatersLeftShin]

Always felt sorry (if that's the right word) for Helen Shapiro. Had 2 Number 1s by the age of 15 and then within 18 months her chart hits had dried up. I mean, how do you deal with it all being over for you by the age of 16 and you're yesterday's news ? I'm not saying she wasn't talented (she clearly was) or she didn't have a career afterwards - just one of those rapid rises and equally rapid falls in the annals of popular music.

I guess this is part of the reason why so many pop artists at the time would be astonished if you said they'd still be playing 60 years later! Pop music back then was throwaway music for teens and wasn't expected to have any longevity. It's only later in the decade when it starts to become recognised as a "genuine art form" that it gets taken seriously I guess?

Even so it's quite astonishing what happened to her and I can't imagine there was any support for her to deal with the crash back to earth - and I bet there were plenty more just like her too.

 

[threespires]

So that would be Helen Shapiro with "You Don't Know." although Walking Back to Happiness is already on the playlist and is the more recognisable song. This one was her first number 1. In the following year my sister-in-law would be named after her.

In the album chart it was still South Pacific - which I nominated in 1960. Number 2 was The Black and White Minstrel Show, It feels so far away from Rock Evolution and yet others were busy appropriating other forms of black music so I suppose it should get a listen - I would suggest "A Tribute to Al Jolson" as my Dad liked Al Jolson (as did Asa Hartford's Dad, hence his name - so we have a City connection). My other tenuous connection to B&W Minstrels was that my Dad's pal from the army would later dance with B&W Minstrels and despite the makeup he could spot him on the television. However, his association with B&W Minstrels doesn't get a mention in his obituary - but his National Service does. By 2010 it wasn't a piece of work to be associated with!

Have put both in, the playlist can reflect Shapiro's rapid ascent! Apparently Asa was born the day after Jolson died so that sealed the deal on the name. I don't think Asa has done an autobiography has he? It's a shame cause I reckon he'd have one of the more entertaining ones, in an interview he talks about his school days and instead of just talking about football he mentions stuff like the school caretaker being a communist. He's got enough career material and enough about him beyond football that it would be a good read.

“The Wanderer” - Dion

I have a thing for songs that just don't put a foot wrong anywhere along the way and are as exactly as they should be. There aren't that many imo, but this definitely comes in that category a cracker.

Thanks for another great discussion! I have a number of great candidates for the playlist, but I will start off with one of the great country/pop crossovers of that (or any) era. A great track by a singer whose voice, style and phrasing were remarkable and whose songs still bring joy to the heart and a tear to the eye . . .

I Fall to Pieces - Patsy Cline

I need to be crass and make the observation that at the time I Fall to Pieces was climbing the charts, Cline was in hospital herself having gone through the windscreen after a head on collision with another car. Apparently despite being badly injured she insisted on the occupants of the other vehicle being dealt with first. At one point they were worried Cline wouldn't make it but mercifully she recovered though sadly not all the occupants of the other car did.

More to the point as you say this track showcases the beautiful, seemingly effortless, control she had over her voice.

Prior to TS's inspiring and apposite introduction I had my selection The Marvelettes -Please Mr Postman bookmarked knowing that there was a high probability that TS would include it in his original list and he didn't disappoint me.

After all it was written or at least attributed to a female and sung by an all female group

On the theme of inspiring music my selection is now Roy Orbison and his classic Crying.

1961 would not be anywhere near complete unless you had a song penned by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson included.

There are some very talented but forgotten women in the 60's I've got one lined up for 1963 and I'll wager that a few have never heard of her :-( Crying is indeed a classic and '63 will also be the year for another Orbison/Melson song that I love.

 

[Resurrection Joe...]

ok...one very early Blue Beat / Ska record...'Luke Lane Shuffle / Little Honey'...Rico Rodriques and Prince Buster. 1961.
Calypso was morphing into Ska...some big ska records were to follow early 6t's.

 

[cyan]

Have put both in, the playlist can reflect Shapiro's rapid ascent! Apparently Asa was born the day after Jolson died so that sealed the deal on the name. I don't think Asa has done an autobiography has he? It's a shame cause I reckon he'd have one of the more entertaining ones, in an interview he talks about his school days and instead of just talking about football he mentions stuff like the school caretaker being a communist. He's got enough career material and enough about him beyond football that it would be a good read.

