Comparisons And Differences In Intention By The 1960s& 1990s Musicians - Essay Example

COMPARISONS AND DIFFERENCES IN INTENTION BY THE 1960'S& 1990'S MUSICIANS An artist in the 1960's played important and influential roles in different societies, locally and also abroad. Their counterparts of the 1990's too, have always tried best to achieve the same. Music has a powerful effect on almost everyone and due to this advantage, it is often used to pass messages, warnings, campaign against rights, call for uprising among other reasons include Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Billie Ocean, Ray Charles, Bob Marley and Tina Tuner to name a few. To ensure that this legacy still lives on, many musicians continue to come up every day. Some recent names include R. Kelly, Joe, India Arie, who sing rhythm and blues. Others like Tupac Shakur, Common, NAS do rap and hip hop. To begin with, Michael Jackson was a force to reckon in the 1960's music industry. He mainly focused on things that touch people around him and then wrote good lyrics or had them written down by good songwriters for him to sing. He was born in Gary in 1958, at a place called Gary, Indiana in the United States. His father, Joseph Jackson was a guitarist but had to give up following his marriage. Michael Jackson had several nicknames e.g. The Gloved One, Wacko Jacko, MJ and King of Pop. Apart from entertaining through singing, he also had dancing skills which gave a trademark. In his black shoes, white socks and trousers above heel, he showcase the moonlight walk style. His hit 'heal the world' resulted to a Foundation which helped collect funds to purchase foods medical supplies to the then war torn Sarajevo, running of immunization drug abuse educational programmes ,paying child's liver transplants in Hungary. He also did 'We are the world' with Lionel Richie, a co-writer and other musicians like Stevie Wonder. The song was a call to everyone in the world to come out and give aid to people in Africa. The income generated was used in buying essential necessities for people in Africa mainly. Former America's president Ronald Reagan wanted to award him with a Humanitarian Rights Award together with other two but, a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court advised against the whole idea, saying it was much worthy of a pop star. His music also educated people, black or white was a song done to inform that skin color did not really matter, whether black or white, there was an equal access to rights at that time when there was tension between blacks &whites. Bellie jean was a ballad, telling a story about how a certain guy impregnated a particular lady and later on denied it. These are things that do happen day in day out to people we know in our societies. It plays the role of an eye-opener (Michael Jackson.com, 2008). Using different song themes, a wide range of ideas were spread to all parts of the world.'Beat it' was used in commercials against drunk driving. The intentional was to evoke changes in lifestyles, warn of the likely dangers and the same time bring fun through the classical beats. 'Jacko'as he was sometimes referred to remains to be one of the greatest artists of all times. As a general expectation of a musician, he did perform songs in praise of women who got him charmed such as you rock my world. Michael Jackson was able to achieve a lot through music. He was the first solo artist to have no.1 hits and albums in the billboard charts. As a result this won him fame and recognition globally. He managed to appear in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the best singers/dancer. When the U.S invaded Iraq, MJ decided to do an anti-war song to show his dislike of the act and as well represent others with the same opinion. The song title was we've had enough. Though little was done about the invasion, at least it showed that people were watching or rather following (Michael Jackson.com, 2008). The second artist am going to highlight about is Stevie Wonder, I chose because of his uniqueness and the ability to sing& play an instrument, the piano, which quite a number of musicians cannot do, not forgetting the fact that he's blind. Stevie Wonder grew up in Motown as a songwriter composer; instrumentalist, vocalist and was signed as,' little Stevie Wonder' at a tender age of 12 years. He made a no.1 hit in the U.S at 13.In 1973, he became the first black to win a Grammy award, for the best album of the year innervisions. Just like any artist out there, his intentions are the same; expression, education .entertain, campaign for or against something. The song he sung with Baby face how come how long was a narration of this beautiful girl who unfortunately happens to face life the hard way .Stevie posses a question, asking how long are people to watch as things go wrong. Another likely purpose was to exhibit that disability is not inability, how many people get inspired when they him play the piano Majority thus learn that