2008 Woodie Awards
Evolution of American history through music
Pamela Kohler
Issue date: 10/15/05 Section: Opinion
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A legend. What is it? More specifically, what does it mean to be a legend in music history? Can you or I state what is a legend? No, but there are some undeniable artists that have proven their music's longevity.
The posthumous airplay of Pink Floyd, The Beatles or Ray Charles have more than proven their worthiness to be considered legends.
I am not here to state the bands that I like or dislike, these are musicians that have gained legendary status, whether you or I like them is irrelevant.
Let us not forget the famous Woodstock national anthem that echoed through America, holding Jimi Hendrix a permanent spot in music history.
"Get up, Stand up!" left the mouths of screaming fans all over the world as Bob Marley introduced reggae to American the mainstream.
When Jimmie Page and Robert Plant screamed and screeched through the speakers, they made an impact on thousands. Led Zeppelin holds their own fan base today.
Jim Morrison held his own, with the unique bass-less band, The Doors.
These artists are all legends. Why? Each of them made an evolutionary step in music history, changing it into a new form. We can sit here and talk about Elvis, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, or Aretha Franklin. And I am sure you have many arguments as to why Willie Nelson or Roy Rogers are better legends compared to Santana or Dr. Dre. The list of legends is long, but not all who are involved with the music business can be considered worthy of such a title.
My point at hand; since the independence of America submerged our country has been moving at a rapid pace. America has been fighting for many forms of independence. Along with that fight, inspirational protest and support music came from it. Slaves fought for equality, women fought for equal rights. The hippie movement fought for peace and love, and in these times music skyrocketed. Why? Everyone knows that more than anything, music can take you to the next level.
The posthumous airplay of Pink Floyd, The Beatles or Ray Charles have more than proven their worthiness to be considered legends.
I am not here to state the bands that I like or dislike, these are musicians that have gained legendary status, whether you or I like them is irrelevant.
Let us not forget the famous Woodstock national anthem that echoed through America, holding Jimi Hendrix a permanent spot in music history.
"Get up, Stand up!" left the mouths of screaming fans all over the world as Bob Marley introduced reggae to American the mainstream.
When Jimmie Page and Robert Plant screamed and screeched through the speakers, they made an impact on thousands. Led Zeppelin holds their own fan base today.
Jim Morrison held his own, with the unique bass-less band, The Doors.
These artists are all legends. Why? Each of them made an evolutionary step in music history, changing it into a new form. We can sit here and talk about Elvis, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, or Aretha Franklin. And I am sure you have many arguments as to why Willie Nelson or Roy Rogers are better legends compared to Santana or Dr. Dre. The list of legends is long, but not all who are involved with the music business can be considered worthy of such a title.
My point at hand; since the independence of America submerged our country has been moving at a rapid pace. America has been fighting for many forms of independence. Along with that fight, inspirational protest and support music came from it. Slaves fought for equality, women fought for equal rights. The hippie movement fought for peace and love, and in these times music skyrocketed. Why? Everyone knows that more than anything, music can take you to the next level.