Unit 3

80s Rock
? Pat Beneatar
? pat beneatar was born patricia adrzenjewski in new york in 1953
? she received classical training as an opera singer with a mezzo soprano voice
? in 1975 benator moves to new york and lands a spot at the catch a rising star club
? they begin the process of changing her state persona to a more aggressive, heavy metal image
? heart breaker, will live for love, crimes of passion #2 album 1980, treat me right, Hit me with your
best shot
? hit me with your best shot goes to #9 on charts selling millions, track is one of benetar’s signature
songs, a high energy rock groove often played at sporting events, its been covered by john cougar
mellencamp, joan jett, Alvin and the chipmunks, and Catherine zeta jones
? from 1980­82 benetar has three consecutive top 5 albums and 11 top 40 singles through the 1980s
? in 1981 benatr becomes the first winner of the grammy for best rock vocal performance, female
? she will win this award for the next three years
? benetar was one of the first women rocks to adopt the hard driving guitar propelled rock and roll
style
? benetar becomes an mtv staple with impactful videos like 1984s “love is a battlefield”
? Stevie Nicks
? Vocalist stevie nicks is best known for her contributions to the pop band fletwood mac
? Group debuts at british national blues festival, they become popular in the UK, by early 70s they
transitioned form blues to softer style
? 1971 future gains album, 1974­legla problems move to los angeles
? by 1975 lindsey Buckingham, vocalist, and guitarist, and stevie nicks have joined
? huge success came their way in 1977 with multi platinum Rumors album
? by 80s, the members decide to pursue solo careers, and nicks will enjoy seven top 40 hits in the
early 80s
? stevie nicks had a look and voice that worked for a front woman
? she was mysterious and enchanting, with a voice not quite human, a creature from the deep.
? “I cant wait” is from her 1986 rock a little album
? the song was written by nicks and hits the pop and dance charts
? the song opens with swirling synths and nicks sings with heavy reverb on her voice
? nicks did perform “I can't wait” on her 1989 rock a little tour, its only tour appearance
? nicks joins Fleetwood mac for their induction into the rock and roll hall of fame in 1998
Avant­Garde
? Laurie Anderson
? Born in Chicago in 1947, laurie Anderson studied classical violin as a chid. She later earned her
masters degree in fine arts, focusing on sculpture. Her first musical work featured her conducting
an orchestra of car horns in a true performance art fashion
? During the 1970s, she exibits her artwork in galleries, often adding live music by playing violin and
telling stores
 ? In late 1980, producer and musician Roma Baran convinces Anderson to record her piece “O
Superman”
? In 1981 it is released as a single, signs w/ Warner Brothers
? O Superman was part of a larger work by Anderson entitled United States
? The Song hit #2 in the UK and was an unexpected success in the US on Andersons 1982 Big
Science album. A delicately painted portrait of technology and power…over a tape look of steady
synthesized “ah ah” harmonies by Anderson
? This compelling work is minimalistic between two alternating cords. Anderson reads the text
through a vocoder effects unit. She interjects sounds and instruments.
? Human rights advocate, the rugrats movie
? In 2003 anderson becomes NASA’s first artist in residence, “end of the moon”
? She helps create the opening ceremony for 2004 athens Olympics
Punk
? Joan Jett
? Joan jett was born Joan Larkin in Pennsylvania in 1958, she works in England with the ex sex
pistols producer and the runaways punk band from 75­79, joan jett has a sense of drama and sex
appeal
? In may of 76, runaways self titled debut is released they enjoy success as a live act in Japan
“raucous material and the tough chick image of members make them targets of music media”
? “bad reputation” LP released on her own label.
? Her first album for boardwalk records featured her new band, the Blackhearts
? The I love Rock n Roll is released in 1981, going #2 in ’82.
? Jeff formed the Blackhearts in California using only male musicians.
