Biggest Left Turn In Music History

The Biggest Left Turns in Music History: When Artists Reinvented Themselves

Music is a constantly evolving art form, a river perpetually carving new channels. But sometimes, an artist makes a turn so sharp, so unexpected, it leaves listeners reeling. This isn't just about genre shifts; it's about a fundamental reimagining of artistic identity, a bold rejection of established expectations. This post delves into some of the most significant and impactful "left turns" in music history, exploring the risks, rewards, and lasting legacies of these daring creative choices. We'll examine the context, the critical reception, and the ultimate impact these transformative shifts had on both the artists' careers and the musical landscape itself. Prepare to be surprised, intrigued, and perhaps even inspired by these audacious leaps of faith.

1. Bob Dylan Goes Electric (1965): The Folk Betrayal

Bob Dylan's transition from acoustic folk protest singer to electric rock icon remains arguably the most controversial and influential left turn in music history. At the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, Dylan's decision to plug in sparked a furious backlash from folk purists who saw it as a betrayal of the genre's core values. The move wasn't simply about amplification; it represented a shift in lyrical focus, a move toward more ambiguous, less explicitly political statements. While initially met with boos and criticism, Dylan's electric phase cemented his legacy as a musical innovator, influencing countless artists and paving the way for singer-songwriters to explore broader sonic palettes. The controversy highlighted the inherent tension between artistic evolution and audience expectations, a conflict that continues to resonate today. This shift wasn't just about sound; it was about broadening the scope of folk's potential, pushing it beyond its established boundaries.

2. David Bowie's Chameleon-like Transformations: Ziggy Stardust and Beyond

David Bowie was a master of reinvention, constantly shifting his musical style and persona to reflect evolving artistic visions. However, the creation of Ziggy Stardust, his flamboyant alien rock star alter ego, stands out as a particularly radical departure. This wasn't merely a stylistic change; it was a complete metamorphosis, a theatrical performance that blurred the lines between music, persona, and identity. Bowie consistently surprised audiences with his subsequent musical explorations, from the soul-infused Young Americans to the experimental electronic soundscapes of Berlin. Each shift was a calculated risk, showcasing his unwavering commitment to artistic exploration and his ability to consistently reinvent himself while maintaining a devoted fanbase. His career is a textbook example of how controlled reinvention can not only sustain but also enhance a musical career.

3. Radiohead's Kid A: Abandoning the "OK Computer" Formula

Radiohead’s OK Computer cemented their status as alternative rock giants. Yet, their follow-up, Kid A, was a deliberate and radical departure. They traded the anthemic guitars and driving rhythms for unsettling electronic textures, jazz influences, and cryptic, often unsettling lyrics. The album was a bold statement, a rejection of their previous success and an exploration of uncharted musical territory. While initially polarizing, Kid A is now widely regarded as a masterpiece of experimental rock, demonstrating the band's artistic courage and their willingness to push the boundaries of genre and expectation. This left turn cemented their status as pioneers, constantly challenging themselves and their audience.

4. Prince's Genre-Bending Prowess: From Funk to Pop and Beyond

Prince's musical career was a kaleidoscope of genres. He effortlessly blended funk, rock, pop, R&B, and even elements of jazz and psychedelia. Each album often offered a surprising new direction, showcasing his extraordinary talent and fearless experimentation. While never a complete rejection of his core sound, his constant genre-bending ensured that no two Prince albums sounded alike, constantly surprising and challenging his audience. This consistent evolution not only kept his music fresh but also allowed him to remain relevant across decades, inspiring generations of musicians. His refusal to be confined to a single genre is a testament to the power of artistic fluidity.

5. Björk's Constant Evolution: From Sugarcubes to Avant-Garde Electronica

Björk, much like Bowie, is a master of reinvention. From her early days with the Icelandic indie-pop band Sugarcubes, she's constantly pushed her creative boundaries. Each album has been a departure from the last, embracing diverse influences including electronic music, classical, jazz, and experimental sounds. This unwavering commitment to artistic exploration, often challenging conventional music structures and expectations, has solidified her reputation as a visionary and avant-garde artist. Her career is an inspiring example of how embracing constant change can lead to lasting innovation and recognition.

