Folk Music and Folk Rock. The Youth Generation of the 60’s New Sense of optimism –Kennedy Administration 50’s were very conservative, 60’s very liberal.

Folk Music and Folk Rock

The Youth Generation of the 60’s

• New Sense of optimism– Kennedy Administration

• 50’s were very conservative, 60’s very liberal

• 60’s youth were very politically active• Hippie movement: peace, love and

happiness. Drugs not yet a problem.

The Youth’s cont.• Fights against industrial expansion/pollution• People began to “search for themselves” while helping

others• Political violence • JFK, MLK• Kent State• Increased drug use

– Barbiturates, amphetamines, LSD, cocaine, heroin, and of course, marijuana.

• “Dropped out”, ran away and joined communes.• Sexual Revolution

– Women as sexual equals– Short skirts, no bras– Loosening sexual morals

• Music was a major influence in all these areas.

Bob Dylan

• Robert Zimmerman, born in Duluth, Minnesota, 1941

• Began singing and hanging out in coffee houses in the 50’s

• Moved to New York to meet his idol, Woody Guthrie. 61’

• Auditioned for Columbia Records, got a contract despite his sub-par singing.

More Bob

• Became known for his dry wit, sarcasm, and lyric writing ability.

• Dylan’s second album “The free-wheelin’ Bob Dylan” contained all original material and began his road to fame.

• Blowin’ in the wind became a #2 hit

• Masters of war, very dark• Don’t think twice, it’

s alright (love song)

More Dylan

• With “The Times They are a Changin”, Dylan became a major star.

• Had a huge fan base• Established a new image

and ideal for the youth generation

• In 63’, Dylan was the headline at the Newport Folk Festival.

• Came out with “Another Side of Bob Dylan”– Seemed to be reflective

and not sure of himself– I want You

Plugged In

• Dylan released two electric singles, “Like a Rolling Stone” rose to number 1.

• At the 65’ Newport Festival Dylan played an entirely electric set.

• Was booed and called a “Sellout”.

• Dylan came out with “Rainy Day Woman” as a comment to his fans.

66’• In 66’, at the height of his

career, Dylan disappeared.

• Alleged assassination attempts, suicide, drug OD’s, and other rumors popped up.

• He was in a serious motorcycle accident, recovering.

• Came out with “Basement Tapes” in 68 – I’m not There

Later Career

• Dylan is still touring to this day. • His music, primarily his folk rock, has inspired many of

the musicians we listen to today.• His lyrics and political messages are still relevant, and

his music still gets air time. • He never went back to the political music of his pre-

crash days, released softer, more country oriented music.

• Also released two Christian oriented albums. (born again)

• Many try to be Dylan, few can pull it off.• Modern Times, Someday Baby

The Byrds

• Had the potential of being as big as the Beatles, Stones, or Dylan.

• Undone by constant personnel changes

• Jim McGuinn, the central figure.

• David Crosby

• First hit was “Mr. Tambourine Man”, a Dylan tune electrified. Rose to #1

• Second album Turn, Turn, Turn was hugely successful– Title song taken from a Pete Seeger song adapted from the words of

Ecclesiastes in the Bible. • Began moving towards more musical sophistication when Crosby

left (to form Crosby, Stills, and Nash)• Eventually all members left, leaving McGuinn as the only origional

member.• They reunited in 73’ to record one last album.• The Byrds from 65’ – 68’ are one of rock’s most talented and

creative bands. – Cofounders of Folk rock (with Dylan)– Led the way to country rock.

The Mammas and the Papas• Many of the early 60’s folk’ers added drums and electric guitars and

became Folk Rockers• One of the most successful of these was the Mammas and the Papas. • In the two year period from early 66’ to 67’ they placed nine singles in the

top 40, including six top 10 hits.• Cass Elliot (Ellen Cohen) and James Hendricks (Married), John Phillips and

Michelle (married), moved to LA and obtained a contract from Dunhill Records, called themselves the Mammas and the Papas.

• Their first album went to number 1 and had two hit singles– California Dreamin– Monday, Monday

• Went on to perform with groups such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the Who

• Disbanded in 1968, Cass Elliot went on to moderate success as a solo act and television performer.

• She died in 1974 from what was variously reported as a heart attack or choking on a sandwich or a chicken bone.

• The Mammas and the Papas were soft core folk rock. Looked and sounded the part.

• Known for their tight harmonies.• Created a pleasing commercial version of folk rock

Simon and Garfunkel• In 57’ two fifteen year old school

friends recorded a song called “Hey Schoolgirl”.

• It peaked at 49 and secured them an appearance on American Bandstand.

• Started off as “Tom and Jerry”• After several failures went back to

school, graduated, both sought careers in music separately.

• Rejoined, sought a contract with Columbia.

• The first album “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M” had Dylan tunes, and some original Paul Simon Tunes.

– The Sounds of Silence• This version had only guitar and

voices, traditional folk.– In 65’ the folk rock craze hit, the

Columbia producer re-mixed the song with electric bass and guitar.

– Skyrocketed to number 1

• They followed Sounds with several logical folk rock songs.– Homeward bound– Scarborough Fair

• S & G provided the soundtrack to “The Graduate” (‘67)– Stayed at number 1 for nine weeks– Mrs. Robinson

• Continued to remain popular in the 70’s– Bridge over Troubled Water

• Both went on to solo carriers– Paul Simon was very successful

• Acting, movies, solo albums– Under African Skies

– Garfunkle’s career has been less illustrious

Other Folk Artists

• Judy Collins and Joan Baez– Sang in clear, good

enunciated lyric style.– Sang Dylan-like

protest songs– Stayed acoustic,

avoiding the Folk Rock scene for as long as possible.

• Blowin’ in the wind• Both sides now

Sonny and Cher• Helped popularize the ‘hippie’

look and movement by having a popular TV show.

• Had several hits in the second half of the 60’s and into the 70’s.

• Lost their Folk rock status due to Cher’s risqué clothing, became pop.

• Eventually split and pursued individual careers

• Cher had several successful solo albums and won awards for her acting.

• Sonny went on to be a member of the U.S. House of Representatives– I’ve Got You Babe

Buffalo Springfield

• A collection of talented musicians that had played in other groups previously

• Stills, Young, Furay, Martin, and Palmer.

• Most known for the protest song:– For What it’s worth

• Went onto create several great albums, split to go join other popular groups.

Donovan

• Donovan Leitch, born in Glasgow, Scotland.

• Called the British Bob Dylan.

• Rose to number one in England.

• Known for the hit:– Mellow Yellow