? Title track “I love rock n roll” is a #1 hit
? Song was written by the Arrows as a response to the rolling stones “its only rock n roll”
? It will take a series of US one nighters and a huge female response on radio stations to force
airplay
? “I love rock n roll” was #1 for seven weeks, launched her solo career. Popular on MTV, biggest
chart year
? weird al yankovic I love rocky road, covered by Britney spears in 2000s
? only Jett made consistent chart appearances in 1980s,
? 2001 Jett recorded with Bruce springsteen, opened for aerosmith in 2007, greatest hits album in
2010
? Wendy O. Williams
? The “queen of shock rock” wendy orlean Williams was born in Rochester, NY in may of 1949
? She would make her claim to fame as lead singer of the punk band the plasmatics
? Williams was considered the most controversial and radical female singer of her day
? Mohawk haircut, would unleash raw sexual energy onstage, theatrics included chain sawing cars
and guitars
? In Swenson managed the plasmatics, performance artists as much as musicians. By 1979 williams
had traded her dyed blonde hair for ner now famous trademark Mohawk
 ? Williams wore sexually provocative outfits and resorted violent stage antics
? Williams is arrested after a Milwaukee concert for suggestively fondling a sledge hammer onstage,
she is arrested in Cleveland for simulating sex on stage while wearing only shaving cream.
Plasmatics release their best selling album coup d'etat in 1982
? Album sells 70000 copies for capitol records within heavy metal circles. The slow almost half time
feel of the damned is established by drums bass, and guitars
? Band breaks up, W.O.W. album released produced by gene simmons when she starts solo career.
Williams released a rap album under a different name in 1988 before stopping her career. Williams
and Swenson move to Connecticut and Williams becomes a wildlife animal rehabilitator. She was
dedicated health conscious vegetarian who loved animals her whole life but was quite unhappy.
Twice attempted suicide
? Swenson finds her dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

80s Female Bands

? The Go­Gos
? linda Carlisle was a high school cheerleader who enjoyed the local punk scene
? original line up: Belinda Carlisle (vocals), jane wiedlin (guitar), margo Olaverra (bass), and elissa
bello (drums)
? by july of 1978, guitarists charlotte chaffe joins, followed by drummer gina schock in 1979. Gogos
tour England
? “we got the beat” was originally released on stuff records in the UK in 1980. “beauty and the beat”
album, written by band members
? “we got the beat’ is a catchy irresistible pop single; an 80s equivalent of “rock around the clock”
? song was written by lead guitarist charlotte caffey
? simple lyrics describe dancing
? “fast times at ridgemont high” opening song.
? The go gos have formed their own band , written their own material and play their own instruments
? The Bangles
? The Bangles will be the only other commercially successful all female band to follow the Go­Gos
? They never really emerged from the shadow of the Gogos
? formed in 1981, the bangles break up within three years of cracking the top 40
? Sign to IRS records, the Bangles tour Britain in 1983, 1984 brings the all over the place album
? They tour as Cyndi lauper’s opening act on her Fun tour
? 1986 brings the #2 hit “manic Monday” written by prince under a pseudonym
? group dissatisfaction had surfaced as their #1 novelty dance song “walk like an Egyptian” was
gaining popularity
? “walk like an Egyptian” was a #1 hit in the US for four weeks in 1986, the song was composed by
liam Sternberg after he observed people on a ferry walking awkwardly. Drummer debbi peterson’s
leads were not used, nor her drumming
 ? hoffs appears in the 1987 film the Allnighter directed by her mother, who had also directed two of
the bands videos. The band disbanded due to pressures, band reforms in 1999 for Austin powers
songs, reunion tours, new years performance, 2007 live dvd, 2008 tour in Europe

New Wave
? Annie Lennox
? Annie was born in Aberdeen Scotland in 1954, annie lennox is the highly regarded vocalist for the
band eurythmics. Lennox will be the first female mtv star, using visual imagery to challenge
traditional images of women in rock. She and eurythmic partner/guitarist Dave Stewart used MTV
videos as a means of artistic expression
? She studied flute and piano as a child, accepted at royal academy of music, lennox meets guitarist
dave stewart while working as a waitress in a health food restaurant. They move in together. They
form the Tourists, release self titled album. 60s influenced rock.
? In 1979, cover version of I only want to be with you. Internal problems The Tourists break up as a
band
? Lennox becomes lead singer for Eurythmics, she starts to record experimental music. Her dramatic
visual image emerges: cropped, slock backed hair and mens suites
? In 1981 the eurythmics “in the garden” is released, electronic dramatic approach
? . Eurythmics have their first top 40 hit in the US with the album and single “Sweet Dreams (are
made of this)” Lennox and stewart composed Sweet Dreams, recording it in 1982. This piece will
prove their commercial breakthrough becoming their signature song.
? Video for Sweet Dreams was a big success, she had orange colored hair. Teasing/threatening.