Article Outline: The Biggest Left Turns in Music History

I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and outlining the article's scope.

II. Main Chapters:
Bob Dylan's Electrification
David Bowie's Constant Reinventions (Focusing on Ziggy Stardust)
Radiohead's Kid A and the Rejection of "OK Computer"
Prince's Genre-Bending Career
Björk's Unwavering Artistic Exploration

III. Conclusion: Summarizing the key themes and the lasting impact of these left turns.

(Each point above is expanded upon in the body of the article as shown previously.)

FAQs

1. Why are these considered "left turns"? These moments represent significant and unexpected shifts in an artist's established sound, style, or persona, often defying genre conventions and audience expectations.

2. Were these left turns always successful? While some were met with initial resistance (Dylan's electrification, for example), most ultimately expanded the artist's creative horizons and broadened their appeal.

3. What factors influence an artist's decision to make a radical change? Creative dissatisfaction, external pressures, personal growth, and a desire to explore new artistic avenues all play a role.

4. How do these left turns impact the music industry? They often inspire other artists, push genre boundaries, and challenge established norms, influencing the evolution of music as a whole.

5. Do all successful artists need to make a "left turn"? No, consistent evolution and exploration are important, but a radical shift isn't necessarily a requirement for a successful career.

6. What is the risk in making such a drastic change? Alienating existing fans, facing critical backlash, and potential commercial failure are all possibilities.

7. Are there any common threads between these artists' left turns? A willingness to take risks, a desire for artistic growth, and a disregard for conventional expectations are common themes.

8. How can aspiring musicians learn from these examples? Embrace experimentation, be open to new influences, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself creatively.

9. What makes a left turn truly significant? Its impact on the artist's career, its influence on other musicians, and its lasting contribution to the musical landscape.

1. The Evolution of Bob Dylan's Sound: A detailed analysis of Dylan's musical journey and his various stylistic phases.

2. David Bowie: A Chameleon of Music: An in-depth exploration of Bowie's diverse musical styles and personas.

3. Radiohead's Kid A: A Deconstruction: A critical examination of Kid A's musical elements and its cultural significance.

4. Prince: The Master of Genre Fusion: An overview of Prince's unique approach to music and his ability to blend various genres.

5. Björk's Avant-Garde Odyssey: A journey through Björk's diverse and experimental musical projects.

6. The Newport Folk Festival 1965: A Turning Point in Music History: A historical account of the event and its fallout.

7. The Impact of Technology on Musical Reinvention: An exploration of how technological advancements have facilitated musical transformations.

8. The Risks and Rewards of Artistic Reinvention: A discussion of the potential benefits and drawbacks of making a major artistic change.

9. Defining and Identifying "Left Turns" in Popular Music: A deeper dive into the criteria for identifying significant artistic shifts in the music world.

