Rise of Rock n Roll Flashcards
(38 cards)
What was the reaction to BA radio by middle class parents
“moral panic”
What is a cover version
Version of a popular song (usually a crossover hit) which has been modified and rerecorded by a white artist to fit middle class values
When were cover versions popular
1954-1956
What is a good example of a crossover hit?
Little Richard - Tutti Fruity, Sh-Boom by the Crew Cuts
When was Tutti Fruity released
1955
How did Tutti Fruity Chart?
2 RB #17 Pop
Who released a cover version of Tutti Fruity
Pat Boone - 1956
How did Pat Boone’s Cover chart?
NC R&B, #10 Pop
What is a crossover hit
Song that crosses over from one chart to another (usually R&B-> Pop)
What backlash did crossover hits cause
“cultural panic”
Why do crossover hits happen
Teenagers begin listening to BA radio
What is a good example of cover version
Sh-Boom - The Chords, covered by the Crew Cuts
When was Sh-Boom originally recorded
June 1954
When was the cover version of sh-boom recorded
July 1954
What style is Sh-boom
Do-Wop
What are the characteristics of Do-Wop
Vocal heavy style, voiced notes instead of instruments
What label was the original sh-boom released on
Cat Records (Small label)
What label was the cover version of sh-boom released on
Mercury Records (Major Label)
What were the general stylistic changes made to a cover version
AABA emphasized, 12 bar de-emphasized
What are the differences in form between the versions of sh-boom
Original: looser AABA form w/ interludes.
Cover: Strict AABA, clearly stating the form. No interludes
What are the differences in vocal quality between the versions of Sh-Boom?
Original: Vocal distortion. Amateur quality (can hear breaths - seems more intimate), Deep voice in the B section lends sensuality
Cover: No vocal distortion, can’t hear breaths, big echoy sound. No deep voicing in the B section (wholesome)
What are the differences in instrumentation between the versions of Sh-Boom
Original: Sax solo - distorted sound, associated with R&B, sexual metaphor
Cover: Timpani (associated with cartoons/comedy)
How did the different versions of Sh-Boom chart?
Original: #3 R&B, #5 Pop
Cover: #1 Pop for 9 weeks, #1 song of the year
Why were cover versions allowed?
Looser copyright laws, African American artists were more often taken advantage more, racism