Record reaches #1 in US
? Re­release Euryythmics –Love is a stranger album
? 1984 newsweek story features annie lennox and boy George as gender benders
? next album “Touch” is highest charting US album, techno pop albums
? next “Be yourself” album
? “Sisters are doing it for themselves” Aretha franklin and lennox do song together
? annie lennox wins academy award “into the west” lord of the rings song
? Eurythmics ultimate compilation album released in 2005 , two new lennox and stewart songs
? The B52s
? Vocalists cindy Wilson and kate pierson play important roles in the quirky offbeat, and entertaining
group the b52s. the eccentric image was played up by all members, especially vocalist/multi
instrumentalist fred Schneider. Their unique image included tall 1950s beehive bouffant wigs for
cindy and kate. Referred to as b52s
? Backgrounds folk to rock, members shared tropical flaming volcano drink in Athens Georgia and
formed the band.
? Thrift store clothes and beehive haircuts. The group had little musical training. Highly danceable
songs combined with a wacky, tongue in cheek image to create a truly distinct musical concept.
Single “rock lobster”
? Self titled album became popular in Britain. Unfortunately ricky Wilson dies from hiv
 ? B52s 1989 album hits the top 10, two top 10 singles,
? The first top 40 hit for the b52s is the #3 “love shack”
? Released in September 1989, the song was written by the band and appeared on their cosmic thing
album. Combining pop rock, new wave, and dance music, this is their first million seller
? “love shack was named by rolling stone magazine as best single of 1989. Late 90s bring personal
changes, extensive anthology, target store commercial, in 2006 the b52s open for rolling stones
and star on tv shows.

Lecture 6: MTV Divas

? Madonna
? Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone
? Born in Bay City, Michigan in 1958
? Best at capitalizing on potential from MTV and music videos
? Challenged conventional views of sex and sexuality
? Born in big Italian family 5 brothers and 2 sisters
? Began performing in a catholic school at a young age
? Studied dance and got a dance scholarship to the university of Michigan after high school
? Leaves to NY in 1978 but ends up in Paris where she got a job at Disco review impressive with her
back up singing
? 1979 returns to NY playing drums for breakfast club
? 1982 releases first single “Everybody” which premiered at dancateria club and lands contract with
small label
? Followed up with two songs that didn’t make the charts
? Releases Madonna LP in 1983 which was a number 8 dance club hit and sold 9 million copies and
3 top twenty singles
? Called her the disco diva
? Career off and running after she breaks the disco scene
? Played media persona as raunchy bad girl
? 1984 Madonna releases first number 1 LP “Like a Virgin” which sold 11 million copies and had 4 top
5 singles
? By 1985 success as a full­fledged pop star was solidified
? Like a virgin reaches number 1 and material girl reaches number 2
? Hilary Duff and Britney Spears cover material girl
? Material Girl features synth Arrangements and robotic voice repeating the hook
? Material Girl video shows her use of her sexuality to extract what she wants from men
? Says it is not meant to offend but entertain
? Makes cover of Time Magazine in 1985
? One writer says “she mixes sexuality and success in a saleable fashion”
? Another says “She doesn’t care about what people think as long as she gets what she wants and
she uses controversy to generate sales”
? As her image evolves she becomes tough and muscular
? She intends to be the female sex icon of the 80’s and 90’s
? Ventured off into films such as “Desperately seeking Susan” and “Who’s that girl in Dick Tracey”
? Turmoil in personal life included release of nude photos, divorce from actor Sean Penn, and
controversy surrounded her pension using Christian icons to mix sex and religion
? “True Blue” her 1986 album also reached number one selling 17 million copies, had 5 top 5 singles
including “Papa don’t preach”
? 1987 Rolling stones call her an “icon of western fixation” as she rules the charts with 12 top 10 hits
in a row from 1984­1987
? Both like a virgin and true blue albums were top 40 on charts for over a year
? 1989 brings number one hit “like a prayer”
? Number 2 LP had number one hit “vogue”
? 1990 returns to techno dance hits
? Has controversial interview on nightline where Madonna expresses her thanks to gay fans also in
1990
? Blonde ambition tour also causes controversy because of her use of sexual images
? 1991 truth or dare film
? 1992 uses media platform to express opinions toward sexuality
? Publishes book called “sex” includes provocative pictures
? Madonna becomes main target of vice president al gores wife who started the Parents music
resource center (pmrc) who want to start putting parental advisory labels on albums.
