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What’s Happening Now: Could Old School Music Be a Trend?

What’s Happening Now?

This might not be a trending blog post but that’s alright. Sometimes, I don’t choose what to write, it chooses me. It’s kind of like that old school song by Willie Hutch “I Choose You.” from the Mack movie soundtrack.

Lately, I’ve chosen to listen to a lot of old school music. I’m in the mood for those kinds of sounds right now. Now, I’m not saying this new music out here is garbage like others are saying. All I’m saying is we’ve got to give peace a chance. Like that song “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon, music must drive a better narrative. In other words, old school music has a different harmony.

Nowadays, music is more explicit and that is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there’s no need for interpretation. On the other hand, there’s no more mystery. No more, what did she mean with the lyric. Rap music has got a bad reputation for this.

Could Old School Music Be a Trend?

Do the singers live the lifestyle they sing about in their songs? Of course, some don’t. I would say most don’t. Old school music takes us back to a time like the 60s, 70s and 80s. What if you could go back to Woodstock?

How does Coachella compare to Woodstock? Did you know Bad Bunny and Black Pink are headliners for the festival? It’s coming up in April. Are you excited?

How far back do you want to go? For the purposes of this blog post I’m discussing the 60s to the 90s. To me, I consider that old school. There are so many ways to go with this topic. We can talk about the singers and the bands. The Beatles were big. Then, the Jackson 5 had their time in the spotlight. One thing I noticed is that old school had more bands.

The Best/Your Favorite Era

What is the best or your favorite era of old school music? 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s. When I reflect on these songs, I think about timeless pieces. I would argue some artists we will never forget. Then again, with so much sampling and resampling, mixing, and remixing we forget the source sometimes. But I believe nothing beats originality in the long game.

Photo By: hiabba

I want to discuss old school music as a commodity. Music has many brands, from record labels to music artists and promoters. Despite the odds of succeeding diminishing, there is so much talent flooding into the music industry. In the end, why someone chooses to enter the entertainment market depends on their drive and what narrative they subscribed to. Celebrities must have thick skin. Look at Selena Gomez as a prime example. She didn’t become the most followed woman on Instagram by accident and she’s dealt with all sorts of comments along the way. 

We can learn something valuable from the 2023 Grammys Watch and Recap. At the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party, he hosted legends and new stars. In his career, he’s made stars into legends as a record executive. Today, his impact in music is universal. Do you agree that Mariah Carey is one of the greatest female music artists of the 90s?

Old School Music Options

We’ve got “Just the Two of Us,” “Love and Happiness,” and “Your Song” among others that are great options. No, Meghan Trainor music is not all about the bass. We need lyrics combined with rhythm.

My aim is to write this blog post in a way that you can hear the music I’ve listened to this fine Saturday. I’m not going to tell you every song that I’ve listened to, but you can guess. Don’t just read. While on my music journey, I’ve discovered and rediscovered songs.

Listen to Don McClean’s American Pie. Then, feel it.

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Prince, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah

BY: GURU JAY


Prince, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah made music better. The 3 music makers rejuvenated rock, pop, and R&B genres. They literally transformed sounds.


No one could have sang Purple Rain like Prince. Who else other than Whitney could hit that amazing “And I Will Always Love You” high note? And only Aaliyah could have sang One In a Million.


Singers keep imitating these artists because their pieces last forever. Not just every song, every sound was high quality. Their voices were made to be recorded inside recording booths.


Now Prince was a perfectionist. He challenged you to be great. Because his expectations were sky high, you expected more of yourself as a result. I feel Prince knew his abilities were supernatural.


Whitney Houston was an angel. Moreover, I don’t know if she realized how strong an effect she had on the world. All her music should be archived. It would be a shame to lose a single Whitney Houston song.


We all know Aaliyah died way too young. Despite an untimely death, within a short span of time she demonstrated greatness. Without question, she shined royally. I believe the Princess of R&B would have eventually collaborated with Prince.


Many associated the music artist with the color Purple because of his hit number 1 song and movie. Similarly, Michael Jackson’s name is synonymous with Thriller. However, I think it’s important to remember all the legends’ work because their entire music catalog deserves respect.
What are your favorite Prince songs? Do you like Party Like It’s 1999, I Wanna Be Your Lover, and When Doves Cry? Prince could party, make love, and tear up more than one thing. Like Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana, he made the guitar spill tears.


What are the best Whitney Houston’s songs? Exhale, I Have Nothing, My Love Is Your Love, I Wanna Dance with Somebody are some great ones. The Greatest Love of All songstress might have been the greatest singer of all time.

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons
Finally, I recommend listening to an Aaliyah album.


What is music without Prince, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah?