biggest left turn in music history: This Day in Music Neil Cossar, 2014-08 Births, deaths and marriages, No1 singles, drug busts and arrests, famous gigs and awards... all these and much more appear in this fascinating 50 year almanac.Using a page for every day of the calendar year, the author records a variety of rock and pop events that took place on a given day of the month across the years.This Day in Music is fully illustrated with hundreds of pictures, cuttings and album covers, making this the must-have book for any pop music fan.
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 2001-06-16 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: Understanding Music N. Alan Clark, Thomas Heflin, Jeffrey Kluball, 2015-12-21 Music moves through time; it is not static. In order to appreciate music wemust remember what sounds happened, and anticipate what sounds might comenext. This book takes you on a journey of music from past to present, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque Period to the 20th century and beyond!
biggest left turn in music history: Radiohead's OK Computer Dai Griffiths, 2004-08-11 Seemingly granted ‘classic album' status within days of its release in 1997, OK Computer transformed Radiohead from a highly promising rock act into The Most Important Band in the World - a label the band has been burdened by (and has fooled around with) ever since. Through close musical analysis of each song, Dai Griffiths explores the themes and ideas that have made this album resonate so deeply with its audience, and argues that OK Computer is one of the most successfully realized CD albums so far created. EXCERPT But then ‘Karma Police' changes. After the second chorus the track lifts, in various ways. Harmonically, there's a key change of sorts (the sheet music charmingly follows the convention of preparing the reader for the new key signature), from E minor to B minor, although in truth both sections use similar chords. Then vocally or melodically, the key change takes Thom Yorke to his angelic register. Texturally, there's a big shift, with all the instruments doing lighter things. Best to my mind though, there's the one word, phew. Phew's great: it's a cartoon word, like ‘gulp' or ‘zzzz' or ‘bah'. Its precision matters, the fact that it's really there, properly pronounced, not just sort-of-breathed...
biggest left turn in music history: George Valentine's Retirement Plan Laurence Cooper, 2014-05-28 They say power corrupts; and those who want it get it by exposing those who have it. It’s a dog eat dog world – and George Valentine is its middleman. George Valentine’s Retirement Plan is a quirky, fictional look at the world of political scandal as seen by those that dig up the dirt. It features larger than life characters, comedy and farce… From their South London home, George and Dorothy Valentine dig up dirt for divorces, corporate battles and political smear campaigns. They’ve decided to retire after their next case. When their last mark turns out to be the Home Secretary, George dreams of a grand finale while Dot fears disaster. Chaos rules as George’s retirement plan unravels and his maverick family must pit their wits against an oligarch, a Bulgarian hitman and the Albanian sex trade - as well as the Westminster elite. George Valentine’s Retirement Plan is a wild romp through a world where reputations are traded like commodities. It will appeal to cynics with an interest in political thrillers, satire fans, and all who like a crime caper, comic adventure – as well as a hint of romance!
biggest left turn in music history: The Music History Classroom James A. Davis, 2016-02-17 The Music History Classroom brings together essays written by recognized and experienced teachers to assist in the design, implementation, and revision of college-level music history courses. This includes the traditional music history survey for music majors, but the materials presented here are applicable to other music history courses for music majors and general education students alike, including period classes, composer or repertory courses, and special topics classes and seminars. The authors bring current thought on the scholarship of teaching and learning together with practical experience into the unique environment of the music history classroom. While many of the issues confronting teachers in other disciplines are pertinent to music history classes, this collection addresses the unique nature of musical materials and the challenges involved in negotiating between historical information, complex technical musical issues, and the aesthetics of performing and listening. This single volume provides a systematic outline of practical teaching advice on all facets of music history pedagogy, including course design, classroom technology, listening and writing assignments, and more. The Music History Classroom presents the 'nuts-and-bolts' of teaching music history suitable for graduate students, junior faculty, and seasoned teachers alike.
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 1996-08-03 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Music Industry Studies David Arditi,