? Madonna responds by handing out condoms at concerts
? Her “Justify my love” video was the first ever banned from MTV
? Makes fans want it more and it becomes the bestselling music video in music history
? 1995 she got the starring role in the musical “Evita”
? Her 1999 album “Ray of light” wins 2 grammys and her song beautiful stranger from Austin Powers
wins her a 3rd grammy.
? Marries film producer Guy Richie in 2000 as her music lp becomes number 1
? To promote the album she dresses as a cowgirl on the David Letterman show and critics claim
motherhood has changed her
? Concert tour of 2001 earns 75 million
? Contributes song “die another day” to James bond movie
? 2003 was eventful as her American life lp does poorly and her, Britney Spears and Christina
Aguilera share open mouth kisses at the VMA’s
? Her reinvention tour of 2004 earns 120 million dollars
? Her 2005 lp confessions on a dashboard was hugely successful as well as her 2006 tour of the
same name breaking records by grossing over 200 million dollars
? 3 top ten albums follow through the late 2000’s
? Her single “4 minutes” gives her more top ten songs than any other artists
? She also adopts an African boy, performs at a Haitian earthquake relief benefit and is inducted into
the rock and roll hall of fame
 ? All of her albums have been certified platinum
? In 2012 114 million people watched her performance at halftime of superbowl 46. The most ever for
a superbowl halftime show.
? In August 2013 named by forbes magazine top earning celebrity of the year
? Her lifetime record sales of over 300 million make her the top selling female recording artist of all
time
? Whitney Houston
? Successful recording artist, actress, producer and model
? Born in Newark, NJ in 1963
? Her mother Cissy Houston sang behind Aretha Franklin in Sweet inspirations
? Her cousin was singer Dione Warrick. “came from great musical stock”
? As child sang in new hope Baptist church choir
? By age of 15 was doing backup vocals for chaka kahn and Lou Ralls
? Signs first management contract as teen while also working as a model
? Signed by Clyde Davis to Arista records in 1983
? By 1984 appeared in fashion magazines like cosmopolitan, glamour, and seventeen and had
backed several artists in the recording studio
? In 1985 her debut album “Whitney Houston” was released selling 14 million copies, stayed number
for 14 weeks, and Top 40 for another year
? One of the biggest selling debut albums by solo singer
? Grammy winning number 3 “Saving all my love” and number one hit “Greatest love of all”
? Her 1987 album “Whitney” debuts at number one which was the first album by a female artist to do
so
? Yielded many number one singles including “Didn’t we almost have it all”? and Grammy winning “I
wanna dance with somebody”
? Would soon become ultimate R&B diva of this era dominating the charts from 1985 through the mid
1990’s with ten top ten hits 7 consecutive number one singles, and chart breaking sales
established by beegees and beatles
? Power , range, facility, and gifted vocal technique separated her from other female artists
? “Can turn pop fluff to soulful beauty” “ A true diva who could sing anything”
? Some critics thought she was a pop entertainer rather than a true soul songstress who was to
conservative and didn’t stretch as an artists
? Welcomed on MTV achieving success as one of the few black female artists
? One critic says she was a refreshing girl next door type and not sexually challenging like Madonna.
? 1990 brought album I’m your baby tonight which got number 2 pop but number 1 r&b with 2 number
one singles
? It was her 1991 rendition of the star star spangled banner that got her universal praise.