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

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How The Beatles Created Seismic Waves

BY: GURU JAY

  

The Beatles created seismic waves while on their world tours. No other group has wielded as much influence in music as these 4 individuals from Liverpool, England. George Harrison’s guitar and Ringo Starr’s drums could fetch millions of dollars on Amazon. John Lennon’s lyrics actually hypnotize you. And Sir Paul McCartney’s Grammys were designed to serve a purpose.
Fans went wild during the Beatles performances. Laryngitis was a common ailment at concerts since girls literally screamed at the top of their lungs. Plus security was super tight because the Beatles maintained a high profile.
Moreover, the Fab Four’s effect on entertainment is still felt. The rock stars rocked the industry- taking all its marbles. Do you know how extremely difficult it would be to duplicate their success right now?

There are more than just a few chapters dedicated to the Beatles in the book of pop culture. Paul McCartney and John Lennon have a couple chapters written exclusively for them. You see music has always been and will forever be a major component of world history. From Mozart and Beethoven to the Beatles and beyond, organized sounds intrigue us.
 
Jimi Hendrix loved the Beatles. He covered Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band soon after the album debuted. All the legends recognized the English band’s greatness and fandom.
 
The band of brothers have sold over 65 million albums. It seems every song they created was a hit. My favorite ones are Hey Jude, All You Need Is Love, Revolution, Let It Be, and Come Together. Astonishingly, we can connect through their music. Tell me your favorites.

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The Stage Is Set

It takes a unique person to be a celebrity. Being famous takes a toll on your emotions. Still, some people are destined for fame and fortune. The Beatles were undeniable.
And so, the stage is set. Shout out to Paul, John, George, and Ringo. Or you could scream.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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Spending Saturdays Listening to Stevie Wonder

BY: GURU JAY

As Valentine’s Day nears, the air we breathe smells fresher and lovelier. Stevie Wonder puts it well, “There’s a ribbon in the sky for our love.” The snow falls and love accumulates- making this a special time of the year.

Stevie Wonder’s love songs come at a premium price. I Just Called To Say I Love You, My Cherie Amour, and Isn’t She Lovely are just some of his many masterpieces on the subject of love. No one- not even Bruno Mars– makes a better love song than Stevie Wonder.
Who can touch Wonder’s pure musical abilities and creative genius? Without question, the Master Blaster influences generations of musicians. He can take that harmonica, keyboard, or virtually any instrument and create passionate music. Let’s not forget his unforgettable/ unbelievable vocals as well.

How about spending Saturdays listening to Stevie Wonder? His music can easily be found on iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, and Pandora. The whole world should hear his songs.
I grew up listening to the Motown legend. I’ve heard numerous stories from people who knew him. They speak very highly of him. Whenever I drive pass Hitsville U.S.A. I think about how the legend of Stevie Wonder was born. I picture Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, and Smokey Robinson making hits with the 25 time Grammy award winning wonder.
Even though he is blind, Wonder’s songs generate amazing imagery. I recommend buying his Inner Visions album to experience the thrilling sensation of his music. From Fingertipsto right now, Stevie Wonder’s prolific career has been exemplary.

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Living For The City is one of my theme songs. Aside from love, Stevie has a strong understanding about life. Imagine being blind, black, and poor. I encourage others to become more familiar with Stevie’s story.
In 1973, the musician almost lost his life in a car accident and went into a coma. The doctors didn’t know whether Wonder would be able to survive- let alone perform again. This shows that life is so fragile. That’s why I appreciate every moment, and take nothing for granted.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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Bow Down to the Queen of Psychedelic Soul: Janis Joplin

BY: GURU JAY

Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Michael Jackson made their marks on the world over. Music was a religion to Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. And Miles Davis was the common denominator.
Music is a universal language. We wake up and fall asleep to the sound of music. Living on a farm, we may hear crock-a-doodle do first thing in the morning. At night the crickets chirp in synchronization making our sleeping more enjoyable. In the city the cars speed, the helicopters cop, and the train choo choos.
Now drones are the newest music brought to us by Barack Obama. Music can be organized and/or chaotic sounds. Jazz, Rap, and Rock & Roll demonstrate the different potential ranges and dynamic mechanics of music. While pop appeals to our subconscious and lower passions, the Blues showcase a ‘piece of my heart.’

Blues legend Janis Joplin helped change society. The singer stepped on the stage on purpose and carrying a message in her hand. She was well equipped with only a guitar.
The Queen of Psychedelic Soul was a figurehead of 1960s music. What would Woodstock be without Janis Joplin? In a sense, Joplin was a musical revolutionary.
Janis Joplin possessed the perfect tone. She never overcompensated. She always delivered.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox covered Me and Bobby McGee on the show. Who doesn’t sing Janis Joplin’s songs? Tons of musicians strive to become like Janis Joplin because she is a masterpiece.

I love painting portraits and Janis was a fine painter. I connect with Janis Joplin spiritually and emotionally. Although I wasn’t alive for Woodstock, my spirit was there. Janis Joplin isn’t alive right now in the physical but her spirit is here with us.

Beyonce famously sung Bow Down bitches. And bitches bowed down because she is Queen Bey of the Beyhive. You must bow down to Janis Joplin too because she is the Queen of Psychedelic Soul, bitch.


 

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!