Music has the ability to make us feel any emotion that we have within us. We can turn on a song that can to make us happy. A few minutes later we can throw on a song that can make us sad and want to cry. There are no limitations with music. Any subject can be sung about, any sound can be made. There are always going to be good musical artist, but only a few will ever become legends.
You can't talk about Rock and Roll without hearing the name of one man, Elvis Presley. Elvis' road to becoming known as simply "The King" was initially all uphill. A shy boy who was rather heavily influenced by gospel music, young Elvis learned to play guitar and piano by ear. Yet his performances at school or in early competition failed to impress a lot of people. By the end of the 1940's, the Presley family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There, Elvis was exposed to what some called "black music" but which most would term "rhythm and blues." In the early 1950's, Elvis recorded his first demo at Sun Records and his first single, "That's All Right," was played on the radio in 1954. The legend took root in 1955 when, managed by Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis was signed to a recording contract by RCA Victor. His first RCA single sold more than a million copies and hit number one. That single was "Heartbreak Hotel." From then on Elvis was destined for greatness. He inspired a whole generation of people and made countless hit records. He was so popular that he even starred in numerous hit moves. Even after so many years of his death in 1977 most people still know who Elvis Presley is.
Perhaps the most popular musical group ever is The Beatles. The group consisted of four members, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. They came from Liverpool, England and made their way to America in 1964. When in America they performed live on The Ed Sullivan Show while seventy million people tuned in. After their performance it was official, The Beatles were the next big thing. The Beatles caused such a sensation that even in modern times kids still listen and enjoy their music.
There was a time when the guitar was just a instrument used in the background to keep the beat interesting. A man by the name of Jimi Hendrix changed all that. As a child Hendrix received a acoustic guitar from his father as a gift. He began playing it non stop. He just could not put it down. When he grew up he played in many bands. Most noteworthey, he played guitar for Little Richard for a while. Little Richard did not like the way Hendrix stole the show from him and soon fired him. So he decided to go to England where he formed a band called The Jimi Hendrix Experience. In 1967 his hit song "Purple Haze" hit the radio and it secured his status as a legend. At the time people had not heard the guitar played so loud and fast. Jimi Hendrix still inspires almost every guitar player to this day.
One of the most poetic musical artist of all time had to be Bob Dylan. Known for his phenomenal song lyrics and his easily recognizable singing voice, Dylan was a major star in the 1960's. Playing his signature folk music style, Dylan's songs usually had a deep message. His words have inspired many people. Even Jimi Hendrix scored a hit with a remake of one of Dylan's songs with "All Along The Watchtower".
Another musical icon, Marvin Gaye, had one of the most beautiful singing voices ever heard. Gaye is a heavy influenced the genres of R&B and Soul. He dominated the 1960's and 70's with hits like "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "What's Going On". Like Bob Dylan, Marvin made songs with deep messages and meanings. Not only that, but he could make great love songs as well.
One could sit and talk all day about the musical legends of the past. Bands like The Rolling Stones and The Kinks who made us dance. Artist like Miles Davis and John Coltrane who made us feel good. There isn't enough time and words to say how great they all are. From the mono records of the past to modern times, we will always have our favorite artist to make us feel good. So why not let these musical legends take you on a mental break today.
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