Why Eddie Van Halen is an Influential Musician Essay

James Marshall Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942 in Seattle Washington. James faced a somewhat difficult childhood as he was faced with many

Rock ‘n’ roll music has widely influenced music and society and continues to do so today. Rock ‘n’ roll emerged in the 1950’s a time where whites and blacks were heavily segregated. Rock and roll music not only changed the nation’s current musical norms, but indicated the joy of the emerging youth culture of the generation. It influenced artists whether black or white to come into the mainstream music. Famous artists still remembered today also influenced rock and roll. Those pioneers helped change the musical norms and the overall history of music. White rock ‘n’ rollers helped build a ladder for black artists to come into the scene. It was certain that rock ‘n’ roll made it possible for greater acceptance, appreciation and a wider

For as long as I can remember, my dad always had his music playing. In the car, in the house, everywhere. In time, his music became my music; and it still is. Though my dad’s music taste was vast, his staple was Van Halen. Little did I know how much that band would shape me as a person. While most fans were in love with David Lee Roth, (the singer) I was all about Eddie Van Halen; the greatest guitarist in the world. The greatest because to me, he isn't just a guitarist. He’s an innovator, a genius, and one of my biggest role models. While I think all art is powerful, it’s all subjective, and to me, Eddie Van Halen is the perfect example to why art is so powerful. For he has created the passion, perseverance, and creativity that lives inside me today.

When early rock and roll began the major American record companies did not take the british invasion seriously. The Beatles first album had to be released through small independent music companies. The success of British bands began to get to large to ignore, it changed the styles of some American musicians as well. In 1965 Bob Dylan performed at a concert in which he used electrical instruments, this alienated many folk music purists in the process of changing music forever (Unterberger pg.165). The American band the byrds combined folk and rock which created a number one hit on the billboard music charts. A Band called Buffalo Springfield blended aspects of Rock, Country and western music to create country rock in 1966.

Jerry Garcia’s most obvious influences deal with music and the modern pop music band’s role. He has changed the way music is produced, the way music relates to its listeners, and how the band interacts with its fans. Jerry Garcia was the renaissance man of the 1960’s singing, writing, and playing many instruments including the acoustic, bass, and electric guitars, the banjo, and the piano, which was a revolutionary idea for the time. He and the Grateful Dead worked to successfully enable the elimination of a record company in the music world. Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead all worked together- blending different musical genres- to create new styles of music that will continue into modern day. Jerry Garcia is largely responsible for the revolution in the identity of the music artist, for the increase in popularity of the live album, for the divergence of many musicians from record companies, and for the changes in bands’ touring style and interaction with their

The emergence of Rock and Roll was one of the most pivotal moments of our nation’s history. The impact that this genre of music made is still evident in our culture. However, before this genre was able to gain momentum, it faced many cultural conflicts. The book, All Shook Up: How Rock ‘N’ Roll Changed America by Glenn C. Altschuler analyzes the impact that rock and roll music has made on American culture. It explores how the Rock and Roll culture was able to roughly integrate and later conflict with preceding cultural values. This is especially apparent in chapters regarding race and sexuality. Overall, Rock and Roll was extremely controversial amongst parents and educators. This new music genre was condemned by the previous generation as

until now, rock has been the vehicle of expression for many around the world. It has been the

Bill Kreutzmann, the "heartbeat" of the Grateful Dead, had been behind a kit since the age of eleven when Jerry Garcia met him in 1962. His early love of drums allowed him to be heavily involved in the "rock and roll" scene. As a teen, Kreutzmann even created rock in roll bands in which to play, as the interest was barely there. After meeting

All was not well within the band, however. Rising tensions between Roth and the other band members were increasingly evident; on their 1984 world tour the band didn't even play on the same stage, but rather performed on four separate platforms, symbolic of the escalating rift among its members. Finally, in 1985, after taking time off to record a successful solo album (and delaying work on the follow-up to 1984) Roth parted ways with Van Halen. This group proved to be the starting point of heavy metal, starting out in the 1970’s and continuing through the first half of the 1990’s.

In 1967 the Beatles were in Abbey Road Studios putting the finishing touches on their album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. At one point Paul McCartney wandered down the corridor and heard what was then a new young band called Pink Floyd working on their hypnotic debut, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. He listened for a moment, then came rushing back. "Hey guys," he reputedly said, "There's a new band in there and they're gonna steal our thunder." With their mix of blues, music hall influences, Lewis Carroll references, and dissonant experimentation, Pink Floyd was one of the key bands of the 1960s psychedelic revolution, a pop culture movement that emerged with American and British rock,

Throughout their years at the top they were shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and seemed to leave behind a trail of question marks wherever they went. They were not a “public” band (they didn’t hire a

Although the musical group finally decided on what to call themselves, they still were waiting for their big break. Their big break came in the form of a man notice Brian Epstein, a record storeowner. Epstein’s interest was piqued when he heard about a young band making its way through Liverpool. So Epstein decided to go watch "The Beatles" perform. Something about the Beatles energy when they play inspired Epstein to become their manager. Pulling a few strings throughout the musical community of Liverpool, Epstein was able to gain "The Beatles" a few auditions. After a few auditions, the Beatles were able to get an audition with George Martin, a respected member of Parlophone records. The only part that Martin didn 't like about the Beatles was the drummer, Pete Best. Before a record could be signed Epstein had to replace Best. The new drummer was known as Ringo Starr. At last, "The Beatles" we 're complete.

Important to their development was manager Gary Morris who was able to negotiate favourable contracts with tour promoters and record companies and frustrate rock journalists. Guitarist Martin Rotsey joined in 1977 and Midnight Oil, with Morris, established their own record label Powderworks, which released their debut eponymous album in November 1978, and their first single "Run by Night" followed in December. Founding bass guitarist James, forced to leave due to illness in 1980, was replaced by Peter Gifford. Gifford was himself replaced by Bones Hillman in 1987. Through a long and distinguished career, the band became known for its driving hard-rock sound, intense live performances and political activism, particularly in aid of anti-nuclear,

Successful bands must make a name for themselves, allowing fans to find a distinct quality they enjoy about the group. These names are a differentiating factor for consumers when deciding what concert to attend or music to purchase. The Eagles made a name for themselves by varying themes of music they played. This set the Eagles apart from other rock bands of the time, which had little, if any variety in the themes of music they played. Other successful bands likewise had memorable traits. For example, AC/DC was known for its hard rock music, and people remember Mick Jagger dancing on stage when they hear of the Rolling Stones. Sadly, the one-hit wonders of the time were able to make only a single successful song, but were quickly forgotten. Therefore, successful bands strive to be unique to impress their fans and become

In early 1970 the band Queen was formed. Freddie Mercury on vocals, Brian May on guitar, Roger Taylor on drums and Mike Gross on bass. They had known each other for years. All living in the town of Kensington in Britain, sometimes even living together. Brian and Roger belonged to a band called Smile, and Freddie was a very talented vocalsit playing for the band Ibex. They decided to join forces, to better themselves, and their chances of obtaining fame and fortune. After a few months with only a few gigs Mike Gross left the band. He was replaced by Barry Mitchell, who only played a few gigs with them. After a few short months they were looking for their third bass player. Roger, was at a party one night and was