In the 1950’s Rock and Roll came from numerous places of music such as: Country music, Jazz, Gospel and Blues. Some listeners may get the two terms “Rock and Roll” and “Rock” music confused. Rock music is how it is today, whereas “Rock and Roll” music was primarily during the 1950’s. Some of the instruments that were used were, Guitar, Bass guitar and a drum kit. These instruments brought feelings towards each song an artist recorded.
In the 1950’s one of the most popular artists throughout this time period was Elvis Presley, also known as, “The King”. Having 18 number 1 hit singles during his time, he helped shape and popularize “Rock and Roll”. After Elvis’ death Rock and Roll began to dwindle. But, with the fall of one artist comes the rise of another. Chuck Berry, another famous artist during this time, portrayed elements of Rhythm and Blues music, which gave it that Rock and Roll feel. Chuck was known for his solo guitar and stage presence. We was known the light up the stage. Chuck was a very influential artist who guiding other artists on the path to who they wanted to become as a musician. The feel of Elvis’ moves and Chuck Berry’s stage presence reminds me of one of my favorite artists of today, John Mayer.
This is a video of Elvis Presley performing one of his most famous songs, Hound Dog (originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton as Rhythm and Blues song in 1952.
John Clayton Mayer was born on October 16, 1977. He is an American musician, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and music producer. His similar characteristic towards Elvis and Chuck are: entertainment, talent, and stage presence. John attended college at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Pennsylvania. His effort and talent lead him to receive “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” Grammy Award in 2003; the song was, "Your Body Is A Wonderland.”
Mayer continued his career as an acoustic rock, but later became known to transition to the blues genre in 2005. John Mayer collaborated with "renowned blues artists such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Eric Clapton…” In 2006 Mayer came out with his Blues influenced album called, Continuum. Each song on this album was blues influenced, which Mayer’s listeners a sense of where he was going with his music. In 2009, Mayer released his fourth studio album, Battle Studies. Here is an interview in which John Mayer explains the mood towards where he was going from Continuum to Battle Studies.
Chuck Berry’s song, Johnny B. Goode, John Mayer did a cover of in 2009 during a concert, which was held in San Diego, California, Pennsylvania. Clearly Music in the 50’s and early 60’s influences many artists to this day. Without the hero’s of “Rock and Roll” there would be no “Rock” today. Here is a video of John Mayer’s cover of Chuck Berry’s, Johnny B. Goode.”
*** I think it’s ionic that Chuck Berry is singing a song about a Johnny. And years and years later, a star of the name of John Mayer hits and ignites the “Rock” world of the 20th Century. ***
John Mayer's cover of - Johnny B. Goode.
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode (Live)
Great job, Zack. It was really interesting to see the connection between some of the founders of rock and roll, like Elvis and Chuck Berry, and more modern musicians like John Mayer. I also like how you pointed out that without the heroes of rock and roll there would be no rock music today. Good job!
ReplyDeleteIve seen John Mayer live about 5 times now. He always puts on an interesting live show packed with plenty of covers of old blues classics. I find that he kind of sold out early in his career. He got famous by being an acoustic rock lover boy but then transitioned into a grimy blues player. I don't mean this in a negative sense but rather that he was smart and sold him self off as someone he really wasn't. If it weren't for his rocky beginnings we would have never heard of this amazing musician. I have purchased every album he has created on the first day it was released. Even his very first album and also the live DVD by Danny Clinch. Awesome connections you drew within your post thought. Easy and fun read.
ReplyDeleteGood Job, Zach. I liked your point that there is a distinct difference between rock and rock and roll. I know where you are coming from when you make the comparison to John Mayer. Today music is entirely different and John Mayer is one of the few artists who give you that kind of "soul" feeling in their music that artists such as Elvis and Chuck Berry would deliver back in the 50's.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Zack! The most intriguing part of your blog post was that you tied the success of an artist from the present to the story of Chuck Barry. You successfully interconnect and weave together disaparte stories regarding Elvis Presley, and his performance of "Hound Dog," and other performers of the 50's and relate them uniquely to the story of John Mayer. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteGreat Job Zack ! I like the way you guys have your blog set up and I listen to a lot of Mayer and the videos on here are not boring and nice to watch. The comparison between Mayer and Barry was very creative and interesting.
ReplyDeleteZac, your first paragraph really caught my interest. The difference between "Rock 'n Roll" and just plain "Rock" was great to know. The modern day connection you made between John Mayer and Elvis and Chuck Berry held my attention. The post was also great because you were passionate about your subject.
ReplyDeleteI like how you compared Chuck Berry and Elvis to John Mayer. A lot of good information. I really like how you used videos to show this. That really caught my attention. Nice job Zack!
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