? National anthem at super bowl 25 is considered one of the finest renditions in music history and a
benchmark for singers trying to tackle that melody
? She sought out a jazz and soul combination for the song and her arranger Ricky Minor changed
the beat from ¾ time 4/4 time to give her an extra beat each bar time give her more a breath to get
her power going
? She recorded her version day earlier and lip synched to her recorded version which is common at
sporting event because of crowd noise
? Was performed in front of 73,813 fans, 115 million us tv viewers and $750 million worldwide
? First super bowl broadcast in many foreign nations and her performance would later be used for
her music video the song
? The middle section is sung full out and is sonically amazing the musical personification of a musical
acrobat
? The commercial video and single of the performance reached the top 20 making her the only artist
to turn the national anthem into a chart topping hit
? Named to red cross board of governors for donating all the songs proceeds to that organization
? Rolling stone magazine said “singing stirred such strong patriotism, unforgettable”
? Vh1 says “This ranks as number on most memorable in nfl music history”
? Song also released after 9/11 with all proceeds going to firefighters and victims of the attacks
? 1992 marriage to r&b singer bobby brown would prove to be disastrous
? Was in the film “The bodyguard” in 1992 and “Waiting to exhale” in 1995 where she also sang on
the soundtracks
? Her cover of Dolly Pardons “I will always love you” on the bodyguard would become the biggest
selling single from a female artist in pop music history
? Won 3 grammys for her contributions to the films soundtrack
? 1996 sings and stars in preacher's wife film
? 1997 brings her 3 night hbo concert special “classic whitney” where she performs interpretations of
Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warrick, and Diana Ross raising $300,000 for children’s charity
? Releases my love is your love album in 1998 includes styles ranging from urban dance to hip to
reggae and R&B
? Her greatest hits album from 2000 sells 10 million copies worldwide
? She starts losing weight noticeably and missing performances
? Media speculates her and bobby are living a drug fueled lifestyle and almost get busted at airport in
Hawaii with pot in their luggage
? In 2001 she signs a 100 million dollar contract with arista and appears on Michael Jacksons 30th
anniversary special
? Her emaciated appearance only fuels drug abuse speculations
? In 2002 interview with Diane Soyer she denies using crack but admits to using coke and other
substances
? 2002 “Just Whitney Lp” sells 3 million copies and she releases her first Christmas album the next
year
? 2005 was on a reality tv show with bobby that was unflattering including run ins with the law
? They separated in 2006 and divorce finalized in 2007
? 2009 in guinness book of world records for most awarded female act of all time
 ? 2009 int with oprah she admits to using drugs with bobby
? 2010 she does a world tour however it received bad review and fans walked out due to poor vocal
performances
? 2011 she goes back to rehab
? 2012 she works with Jordan Sparks on film sparkle
? Feb 11 2012 she is found dead in her bath tub at Beverly hills hotel ruled as accidental drowning
enhanced by coke and heart disease.
? Coke and pot found in body

80’s Pop
? Cyndi Lauper
? Born in Queens, NY in 1953
? One of first female performers to benefit from MTV exposure
? Early fan of the Beatles and Brenda Lee
? Learned Guitar from older sister and wrote songs by age 11
? In 1974 Lauper quits college to pursue music and sings back up with the Doc West Dance band
? 3 years on circuit damages vocal chords and needs coach to repair it
? Meets sachs and keys player Jonh Tourey in 1978 and they begin writing together forming the
band The Blue Angel a favorite in the NY club scene
? The combined rock n roll and new wave and sported punk hairstyles
? Signed with polydor records in 1979 but only produced one album before dismembering in 1982
? She hired a new manager while working in a used clothes store and singing in a Japanese piano
bar at night.
? In 1983, a CBS subsidiary releases her first album, Shes So Unusual
? First single from album “ Girls, just wanna have fun” hits number 2 in 1984
? Playful romp celebrates female camaraderie, and the video shows Lauper in thrift shop clothes
? Her mom appears in the video in her own house
? The album hits number 4 selling over 4 ½ million copies
? 4 songs written or co written by her
? Only debut album in history to yield 4 top 5 singles
? One Critic says she is an instant but short lived super star
? Another says she understood her persona that of a thrift shop carefree best girlfriend
? New star in the 80;s with her high pitched squeaky voice, extreme NY accent, rainbow colored hair,
and thrift shop fashion
? Her 3 octave range and contagious musical joy permeates each song and video
? Her debut albums features a variety of songs showing the different sides of Lauper