with the however little you seem to have, you the potential to excellence: If we believe we can achieve; Faith is a fine invention (Stevie Wonder.com, 2008). Like I said before, it's quite common for artists to want to tell about a love tale. You'll rarely come across one who has not. Part time lover unfolds a marvelous fairy that leaves one wondering. The lyrics draw the prefect picture of the whole scenario accompanied by the fast hummy beat setting that dancy feeling. Among his intentions, Mr. Wonder worked for humanitarian consideration. He was among the United States Artists for Africa. The latter laid a Foundation whose main aim was help Africa overcome food shortages ,poverty and other basic and secondary needs.' We are the world' was the plat form towards achieving this dearly yearned for goal. He also got involved in the campaigns against the apartheid rule practiced in the African country of South Africa. And in the order of fellow musicians, being the mirror idol of the local fraternity as well as universal figure, Stevie, has in many been involved in activities such as fundraising, for different research programmes, for AIDS and children's charity. As a pioneer in the industry, he plays a major role in generating income and foreign currency that adds to the total GDP (gross domestic profit) in his country. In some sense, he plays the role of a good ambassador, building his native home's image across the continents. The people involved in the business, from the studio productions, research, marketing, sales get paid by the money generated in the firm. It there can be said to facilitate alternative job opportunity to the persons involved. The third and the last 1960's artist whose intentions I'll comment on is the late, legend with a legacy that still rocks on, Bob Marley. He is said to be the founding father of reggae music. Many of the people who believe in JAH as their creator and only mentor envy this genre of music .Bob, as his fans call him was born in February 6, 1945.He was a great vocalist and a good guitarist (Rockhall, 2008).People who grew up with him agree that he was more than an artist, infact they claim he was prophetic. Still in the early times, Bob Marley formed a group/band that they named The Wailers, this was aimed at boosting more live performances. There was utmost assurance that if they staged their work, positivism would quickly be achieved and their intended purpose witnessed. It was for sure a good idea since a large number of people would get the message there and there. It was also an advantage to people who did not own record players at that moment, it's true only a few could afford. Musicians of the 1960's were focused on issues that affected societies. Since Bob was a guru in the game, he did what was expected of him, play by the rules and come out victorious. His lyrics were full of religious wisdom, entwined myths (according to his legacy follower, Jackson).Reggae music blended a variety of tunes, from the slow meditation to the jamming. With this weapon, Bob Marley was able to effectively tackle whatever he was after eternally and completely. Bob included themes that would enlighten crowds and move masses, majoring on calls for simplicity, humbleness, righteousness, political uprisings and dignitifying their heritage (Rockhall, 2008).The main record label associated with Marley's work is TuffGong.He had recorded so many albums and the last projects done by him latest in the year 1980.Its due to his masterpiece that makes his music influential up to date. Stand up Get up is a piece that was done to enlighten and harmonize citizens to wake up and fight for their rights, freedom, expression and justice. Africa Unite was mainly intended to push all Africans to fight harsh rule practiced by the different colonies spread all over Africa .It was hit well received, coming at the right time when a good count of countries was actually fighting for independence and freedom. Buffalo Soldiers was written in relation to the slave trade carried out mainly in the western region of the Africa continent by rich plantation farmers who needed a good and reliable supply of manpower. There were the Arab traders who came to fetch for irony, they forced Africans to carry the lot taking them hostage. Redemption Song is a cry of empathy to what tyrant leaders do the speakers of truth and nobility, prophets get killed if try to unearth the secrets lying within. No woman, no cry gave women the strength to face life no matter how hard times were (AOL, 2008). It's characteristic to every artist to express his undying love to a special, girl, lady or a woman in his life. And of course, Bob Marley is no exception. He did Turn the lights down low featuring another reggae sensation though not too deep into it, a lady R .Hill, it was quite a success. Love topic once again appeared in Wait in Vain this particular track was sentimental, it was intended to show that everyone falls in love, it's a normal feeling. While