It’s music Monday! Pt. 1

Here we are, our first Music Monday. And today, I am actually going to talk about some older music, the pillars of the modern day sounds that we hear today in pop, rock and even country.

I’m talking Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, B.B King, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.

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Sam Cooke

Known as the King of Soul and the “inventor” of soul music, he was one of the most influential singers of his time.

One of my favorite songs by him has to be Bring it on home to me.

It’s one of his more popular songs, and for good reason! Sam had a way of really integrating his emotions into his music and his vocals seemed so effortlessly smooth.

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Elvis Presley

Everyone knows who Elvis was. The King of Rock.

Of course my favorite song by him is Can’t Help Falling in Love.

Recently I watched the new Elvis movie, and I actually really enjoyed it. The way it was produced reminded me of Moulin Rouge’s style. So if you’re not into the creative art style in movies like that, you may not enjoy it as much as I did.

Let me tell you though, of all the “impersonations” of Elvis that I have seen, the actor who portrayed him (Austin Butler) did an absolutely impeccable job. I know they mixed their vocals in some parts, but wow, color me impressed.

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B.B King

Riley B. King, coined the King of Blues, but most notably known for his electric guitar solos! Playing blues turned into playing rock n roll, and his guitar playing became an inspiration to all of rock music.

And while I can’t think of a song off hand that I like specifically, I am more of a fan of his blues music from 1951!

He had a wider vocal range and even a wide genre as well! He was a multitalented musician and his way with music will forever ring through the generations.

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Ella Fitzgerald

Oh the soothing and beautiful sound of Miss Ella Fitzgerald has surely been heard around the world.

She was named the First Lady of Song, and the Queen of Jazz!

She had a wide range of vocals, all while keeping a beautiful tone with incredible precision.

While I love her voice on it’s own, I must say, my favorite song has to be Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall, she sang this song with The Ink Spots (an honorable mention), and is a wonderful sound to my ears.

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Billie Holiday

Another very unique voice of the time, Billie Holiday wasn’t given the title of Queen but I’d say she definitely deserved to be called that. Her voice and songs (in my opinion) are wonderful! Though she had a rough history, she never lost the talent she possessed to make great music!

My favorite song by her is actually a tie between Easy Living and Crazy He Calls Me, I love them both equally!

Extra credit on her because she always had her dog with her. Anyone that loves animals is high up on my list!

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So this definitely isn’t everyone that should be on this list, but when I think of influencers of music from back in the day, these are the people that come to mind. Their music, their sound, their techniques, are all still heard today and to me that proves their incredible talents.

This post took me way longer to get finished than I intended. Next week I’ll have it ready at an acceptable time! (Sorry to my friends on the other side of the sea, this is a late Monday post!)

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If you have any thoughts or want to share music with me please do!! I wanted to start this segment off with a longer “foundational” post, the others won’t be this way (probably), and I’ll just be covering one song at a time or one artist.

Have a lovely week! Happy Monday!

~A

Songs mentioned:

• Bring it on Home to Me by Sam Cooke
• Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
• B.B King 1951 record
• Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall by Ella Fitzgerald and The Inkspots
• Easy Living and Crazy He Calls Me by Billie Holiday