Chapter Three: Sinatra and his Impact on the Music Industry The third and final way that Frank Sinatra influenced popular music was through setting new trends within the music industry, which continue today. The industry acquired two trends which later became the mainstream: the first was the decision for a vocalist to start a solo career, and the second being the popularization of the American Popular Songbook. The Chairman of the Board, as Sinatra was commonly known, decided to start his solo career in 1942, after a brief period singing with Harry James and the Tommy Dorsey Band. Many well-known singers preceded him, such as Billy Holiday and Bing Crosby. None of these performers, however great, led completely self-sufficient careers of their own. Gardner attests that “Sinatra’s success cemented the notion of the interpretive singer as an autonomous musician – in service to the song but also owning it, at least for the duration of the performance”. Given the type of personality he possessed, this was not surprising. Frank had the “street-smarts”, the intelligence, drive, and talent to sustain a solo career. …show more content…
Sexual appeal is a common thread with celebrities, including musicians. Musicians like Tom Jones, and actors like Brad Pitt create a huge following because their audience thinks they are physically attractive. Consequently, their physical image holds just as much influence as their talent. Giddins remarks, “…Sinatra remained white America’s last completely satisfying definition of masculine style…no comparably compelling image of male conduct has emerged to replace it”. Masculinity remains a common image projected by celebrities, and has been a recurring theme in musicians and actors since Sinatra projected it to the youth culture of the early
In order to appropriately analyze the question of “How Elvis influenced and changed the entertainment industry of Rock ‘n’ Roll” the reader must first clearly define and understand the timing and age of the development of his musical career as well as the characteristics of his music. When attempting to clearly understand the implications of his influence on the era, the reader must fully comprehend his early life and the development of his musical career, the type of music he portrayed to his audience, and how he revolutionized and influenced Rock ‘n’ Roll. These facts will be analyzed using the combination of historical data and current articles for determining his influence in the 1950s. Regardless of where and how he grew up, it is well documented that his music influenced the Rock ‘n’ Roll era.
Rock and roll music emerged as a part of American teen culture during the notably conservative time period in the country’s history which shortly followed the traumatic events of World War II. Being that the genre’s target audience was white teenagers, many Americans- already overwhelmed and on-edge due to the anti-communist movement inspired by the Cold War- were apprehensive about the influence that this up-and-coming style of music might have on their country’s future. America’s youth openly accepted rock and roll’s racially integrated culture of performers and embraced the relatively lewd nature of many songs and performances associated with the genre, much to the dismay of their elders.
George Gershwin is one of the greatest influences to American music in the 20th century. His compositions can be found throughout the entertainment world, ranging from Broadway to motion pictures. Though he had a short career, George Gershwin's music continues to bring inspiration and delight almost sixty years later.
What can be said for the music artist Elvis Presley, other than he is most undoubtedly the reason that Rock and Roll survived past its start, and grew to the massive popularity that it still grasps onto to this day. Although he may have been born a simple white southerner, he masterfully intertwined country music with the raw emotion of gospel and blues in order to create his own breed of unmatchable music. By him taking two vastly different genres of music from two equally different cultures, he successfully managed to blur the prominent color line that divided all of America up until the 1950s. He did all of this while enthralling the youth of America and singlehandedly caused an idea of teenage rebellion that lasted far past his popularity,
Frank Sinatra made moves to confirm his desire through his life due to an unpredictable temper: many were of an violent nature. Early on while working with Tommy Dorsey, drummer Buddy Rich was fed up with having to adhere to Sinatra’s slow ballads and called Sinatra a “son-of-a-b- wop bast---” (Kaplan 117). At this, Frank threw a glass water pitcher at Rich’s head, just missing him. Rich tackled Sinatra and they were in a fist-brawl.
No one will argue against Frank Sinatra's success in the music industry. An Academy Award winner, 11-time Grammy winner, and a Peabody recipient, Frank Sinatra led what many consider a successful life. Although he died wealthy, married, and famous, one must wonder if Frank Sinatra was truly happy? Sinatra was known for mood swings which often resulted in fights, and had attempted suicide multiple times (“8 Things you didn’t Know about Frank Sinatra”). Just because Frank Sinatra was outwardly successful, does not mean he was happy. Many believe that success is rooted within monetary gain. That to be wealthy is to be successful, or to be powerful, but I believe that holistic success has little to do with one’s net worth but rather one’s happiness. By extension, success and happiness do not directly correlate. Success is not necessarily monetary gain or popularity, but rather self-fulfillment and happiness with one’s achievements and choices.
