The Decade of Golden Music: A Personal Reflection
Throughout the golden age of music, which decades do you consider the best - the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s? This article explores personal opinions and reflections on these decades, diving deep into the creativity and cultural impact of music during this era.
The 60’s and 70’s: A Time of Musical Innovation
I firmly believe that the 1960s and 1970s were without a doubt the golden age of music in my opinion. This period was characterized by an explosion of creativity and innovation that pushed boundaries and defied conventions. Specifically, I particularly enjoy the early to mid-1960s, reflecting a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement.
It is during these windows that artists and public taste often outpaced the large record companies. Therefore, it was during these times that a significant amount of the music I admire most flourished. It seems that during these periods, there was a greater abundance of creativity and artistic freedom.
The period from around 1968 to 1977 was not particularly appealing to me, unlike many of my peers. However, from around 1977 onward until the early 1980s, I found much to appreciate. I started to "drop out" from listening to a lot of popular music after that, with a few exceptions of course. I am not a fan of hip-hop, rap, or heavy metal. Modern country-pop music also fails to impress me.
A Timeless Era: The 1940s Post-War
In a departure from the more modern perspectives, I have a strong affinity for the post-war period from 1946 to 1955. This era was marked by a vibrant and energetic ambiance in country music. The decline of big bands led to the rise of smaller boogie-woogie ensembles. In the realm of rhythm and blues (RB), many talented artists such as Big Joe Turner, Wynonie Harris, and Roy Brown were at the forefront, leading to a golden age of RB music.
The dwindling cost of recording and the increased availability of labels contributed to a boom in the music industry, accompanying the birth of country music as we know it today. It was during this time that country music witnessed the rise of legends like Hank Williams. This was a period of birth for rock and roll, with the emergence of Elvis, and the electrification of blues music in Chicago and Los Angeles.
The Golden Decade of Jazz Music: The 1950s
When it comes to my field of interest, jazz music, I would unquestionably vote for the 1950s as the most interesting era. This does not necessarily mean the best, but it was certainly the most diverse. During this time, we saw three distinct generations of jazz musicians working together at the height of their careers.
Among the 'old guard,' there were legendary figures such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Sidney Bechet, Earl Hines, Count Basie, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Billie Holiday. The 'moderns' included Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, the Modern Jazz Quintet, and Sonny Rollins. The 'avant-garde' saw the emergence of innovative musicians like Charles Mingus, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, and Dave Brubeck.
Each generation brought its unique style and contribution to the rich tapestry of jazz music. It was a time of great artistic collaboration and innovation, making the 1950s an unparalleled era in the history of jazz.
Ultimately, the era when music truly captured my heart and soul varied, reflecting a deep and multifaceted journey through the golden decades of music. Whether it was the innovation and creativity of the 1960s and 1970s, the post-war cultural resurgence of the 1940s, or the incredible diversity and innovation of the 1950s, each decade offered a unique and compelling resonance in the world of music.