? Songs like “money changes everything”, “Sheeba”, and straightforward ballads like “All through the
night” and the hot “Time after time”
? “Time after time” recorded in June of 1983 and released in January 1984
? Co written by Lauper and released on “Shes so unusual album”
 ? Stays at number one and is her most commercially successful single since “Girls just wanna have
fun”
? Uses human and electronic sounds including a drum machine and a harmonizer used as a loop set
to pitch delay creates rich lush chorus effect
? Verse sung with great emotion along with guitar strums and fills
? Chorus features low male harmony over melodic synth baseline
? Middle strum opens up with strummed electric guitar and interlude then verse returns to before with
percussion into the chorus
? A strum guitar interlude returns with a busy pattern and repeats
? Title line repeatedly sung by lauper over synth base and synthesizer
? 1985 “time after time” was nominated for song of the year and wins a grammy
? One credit says “Gorgeously heartfelt and one of the decades best ballads”
? Jazz trumpeter miles Davis records an instrumental version of the song in 1985
? Lauper performs the song with Patti Labelle in 1985 and 2004
? Adult contemporary radio stations still keep song in rotation
? Widely popular and Diverse by managing a pro female wrestler, winning a grammy as best new
artists, and being honored by miss magazine as 1985 woman of the year
? “It’s her cappy sensibilities, wacky wardrobe, squeaky betty boop style voice which give her novelty
as a performer
? Also joins feminist movement trying to take on a more serious image
? Makes cover of newsweek in 1985 being featured in an article titled “Rocks new women”
? Puts on an outstanding performance for Quincey Jones we are the world charity production
? Late 1980’s found her career waning after a few moderately successful productions
? Was in the film “vibes” in 1988
? Continued to release albums into the 90’s
? Comeback piece Sisters of Avalon came out in 1997 but market had been young girls in 20’s who
were now all grown up
? “At 31 able to reach that market but at 41 more like scary old women in the attic”
? Still welcomed by audiences in 200 was in tv show “women in rock and girls with guitars”
? Janet Jackson
? Born in Gary, Indiana in 1966 and was the youngest member of the performing Jackson family
? Move to LA at age 4
? She makes her debut at age 7 during a Las Vegas Jackson 5 show when she duets with her
brother Randy
? Writes her first song at age 8, appears with her brothers on TV, and pursues acting by age 10
? Was on “good time” “A new kind of family” “Different strokes” and “fame”
? In 1982 The Janet Jackson LP is released under management of her father Joe Jackson
? Recorded for A&M records and reaches number 63
? Soon she was developing her 3 octave metro soprano range
? Dream Street album releases in 1984 and she marries James Debarge but family pressures lead to
an annulment within a year
? In 1986 she releases her control album with her co­writing many songs, assist with arranging and
producing
? “what have you done for me lately” and “control” were hits
? Takes over management from father Joe
? “With its taught dance rhythms control is an invigorating statement of independence for Janet
Jackson
? Manager says she is a video star
? Co wrote control which was the 4th single from her able of the same name
? Recorded in 1985 and released in 1986
? State of the art production values were awarded for this recording session
? Starts with live audience then synths then Jackson ques the band and bass and guitars join in
? In 1986 Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Patti Labelle hold the top 3 positions on the top 20
charts
? Never been accomplished prior by 3 women
? Helped give female African American artists their freedom
? In 1986 her song “nasty” hit number 2
? “when I think of you” is her first number 1 single
? 1987 brings her number 2 song “Lets wait a while”
? Jackson and Madonna fight it out for chart position as 80’s wind down
? “Miss you much” reaches number 1 in 1989
? Her “rhythm nation 1814” album from 1989 was certified platinum and 30 min video based on album
wins a grammy award
? After a 1990 sell out world tour Janet moves from A&M to Virgin records in 1991 with a multi million
dollar deal
? Her next 3 albums top the charts at number 1
? Joins Michael for 1995 video for “Scream”
? “Janet has gone from a slightly chubby dancer to a hollow cheeked MJ look alike”
? Responds to Vibe magazine question of “do you hate Madonna?” with “Hate is a strong word I
never said hate but if I did hate her I’d have valid reasons”
? 90’s end with Jackson and share getting awards at the world music awards
? She got 8 number one singles and 5 number 1 albums during the decade
? 2000’s began with her having an appearance in “Nutty Professor 2 the Klumps” where she also
sang on the soundtrack
? 200 got American music award of merit
? Jacksons “All for you LP” released winning a grammy for dance performance and leading to tour of
same name