most of the 1960's musicians aimed at more positive intentions, the new school set rather has a whole new different approach. Even though they might address issues faced by people around them or maybe personal experiences, it happens rarely only a few of the 1990's do inspire their audience. Classical music that was real soul, lost its continuity and was replaced rapidly by new flavors, like; rhythm, rap &blues, hip hop, crunk among others To begin, I would like to name 2pac Shakur .He was born, 16 June 1971 in Manhattan, New York City. Her mother's name is, Afeni Shakur .Tupac's birth name was Lesane Parish Crooks. He grew up in the streets of Oakland, which at the time were full of gangsters and violence. Other names he used were 2pac, Makaveli which he derived from a story he read while in prison about somebody, Machiavelli (2Pac Legacy.com, 2008). He got involved with music as a rapper under a group called, Digital U underground .Tupac really had a unique style, was a great poet whose words touched people, especially his age mates .He had already appeared in the TV series Different Worlds in 1987.His musical breakthrough came in 1991.At around early 1992,he got into movies, he acted alongside other colleagues in 'Juice' and then later on in Poetic justice with Janet Jackson in1993 (Bruce, 2007). According to the Guinness book of records, he is said to be the world's most successful hip hoper rapper and MC. Tupac raised in times when there was too much gang related violence .Being the order of the day, he formed his own army, The out laws. There grew fierce battles and rivalry between different gangster clans as they sometimes were referred to. These gangs formulated songs to outdo one another. Hit 'em up was a grossly lyric against rival' Bad Boy 'warning them of the terror they would unleash if they ever met face to face. They never swallowed their words, replies kept on flowing. While in jail 2pac narrates to us the situation he was into. Being the hero we know, he draws us a picture of her mother visiting day. In quote he says it was hell hugging on my mother from my jail cell. In continuation, he educates people how life can turn miserable just incase you end up not getting to know your father and the struggles a woman undergoes to ensure she maintains that desired family without loosing its attributes. Something rather weird ,Tupac is able to draft down a foreshadow of his death, it relates to the stories we've heard more than once before, that people who are mostly in their old age see their demise coming. This is a characteristic taught in poetry and literature. Reference songs are. All Life goes on and eyes on me which talks about his funeral. 1990's musicians like to floss brag around showing how big they live. The expensive cars ,clothes ,houses and association with women which makes them even more priceless .Jewellery especially gold, diamonds and platinum are an accessory in each and every musician's wardrobes .Immorality ,sex ,nudity is widespread in almost all videos by the 1990's.Only a minimal of the 1960's had and to the advantage that media had not yet developed . The main similarity in both 1960's &1990's musicians intention is the unavoidable allure of love. The power it comes with, which weakens even the self proclaimed gangsters and hard cores. 2pac's Do for love' narrates the magnitude of love. He talks about trying everything just to keep the flames burning and making of promises too another example is Me and my girlfriend which shows the fantasies aspired living in a mansion just the two and getting lost in the Wild West. Another heavy weight who keeps on getting better and better is Joe, who sang, played and later had the chance to direct the choir. He once worked in a Gospel music store and then moved to New York to pursue a musical career (about.com, 2008). Once in New York, Joe did whole lot, from participating in music related competions, to modeling and it did not take long before getting a breakthrough. The difference this time was secular music, R&B Since then he has not looked back, albums by him include All that I am, My name is Joe, Better Days, And then and the latest one, Aint nothing like me. Joe is one artist who majors in mainly those romantic love stories that involve, close family, friends' experiences and personal views. His realistic approach to music places him as one of the most outstanding 1990's R&B pro. All that I am defines the way he would treat that special lady in her life, with the passion and powerful vocals he kills it all completely. Good girls is his own true story, listening to it makes one too ask why because they, Wanna know in this hit he woes this lady just out of a relationship into trying it out with him; its all about love (About.com, 2008). There is the advising in Treat her like a lady. He tells guys that if they don't cater for their women, they'll find better men who'll deliver where they've failed. In quote it goesSee I know what am talking about, you