Final Songs Flashcards
Sher (A minor)
Steven Greenman. He’s recognized for his mastery of klezmer music and draws inspiration from Jewish musical idioms.
Man in a Hat
The Klezmatics. incorporated elements of jazz, folk, and world music into klezmer music.
Rhapsody in Blue
Oscar Levant. Captured the spirit of the 20s and the vibrant energy of the Jazz Age
Beer Barrel Polka
Frankie Yankovic. the lyrics celebrate the joy of sharing a beer and enjoying life.
There is no Other
Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi. Giddens background in American roots music and Turrisi’s mediterranean and North African musical traditions is important.
West End Blues
Louis Armstrong. Considered a milestone in jazz as Armstrong brought New Orleans jazz in the song.
Acadian Two Step
Joe Falcon. Him and his wife made the first cajun music record for Columbia which became so popular, they opened up the Cajun record market.
Zydeco Sont Pas Sale
Clifton Chenier. Chenier defined Zydeco through every performance.
Steel Guitar Rag
Bob Wills. Best example of Western swing that blends country, jazz, and swing into an energetic style
Honky Tonkin’
Hank Williams. The song is the essence of the honky-tonk tradition, reflecting the lifestyle associated with bars and juke joints.
It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
Kitty Wells. The first female country artist to achieve a major solo hit, paving the way for others to assert themselves in the male-dominated country music industry. Addressed societal attitudes towards women, infidelity, and judgement on women who enjoyed the nightlife.
Big River
Johnny Cash. Influenced rock n roll as the energetic rhythm and his rebellious image resonated with a younger audience
Coal Miner’s Daughter
Loretta Lynn. conveys a personal narrative of rural life and the struggles faced by working-class families
Hungry Eyes
Merle Haggard. Wrote this song as a tribute to his mom and the sacrifices she made for her family as a single mom but is a tribute to those who lived on labor camps during the Great Depression.
Goodbye Earl
The Chicks. The song explores themes of empowerment of women taking control of their lives against violence.
That’s All Right
Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup. song has a rhythmic and upbeat feel that foreshadows early rock and roll. Elvis sang it and got super popular, setting the stage for rock and roll to be a dominant genre in the 50s
Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean
Ruth Brown. the message of self-respect and empowerment allowed listeners to demand better treatment in their relationships.
Heartbreak Hotel
Elvis Presley. Considered one of the first rock and roll records and was the beginning of a breaking down racial barriers in music.
Rumble
Link Wray. First song to feature a distorted guitar sound. Song is associated with rebellious and stood out for its edgy sound.
Be My Baby
The Ronettes. example of “wall of sound” which layered multiple instruments and vocals to create an orchestral sound.
Memphis Shakedown
Memphis Jug Band. Title combines the idea of hillbilly breakdown with the African American shake
Mystery Train
Little Junior’s Blue Flames. fusion of blues and country led to rockabilly, it’s simplicity and influence on rock and blues artists make it appealing
(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay
Otis Redding. Blended soul, R&B, and some folk and conveys a sense of search for meaning.
Green Onions
Booker T. & the MGs. Described as one of the most popular instrumental rock and soul songs ever.
Respect
Aretha Franklin. Anthem for the feminist and civil rights movements of the 60s, it became a symbol of empowerment and a call for unity.
Fortunate son
Creedence Clearwater Revival. Anti-vietnam war protest song, expresses disdain for the privileges enjoyed by elites who can avoid military service, while those less privileged had to fight.
Ohio
Neil Young. Response to the Kent State shootings which during a protest against invading Cambodia during the Vietnam war, the national guard shot and killed 4 students
Hejira
Joni Mitchell. marked a departure from the folk and rock sound of her earlier work and more jazz where her lyrics are exploring love, and self-discovery
The Message
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. one of the first hip hop songs to address social and economic issues, paving the way for the genre to become a platform for addressing issues.
Ladies First
Queen Latifah. promote female independence, challenging gender roles and encourages women to prioritize their own well-being
Fight the Power
Public Enemy. commentary on racial inequality, oppression, and social justice, as well as mainstream media perpetuating stereotypes and controlling narratives.
Badlands
Bruce Springsteen. Themes of resilience and fight against adversity resonated with audiences and gave them inspiration.
We’re Desperate
X. punk rock song significant in LA that blended punk with rockabilly and other genres and critiques the consumerism and societal pressures in urban environments.
Born in the USA
Bruce Springsteen. talk about Vietnam war veteran struggling to return home, addresses mistreatment of veterans and economic hardship.
One Time One Night
Los Lobos. Fused rock and traditional Mexican music to tell the story of a farmworker meeting a traveling musician.
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman. tells the story of a young couple trying to escape poverty and build a better life.
Busload of Faith
Lou Reed. address the search for meaning in a world that may be devoid of moral guidance.
Closer to Fine
Indigo Girls. influential in representing women in folk music, proving they can be successful in a male-dominated genre.
Heart-Shaped Box
Nirvana. Song has dynamic shifts from quiet verses to explosive choruses, influencing the grunge movement
Gregorio Cortez
Ramon Ayala. talks about GC who became a symbol of resistance as he was accused of horse theft and murder and was running from the police. the song becomes a form of cultural empowerment.
Strange Fruit
Billie Holiday. protest song that addresses the lynching of black people in the US as a metaphor for strange fruit hanging from trees, sang when social and political commentary in music was uncommon.
Tennessee
Atlanta’s Arrested Development. addresses poverty, racial inequality, and the struggle for self-awareness, contributing to the tradition of socially conscious hip hop
Alabama
John Coltrane. tribute to the 4 black girls who were killed in the bombing in Alabama in 63. his playing is deeply emotional, capturing the sorrow, anger.
Alright
Kendrick Lamar. anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement, touching on police violence, systemic racism, and other struggles blending hip-hop, jazz, and funk
This Land
Gary Clark Jr. confronts issues of racial profiling and frustration, becoming a symbol of resistance
This Land is Your Land
Woody Guthrie. Guthrie’s vision of America is a land for all people, regardless of their background, becoming an anthem for social justice and civil rights during the folk revival
Dirty South
Goodie Mob. a culture identifier for southern hip hop, encompassing a sense of regional pride.