biggest left turn in music history: Soviet Life , 1978
biggest left turn in music history: EQ. , 2001
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 1998-02-21 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: In the Order of Innocence G. W. Thompson, 2007-04
biggest left turn in music history: SPIN , 2009-02 From the concert stage to the dressing room, from the recording studio to the digital realm, SPIN surveys the modern musical landscape and the culture around it with authoritative reporting, provocative interviews, and a discerning critical ear. With dynamic photography, bold graphic design, and informed irreverence, the pages of SPIN pulsate with the energy of today's most innovative sounds. Whether covering what's new or what's next, SPIN is your monthly VIP pass to all that rocks.
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 1967-11-11 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: Weekly World News , 1999-01-05 Rooted in the creative success of over 30 years of supermarket tabloid publishing, the Weekly World News has been the world's only reliable news source since 1979. The online hub www.weeklyworldnews.com is a leading entertainment news site.
biggest left turn in music history: The Encyclopedia of Country Music Michael McCall, John Rumble, Paul Kingsbury, 2012-02-01 Immediately upon publication in 1998, the Encyclopedia of Country Music became a much-loved reference source, prized for the wealth of information it contained on that most American of musical genres. Countless fans have used it as the source for answers to questions about everything from country's first commercially successful recording, to the genre's pioneering music videos, to what conjunto music is. This thoroughly revised new edition includes more than 1,200 A-Z entries covering nine decades of history and artistry, from the Carter Family recordings of the 1920s to the reign of Taylor Swift in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Compiled by a team of experts at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the encyclopedia has been brought completely up-to-date, with new entries on the artists who have profoundly influenced country music in recent years, such as the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban. The new edition also explores the latest and most critical trends within the industry, shedding light on such topics as the digital revolution, the shifting politics of country music, and the impact of American Idol (reflected in the stardom of Carrie Underwood). Other essays cover the literature of country music, the importance of Nashville as a music center, and the colorful outfits that have long been a staple of the genre. The volume features hundreds of images, including a photo essay of album covers; a foreword by country music superstar Vince Gill (the winner of twenty Grammy Awards); and twelve fascinating appendices, ranging from lists of awards to the best-selling country albums of all time. Winner of the Best Reference Award from the Popular Culture Association Any serious country music fan will treasure this authoritative book. --The Seattle Times A long-awaited, major accomplishment, which educators, historians and students, broadcasters and music writers, artists and fans alike, will welcome and enjoy. --The Nashville Musician Should prove a valuable resource to those who work in the country music business. But it's also an entertaining read for the music's true fans. --Houston Chronicle This big, handsome volume spans the history of country music, listing not only artists and groups but also important individuals and institutions. --San Francisco Examiner Promises to be the definitive historical and biographical work on the past eight decades of country music. Well written and heavily illustratedan unparalleled work, worth its price and highly recommended. --Library Journal
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 1982-03-27 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: Weekly World News , 1989-10-24 Rooted in the creative success of over 30 years of supermarket tabloid publishing, the Weekly World News has been the world's only reliable news source since 1979. The online hub www.weeklyworldnews.com is a leading entertainment news site.
biggest left turn in music history: Rockabilly Billy Poore, 1998 ...a great reference guide, detailing artists, chart activity, career milestones, tours and recent activity.
biggest left turn in music history: SPIN , 2003-10 From the concert stage to the dressing room, from the recording studio to the digital realm, SPIN surveys the modern musical landscape and the culture around it with authoritative reporting, provocative interviews, and a discerning critical ear. With dynamic photography, bold graphic design, and informed irreverence, the pages of SPIN pulsate with the energy of today's most innovative sounds. Whether covering what's new or what's next, SPIN is your monthly VIP pass to all that rocks.
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 2009-06-06 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: Music Trades , 1918