? Releases continue throughout decade and performs scream at 2009 VMA’s as tribute to MJ
? 2010 she starts her own clothing line
? 2012 spokesperson for nutrisystem
? 2013 engage ment to billionaire Asson Allman
Folk Revival
? Suzanne Vega
? Born in 1959 and raised in NYC
? Her mother was a Jazz guitarist and her Biological Dad’s mother was a drummer during the 1920’s
and 1930’s
? Grew up thinking she was half Puerto rican
? Builds initial following in coffee houses
? He greenwich village club scene at age 19 in search of gigs
? A&M records signs Vega in 1985 with her album Suzeanne Vega featuring all original songs
? “features poetic imagery and cool delivery”
? Appears to be more serious than Madonna or Lauper and good reviews lead to a UK tour
? One of few americans on the bill for the princess trust charity concert
? Her solitude standing album reaches number 11 selling over 1 million copies
? Features lush arrangements and socially challenging songs
? “Luka” is a number 3 hit released in 1987 and her highest charting
? First song addressing child abuse to make top 40
? “Calm narrative near expressive voice of the victim”
? One of the earliest songs to bring the subject of child abuse to light
? Also recorded in spanish
? Receives awards from child abuse organizations
? Her 1990 LP Day of open hand only sells 350,000 copies
? “ a step away from her style with outside world observations from a detached perspective”
? Releases 4 LP’s through the 1990’s and joins Lillith Faire in 1997
? Her quiet folk pop sound and literate lyrics lay the groundwork for the sound of the lillith faire tour
? Ends decade with album, book of poetry lyrics and essays
? New millennium brings compilation LP and charity concert in central park
? Tracey Chapman
? Vocalist and acoustic guitarist
? Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1964
? Excels at Connecticut arts High School, performing her own songs at school events
? Studied anthropology in Boston while performing socially conscious songs on the folk circuit
? Has publishing and recording contract by 1986
? 1988 self titled number one album which sells 11 million copies
? Features number 6 grammy winning single “Fast Car” and impactful “talkin bout a revolution”
? “Album is massive hit from coffee houses to top 40 radio”
? Addresses political issues with freshness and frankness
? “Her image recalled the folk genre with comfortable clothes , and she continued the folk tradition of
protest and social awareness
? “chapman is folk musics new messiah”
? Tracey Chapman album is platinum seller and wins 2 grammys
? “Talkin bout a revolution” is released in 1988 and is one of her most performed songs
 ? Simple chord progression is easy to learn and has been covered by many musicians including
living colour
? 1989 brings her Crossroads albums with more outspoken political commentary and fewer
instruments also goes platinum
? Her 3rd album matters of the heart is released in 1982 and she participated in farm aid that year
? Has top 5 album titled new beginning in 1995 and she performs at Lillith Faire
? Her 2000 album telling stories hits top 40 and she continues to tour and produce well received
albums throughout the decade
? In a class by herself as a black female acoustic folk singer
? Indigo girls
? Amy Ray and Emily Saliers sang and played guitar together in Decatur, GA during the early 1980’s
? They sang together at local clubs during college breaks as saliers and ray
? They both transfer to Emory University in Atlanta and hit the club circuit as the indigo girls
? Taste ranged from Patti Smith to Joe Mitchell and especially Bob Dylan
? Single in mid 80’s, an ep album in 1986, and their Strange fore albumin 1987
? Album demonstrates their trademark soaring harmonies, original songs, and vibrant acoustic
guitars
? Offered a contract with epic record
? 1989 release indigo girls reaches number 22 and wins them a folk grammy
? 1989 make national tv debut on the david letterman show performing “closer to fine”
? Features Amy, Emily, and the hothouse flower band
? By 1990 Amy Has formed Damon records and is the ceo and hope the company will make intimate
relationships between artists and label
? Release grammy nominated album Nomads, Indians, and saints” and have 8 song live ep in 1991
? Release 4 additional albums in 1990’s and play at a gay rights march in Washington in 1993
? They didn’t want lesbianism to distract from their music
? Lesbian fans were core audience
? 1994 and 1995 released two more albums which also accounted for social issues
? An album and appearance at lillith faire in 1997
? Cancellations at places because of their sexuality
? Release 2 albums as decade ends
? 2000 a compilation album
? “Beauty queen sister” most recent 2011 album

Dance Pop
? Gloria Estefan
? Gloria Fajardo in Cuba in 1957 and moved to Miami in 1959
? 1975 she had joined the Miami Latin Boys founded by Emilio Estefan
? Her and Estefan got married after she graduated the University of Miami in 1978 and the group’s
name is changed to Miami Sound Machine
? Group gets a contract with the latin division of cbs records in the late 1970’s