He's a Bankie - we are all communists (well part from my Mum). My Gran knew Asa's Mum from somewhere not sure if she was a neighbour or from work - but it's the sort of town where everyone knew everyone. So Asa's career was always watched with interest.

 

[mrbelfry]

@threespires did mention a few weeks ago the Gibson SG. You'd definitely recognise this guitar as being played by rock stars like Richards, ACDC and Jack Black in School of Rock. It has arguably the most iconic rock guitar aesthetic if you discount a flying V. This was the guitar that arguably kick started the UK blues rock explosion when Sister Rosetta Thorpe played one in Manchester! But that's not until 1964 which follows on from my 1960 post about history being messy and things which happen in one year won't prove to be significant for a few more years.

To this year's picks - Last Night is banger such a fun little song. The Wanderer is a proto rock anthem about picking up chick's and getting into fights. It reminded me very much of Every Picture Tells A Story from the Rod Stewart album - thematically it's very similar.

 

[mrbelfry]

Again proving history is a pain in the ass. The guitar player on It's Going To Work Out Fine is Sylvia Robinson who later produced Rappers Delight by Sugarhill Gang and founded Sugarhill Records.

 

[threespires]

@threespires did mention a few weeks ago the Gibson SG. You'd definitely recognise this guitar as being played by rock stars like Richards, ACDC and Jack Black in School of Rock. It has arguably the most iconic rock guitar aesthetic if you discount a flying V. This was the guitar that arguably kick started the UK blues rock explosion when Sister Rosetta Thorpe played one in Manchester! But that's not until 1964 which follows on from my 1960 post about history being messy and things which happen in one year won't prove to be significant for a few more years.

To this year's picks - Last Night is banger such a fun little song. The Wanderer is a proto rock anthem about picking up chick's and getting into fights. It reminded me very much of Every Picture Tells A Story from the Rod Stewart album - thematically it's very similar.

In my cognitive decline I am grateful for your help young Belfry! I was indeed going to mention 61 as the date of the SG's introduction and I think you are spot on to mention Sister Rosetta's as having the first iconic one with that white Les Paul SG. Interestingly Les Paul couldn't stand it which is why his name was dropped from the model fairly early on. The SG was supposed to completely replace the original Les Paul as a more manageable guitar but they had to reintroduce the original as stars kept picking them up second hand and playing them anyway.

As for what's the most iconic rock guitar aesthetic, that's a great question. The SG is definitely in with a shout but I think it's one of those eye of the beholder things; I know people who think it's the Tele for the simplicity and minimalism etc. Personally I love the Casino and the Jazzmaster, also have a soft spot for the Thinline Tele's.

Again proving history is a pain in the ass. The guitar player on It's Going To Work Out Fine is Sylvia Robinson who later produced Rappers Delight by Sugarhill Gang and founded Sugarhill Records.

It's funny you mention her. In putting together this year I found myself reflecting on some of the great records that we'd missed out in the introductions and one of them was Love is Strange by Mickey and Sylvia, still think it sounds good today.

 

[OB1]

Another fine write-up.

 

[OB1]

Cubby Checker: “Let’s Twist Again”

 

[mrbelfry]

In my cognitive decline I am grateful for your help young Belfry! I was indeed going to mention 61 as the date of the SG's introduction and I think you are spot on to mention Sister Rosetta's as having the first iconic one with that white Les Paul SG. Interestingly Les Paul couldn't stand it which is why his name was dropped from the model fairly early on. The SG was supposed to completely replace the original Les Paul as a more manageable guitar but they had to reintroduce the original as stars kept picking them up second hand and playing them anyway.

As for what's the most iconic rock guitar aesthetic, that's a great question. The SG is definitely in with a shout but I think it's one of those eye of the beholder things; I know people who think it's the Tele for the simplicity and minimalism etc. Personally I love the Casino and the Jazzmaster, also have a soft spot for the Thinline Tele's.



It's funny you mention her. In putting together this year I found myself reflecting on some of the great records that we'd missed out in the introductions and one of them was Love is Strange by Mickey and Sylvia, still think it sounds good today.

I think the Casino was also released in 61. Any guitar strapped to one of the Beatles is going to be iconic although I'm not personally a fan of how the Hofner looks