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 1960-10-24 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: The Encyclopedia of Country & Western Music Rick Marschall, Richard Marschall, 1990 Offers biographical sketches with pictures of over 200 major figures in Country and Western music.
biggest left turn in music history: Ebony , 1996-04 EBONY is the flagship magazine of Johnson Publishing. Founded in 1945 by John H. Johnson, it still maintains the highest global circulation of any African American-focused magazine.
biggest left turn in music history: The Advocate , 2002-07-09 The Advocate is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) monthly newsmagazine. Established in 1967, it is the oldest continuing LGBT publication in the United States.
biggest left turn in music history: My City Links April 2023 Issue My City Links, 2023-04-01 Many first-time visitors to Bhubaneswar can be forgiven for believing that the Odisha capital is only about modern infrastructure and urban living. But ask old-time residents and they will scratch beneath the surface to come up with some sharp insights about a city that is a confusing amalgamation of the ancient and the modern. Our Cover Story is thus both a celebration of Bhubaneswar's glorious past as well as a look at the challenges that stare the city's planners in the face. As we celebrate the 88th Odisha Foundation Day on April 1, we turn the spotlight on Odisha's rich cultural heritage and examine how the legacy is being carried forward in spheres like literature, classical dance, music, and cinema. The concept of tuition classes has been transformed by the emergence of start-ups in the EdTech sector. This has also thrown up several uncomfortable and disturbing questions. We look at the big picture in City Tech. We also gaze to Skyhawk, India’s first 5G drone. One of the founders of the start-up which developed the drone shares interesting insights into the making of the drone that is capable of vertical take-off and landing. With April 2 being observed as World Autism Day, the City Health section brings you an informative news feature on a condition that comes with more than a fair share of misconceptions. This edition also features IT professional-cum-mountaineer Sidharth Routray, who talks about a readiness to face extreme challenges and what the future may hold for him. The City Affairs section looks at cases of acid attacks in Odisha, some common causes behind them, and the legal framework to deal with such incidents. Over the past few years, Kalinga Stadium has become synonymous with big-ticket sporting events in India. A series of successful events held at the venue has reinforced Bhubaneswar’s image as the sports capital of India and put it on the world map. Read all about it in City Sports. Getting noticed by music maestro AR Rahman is really a big deal, and nobody knows this better than Samir Rishu Mohanty, aka Big Deal. The rapper from Odisha recently made it to the cover of the reputed Rolling Stone India magazine, posing with Rahman. Read more about his journey in Screen Shots. The section also features Gaurav Anand, the music sensation who has composed for several Odia projects in recent times. In a free-wheeling chat, the popular musician talks about his journey so far and his plans for the future.
biggest left turn in music history: Eat Like a Rock Star Mark Bego, 2017-10-17 Who knew that Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones) makes an amazing Lamb Chops with Endive and Blue Cheese Salad, that Michael McDonald (The Doobie Brothers) loves Pasta with Ham and Parmesan Cheese, or that Boz Scaggs eats Tuscan Grilled Chicken? With more than a hundred recipes from seven decades of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, country, RnB, and disco, Mark Bego, along with Mary Wilson of The Supremes, gathers beloved recipes from legendary rocker friends and invites the ultimate music fan to put on an apron and join them at the table. Featuring each rock star’s biography, their favorite recipe, and other fun facts, Eat Like a Rock Star is a must-have for every die-hard rocker-at-heart who loves to eat. There is nowhere else you will find Ray Parker Jr.’s Salmon and Eggs, Joey Fatone’s (NSYNC) Rice Balls, Micky Dolenz’s (The Monkees) Micky ‘D’ Cocktail, and Angela Bowie’s (David Bowie’s ex-wife’s) Rosti Hash Brown Potatoes all in one book. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, dinner, or desert, learn to cook: •Michelle Phillips’s (The Mamas & The Papas) Organic Lemon Chicken •Lou Christie’s Linguine with Fresh Tomatoes •Marilyn McCoo's (The 5th Dimension) Leg of Lamb •Glen Campbell’s Favorite Mexican Chicken Casserole •Sarah Dash’s (Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles) Peach Cobbler, and more! With a section on head-spinning cocktails, full menu suggestions, as well as author Mark Bego’s own culinary concoctions such as Spicy Szechuan Sesame Noodles and Boozy Banana Cream Pie, look no further for the all-in-one cooking and rock ‘n’ roll companion. As Martha Reeves says about her Smoked Turkey Necks & Lima Beans, “Honey, this is real soul food!”