better treat her like a lady. Before you even open the mouth to oppose this comment, and no sooner have the ladies jumped up to celebrate its, Stutter a complete shocker, backing men now ,to let ladies know that if they believe they are too smart, it's a may because their men are already in the know of games they play Another intention is to instill hope and determination. Better days was dedicated to a lady who unluckily haves unprotected sex, gets pregnant .Many ladies in her shoes would be cursing life, longing for death but Joe manages to prove a point-all is not yet lost, there's still a ray of light in a tunnel of darkness. He drives the same to ghetto children, telling them that drug abuse, violence, robbery will take them nowhere. They just have to persevere, hold on in Ghetto child. Closing on the comparisons and similarities in intent of 1960's&1990's musicians; The artist to wrap this essay is NAS.He came in those times when gang related competitions were topside Eastside &Westside ,Bad Boys and the Outlaws. Like his counterparts in the game, he proved them wrong both lyrically and in delivery of punch lines, in the song brave heart. The album Godsend was full of bossing and flossing! All to prove who reigns the rap-game (Def jam, 2008). Slavery is a case that stirred trouble and anger in many black people; Voices were raised condemning the whole concept and the persons undertaking or indulging in the trade, it was terrible, the world acknowdged .To add his voice too, NAS poeted, one mic, the video shows how lethal, angry/infuriated crowds can do if the equality, freedom or justice they are demanding is not given, respected or considered. It touched on undemocratic policies in Africa, administered by their colony only to be followed to the later by their own leaders and effects resultant from the slave trade. One mic is symbolic in that only once, and all the cries are publicized to masses. NAS too has collaborated kids in I can which is an inspirational masterpiece; he advices youngsters not to indulge in drug abuse and to take their education extra serious (IMDb, 2008). NAS has also exhibited his vulnerance to love. He teamed with Jennifer Lopez in a more romantic single .Again, praising her diva, talking about dejavu and promises he ought to deliver to sustain their relationship. Its all love love when he joins Joe and Maria Carey in her remix of that one time alls favorite, charts and billboards top hit, Thank God I found you. The main intent shared by both 1960's &1990's includes; love, romance bound topics ,inspiration ,political uprisings ,instillation of hope, encouragement ,calls to righteousness ,humbleness ,nobility and simplicity, they have also contributed to their country's Gross Domestic Profits and creation of employment opportunities. The main difference is that 1990's musicians have gone further to widely promote immorality ,indecentness ,nudity and sex .And the excessive showing off accompanied by use of explicit language. Both the 1960's &1990's artist have played key roles in shaping lifestyles in their area code and the world at large. REFERENCES About.com (2008). Joe who Joe Thomas. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://209.85.165.104/searchq=cache:sCxwMgT1mAIJ:randb.about.com/od/gthroughm/p/JoeProfile.htm+joe+thomas&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=ke AOL (2008). Bob Marley Bibliography. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://music.aol.com/artist/bob-marley/biography/1002416 Bob Marley.com (2008). His Story: The life and Legacy of Bob Marley. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://www.bobmarley.com/story/ 2Pac Legacy.com (2008). Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://209.85.165.104/searchq=cache:PmvAB2XsAI4J:www.2paclegacy.com/+tupac+shakur&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&g Cameron Bruce (2008). 2pac Shakur's Minibiography. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://209.85.165.104/searchq=cache:iYrv-ySaTVUJ:www.imdb.com/name/nm0000637/bio+Cameron+Bruce+(2pac+Shakur%E2%80%99s+Minibiography&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=ke Def jam (2008). Nas Bibliography . Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_bio.phpartist_id=608 IMDb (2008). Minibiography. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001391/bio Michael Jackson (2008). Michael Jackson bibliography. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://www.michaeljackson.com/bio#top Rock Hall (2008). Stevie Wonder. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://209.85.165.104/searchq=cache:rP3XGbW9SSAJ:www.rockhall.com/inductee/stevie-wond+stevie+wonder&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=ke Stevie Wonder (2008). Minibiography. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 16th April, 2008 from http://209.85.165.104/searchq=cache:srJ-imNgsVsJ:www.steviewonder.net/+stevie+wonder&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=ke Read More