Black and white teenagers listen alike to rock music on the radio and attended clubs to hear it, together. Rock ‘n’ Roll’s roots helped accustom white teens to black music through the lenses of white, male vocalists—a normalcy to ground these drastic changes in race relations. The stars, like Elvis Presley—know for his sexual and riveting performances—began to blur the line between different forms of music and more importantly, black and white music.3 Rock ‘n’ Roll music was a blend of these two different cultures, demonstrating the enormous consumer power of this emerging youth culture and giving it the power to unite an entire
It is suggested that one of the reasons why artists use misogynistic lyrics in their music is that they have internalized the negative stereotypes about women that are prevalent in American society. African women were historically portrayed as animalistic sexual beasts and African males in a submissive role, giving in to wild instinct or bodily impulses. The internalization of such stereotypes may be a possible explanation of the hyper sexuality within certain hip hop music. Various authors have argued that misogyny is merely an outgrowth of the cultural acceptance of misogyny at large.
unprecedented. His style has been impersonated, and his music is still revered by young people
Frank Sinatra’s songs helped Italian Americans embrace their heritage. Sinatra brought various, diverse experiences and, through music, made them relatable to both United States citizens and non-citizens. The lyrics in which Sinatra sang allowed Italians to feel a sense of belonging in America. This project will focus on Frank Sinatra and how his music influenced Italian Americans. Though I do not have a personal stake in this subject matter, I believe it is important to tell this story in hopes that anyone going through change will start to realize that they are not alone. In this project I am looking to emphasize the role that Frank Sinatra’s music played in influencing Italian Americans and allowing them to not feel isolated.
Additionally, people made a change in the music they listened to. Elvis Presley the pioneer of rock and roll changed entertainment forever. Elvis’s fleshy face, erotic physique and sexually suggestive gyrations attracted the baby boomer of the decade. Because of these features and his unique dance moves, he faces controversy in the face of the media and some common American people. Parents did not want their children to adapt to the “King’s” ways. The new attitude followed on youths disobeying order. The same situation would follow on to the next decade and eventually on to the future.
The 1980’s consisted of several historical events and societal changes that have been relived though the lyrics of many young hip-hop artists. Of the numerous genres of songs, hip-hop has been labeled as of the most relatable genres. During this 1980’s, many of the songs that were written by male hip-hop artist tend to focus on the relationship aspect of male and female interactions. This finding is similar to what was stated in Frith’s article (1986) that most successful pop songs were about being “happy in love” and “frustrated in love” as well as having a sex interest (p. 78). Instead of using derogatory terms to describe women, men felt the need to use more delicate and gentle terms. Through their music, artists portrayed women as individuals who provide love, support, happiness and fulfillment to a man’s life. Furthermore, male artists portrayed themselves as men who weren’t afraid to express their emotions, admit their dependency on women, and their willingness to do what it takes to keep a woman. There were no signs of hypermasculinity or dominance in the first few songs
If a girl begins to demonstrate some signs of male characteristics, she is referred to as a ‘tom-boy’. It is like a taboo to show such kinds of signs in a girl. On the other hand, if a male does not have masculine features, he is seen as an outcast. All of these perceptions are obtained from the media, and especially televisions and movies. According to Mehta and Hay (2005), media houses have for a long time helped to construct and reinforce stereotypical ideas about masculinity and men. From what is portrayed in the media, it is possible for people to dismiss others on the basis of whether they have masculinity or are feminine (Ferrey, 2008).
Apart from the aspect of music, the mass media also spread the extreme concepts to us which influences our view of gender image in the dramas and books. As people always said that, male and female should be equal that should not have the mind of stereotype. Human have equal right so they can choose what they want to do and what they want to be. In the past, the popular culture always spread the value of men are strong such as the Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Captain America...almost all super heroes are male. They are the dream man in all women' hearts. But nowadays, the dream man in women' hearts are changed. The man who is caring or being a house-husband are more attractive such as in the Korean popular drama "The man comes from star", the main character always take care his lover and he can do housework
Rock and Roll has has had an impact on several decades of generations of people. It has also sustained itself throughout this period without dropping in popularity. Rock and roll has had a huge impact on the society we live in today because it affects other music genres such as hip hop and neo-soul. It has not only affected other genres but also opened up a way for originality, self-expression, and free thought. It also influenced artists to give political opinions through their songs which also influences the government and how it governs specific laws including many that were apart of the civil rights act. It has been given credit for integrating teens and adults through 1950’s-1970’s. It has also helped with equality with races being able to perform and be successful without being treated unfairly about their quality of music because of their race.