biggest left turn in music history: Tales of Canadian Rurality Denn Thome, 2014-07-08 Normally, a twelve-mile strip of highway from the lake to town flows easily like the wind. But as traffic suddenly comes to a screeching halt, a married couple on a simple trip to town realizes a silver van from Alberta is holding up their journey. Overwhelmed by the fact that she is going nowhere fast, the wife decides to seek revenge, in the most creative way possible. Texas Johnny is not from Texas, he is not a singer, and he is definitely not famous. But he loves his beer and music with a deep and never-ending passion. A successful accountant for the Montreal mob until a police raid robbed him of his career, Texas Johnny is on a mission to spread the word of all things country and western, with a liberal intake of beer and humor of course. When a small group of people reunite to discuss a land partnership, they learn truths about themselves and forge new relationships while discovering that dreams are different for everyone, that they have all changed, and that nothing is like it used to be. Tales of Canadian Rurality presents a trio of short stories that provide a glimpse into rustic rural Canadian life and the authentic characters that populate its landscape.
biggest left turn in music history: Introduction to Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Gilad James, PhD, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the upcoming third installment in the Ant-Man film series and the twelfth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Peyton Reed, the film is set to bring back Paul Rudd as the titular character, Scott Lang/Ant-Man, and Evangeline Lilly as his partner and love interest, Hope van Dyne/The Wasp. Joining them are Michael Douglas as Hank Pym and Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet van Dyne, who command the shrinking technology that forms the central aspect of the franchise. The plot of the movie is shrouded in secrecy, but it is assumed to explore the consequences of the characters’ exposure to the subatomic realm known as the Quantum Realm, which featured heavily in the previous films and was also integral to the plot of Avengers: Endgame. The film promises to take the Ant-Man franchise in new directions and potentially introduce new characters and concepts that will have ramifications for the MCU as a whole. Quantumania is currently in production and is expected to be released in 2023.
biggest left turn in music history: Can This Day Get Any Worse Wild Pages Press, 2018-12-15 This product is a Composition Book Large Size 8.5 x 11 Ruled 150 Pages Softcover. Wild Pages Press are creators of unique notebooks and journals. If there is a particular notebook or journal subject you are after we can make it for you to order and list it for sale on amazon. We have a huge range of designs currently available, more than 16,000 available on a huge range of subjects. Simply search Wild Pages Press and the subject you are after, for example Wild Pages Press Butterflies and you will see heaps of amazing butterfly notebooks, journals, composition books, and more. Perfectly spaced between lines to allow plenty of room to write. Wild Pages Press are publishers of unique notebooks, journals, school exercise books, college or university lecture pads, memo books and travel journals that are a little bit quirky and different. Stunning covers, sturdy for everyday use. Great quality, we offer thousands of different designs to choose from. Our quality products make amazing gifts perfect for any special occasion or for a bit of luxury for everyday use. Our products are so versatile, they come in a wide range, be it the perfect notebook, travel companion, or a stylish lecture pad for college or university, cool composition book for school, comprehensive notebook for work, or as a journal, the perfect family heirloom to be treasured for years to come. Our quality products are made in the USA and competitively priced so they can be enjoyed by everyone.
biggest left turn in music history: Stories Done Mikal Gilmore, 2008-11-18 The 1960s and 1970s represent a rare moment in our cultural history -- music was exploring unprecedented territories, literature was undergoing a radical reinvention, politics polarized the nation, and youth culture was at the zenith of its influence. There has never been, nor is there likely to be, another generation that matches the contributions of the artists of that time period. In this poignant book, journalist Mikal Gilmore weaves a narrative of the '60s and '70s as he examines the lives of the era's most important cultural icons. Keeping the power of rock & roll at the forefront, Gilmore gathers together stories about major artists from every field -- George Harrison, Ken Kesey, Johnny Cash, Allen Ginsberg, to name just a few. Gilmore reveals the truth about this idealized period in history, never shying away from the ugly influences that brought many of rock's most exciting figures to their knees. He examines how Jim Morrison's alcoholism led to the star's death at the age of twenty-seven, how Jerry Garcia's drug problems brought him to the brink of death so many times that his bandmates did not believe the news of his actual demise, how Pink Floyd struggled with the guilt of kicking out founding member Syd Barrett because of his debilitating mental illness. As Gilmore examines the dark side of these complicated figures, he paints a picture of the environment that bred them, taking readers from the rough streets of Liverpool (and its more comfortable suburbs) to the hippie haven of Haight-Ashbury that hosted the infamous Summer of Love. But what resulted from these lives and those times, Gilmore argues, was worth the risk -- in fact, it may be inseparable from those hard costs. The lives of these dynamic and diverse figures are intertwined with Gilmore's exploration of the social, political, and emotional characteristics that defined the era. His insights and examinations combine to create a eulogy for a formative period of American history.
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 2002-05-25 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Elizabeth Amisu, 2016-09-26 An essential companion to Michael Jackson's music, films, and books, this work offers 21 original, academic essays on all things Jackson-from film, music, and dance to fashion, culture, and literature. Going well beyond the average celebrity biography, this comprehensive book looks at why Jackson is regarded as one of the most important musicians of our time, offering insights into every facet of his art, life, and artistic afterlife. It looks at the methods by which his work was created, presented, received, and appropriated; discusses Jackson's varied personas along with his public and private appearances, albums, conceptual art, short films, and dance; and considers his use of costume, makeup, and reinvention. To help readers understand the phenomenon that was-and is-Michael Jackson, the book focuses on Jackson's historical context through an analysis of his films, songs, and books, examining him as an artist and shedding light on the political and ideological debates that surrounded him. Not shying away from the controversial aspects of Jackson's life and legacy, it also tackles questions of sexuality and racism, gender, and class, comparing Jackson to artists ranging from J. S. Bach to Andy Warhol. Through its examination of Jackson's entire catalog, the work connects all the aspects of his art and life to exemplify-and explain-the performer's unparalleled influence in the 20th and 21st centuries.
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 2009-01-31 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: American Culture in the 1940s Jacqueline Foertsch, 2008-03-27 This book explores the major cultural forms of 1940s America - fiction and non-fiction; music and radio; film and theatre; serious and popular visual arts - and key texts, trends and figures, from Native Son to Citizen Kane, from Hiroshima to HUAC, and from Dr Seuss to Bob Hope. After discussing the dominant ideas that inform the 1940s the book culminates with a chapter on the 'culture of war'. Rather than splitting the decade at 1945, Jacqueline Foertsch argues persuasively that the 1940s should be taken as a whole, seeking out links between wartime and postwar American culture.
biggest left turn in music history: DanceForum , 1998
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 1997-10-04 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: Billboard , 2004-11-20 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.
biggest left turn in music history: Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings Steve Sullivan, 2013-10-04 From John Philip Sousa to Green Day, from Scott Joplin to Kanye West, from Stephen Foster to Coldplay, The Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings, Volumes 1 and 2 covers the vast scope of its subject with virtually unprecedented breadth and depth. Approximately 1,000 key song recordings from 1889 to the present are explored in full, unveiling the stories behind the songs, the recordings, the performers, and the songwriters. Beginning the journey in the era of Victorian parlor balladry, brass bands, and ragtime with the advent of the record industry, readers witness the birth of the blues and the dawn of jazz in the 1910s and the emergence of country music on record and the shift from acoustic to electrical recording in the 1920s. The odyssey continues through the Swing Era of the 1930s; rhythm & blues, bluegrass, and bebop in the 1940s; the rock & roll revolution of the 1950s; modern soul, the British invasion, and the folk-rock movement of the 1960s; and finally into the modern era through the musical streams of disco, punk, grunge, hip-hop, and contemporary dance-pop. Sullivan, however, also takes critical detours by extending the coverage to genres neglected in pop music histories, from ethnic and world music, the gospel recording of both black and white artists, and lesser-known traditional folk tunes that reach back hundreds of years. This book is ideal for anyone who truly loves popular music in all of its glorious variety, and anyone wishing to learn more about the roots of virtually all the music we hear today. Popular music fans, as well as scholars of recording history and technology and students of the intersections between music and cultural history will all find this book to be informative and interesting.