 ? The band’s first 7 albums are all Spanish language mixing disco and ballads the top the charts in
Spanish speaking countries
? 1984 the release their first English LP Eyes of innocence and have some crossover success with
Dr. Beat a dance chart hit in Europe
? By 1985 there are two functioning Miami sound machine groups. One studio band and one road
group
? Estefans hire back up singers and need and focus more on ballads vs latin music
? Rolling stone describes Miami sound machine as “A familiar package, a talented beautiful singer
song writer backed by skilled pros
? By 1985 brings LP Primitive love and features the single ‘Conga”
? It becomes the first single to hit the U.S. pop, black, and latin dance charts simultaneously
? Salsa­fied dance music becomes their signature sound
? Album had hits like “everlasting love”
? 1986 Emilio quits the band to become the producer and manager
? The band has two top 10 hits that year and two top ten albums and 6 top ten singles by 1989
? 1987 album Let it loose credits Gloria Estefan and Miami sound machine
? “Rhythm is gonna get you: is their 4th top ten single
? First number one single “Anything for you in 1988
? Changes that year included the last original member the drummer leaving the band
? In 1989 her first solo album reaches the top ten but a 1990n tour bus accident slows her career
? Releases album and single in 1991 and is healthy enough for a world tour
? 1994 finds her doing film songs and recording again in Spanish
? Opens door for other latin artists
? New millennium has her focusing on Caribbean Rhythms and releases first English language
album in 5 years
? Mid 2000’s she is appearing on tv shows, touring, and working with artists like Paul Anka, Dave
Cas, and Harry Connick jr.
? she won 8 grammys and plays key role in development of latin pop music
? Paula Abdul
? Born in North Hollywood, in 1962 to Syrian­brazilian and French Canadian parents
? Gained earliest fame as a dancer and choreographer
? Started dance lessons at age 8 studying tap, ballet and modern styles and became a high school
cheerleader
? Been on idol, x factor, and so you think you can dance
? Studied journalism and broadcasting at CSUN
? Got job as a lakers girl and eventually became their squad leader and choreographer
? At 19 choreographed jacksons video torture from their 1984 victory lp
? Trains with Janet Jackson for over a year before choreographing her control lp video
? Became in demand working with pointer sisters, George Michael, and on films like coming to
America, bouldorum and the doors.
? Won an emmy for her work on the Tracy Ullman tv show
 ? Always kept an athletic shape because her image was a big part of her persona
? She was crowned the dance rock diva
? Some critics thought she was a less overtly sexy version of Janet Jackson and questioned her
vocal skills
? Material relied on pop music set to a dance beat
? In June of 1988 her forever your girl lp is released on virgin records featuring a number one single
“Straight up” and “opposites attract”
? “opposites attract” was recorded in 1988 and released in 1989
? The effective dance orientated groove run effectively throughout the song, with a variety of synths
and harmonies
? 3 consecutive number one singles in 1988 and 1989 and dance remixes of her hits hit top 10 in
1990
? 1991 bring number 1 LP Spellbound with a follow up LP in 1995
? In 2000 she releases a greatest hits lp and 2002 starts stint as co host for American Idol
? 2007 brings her second greatest hits album, a variety of tv appearances, and hit singles until 2009
? Leaves idol over salary differences in 2009 and returns to reality tv for the x factor in 2011­2012
? Recently given a lifetime achievement award for her choreography

Blues rock
? Bonnie Raitt
? Vocalist and Guitarist born in 1949 in Burbank, California
? Blended blues with pop and rock to produce 3 multiplatinum albums and become one of the
founding mothers of blues rock
? Her mother was a pianist and her father a broadway star
? Received first guitar at age 8
? Inspired by folk and Blues women like Odetta and Joan Baez
? After she graduates High school she moves to boston to become part of the late 60’s music scene.
? Attends Radcliffe college and by 1969 she decides to hit the folk music scene
? Develops slide guitar technique, derived from rural blues artist like Robert Johnson
? In 1970 Raitt Jones Buddy Guy and Junior Wells when they open for the rolling stones’ European
tour
? Insisted her music be real and sound authentic, her first love is the blues
? In 1971 she gets a deal with warner bros and heads back to LA
? In 1971 the Bonnie Raitt album is released covering music from blues to instrumentals
? Quaker upbringing helped her pursue artistic expression vs commercialism
? Use to perform seated and is known as an instrumentalist for her slide guitar work and electric
guitar playing
? 1971­1987 she will have 9 albums on Warner Bros label but none are commercial successes
? Help fine Musicians United for Safe Energy an anti nuke org in 1979
? Two early 1980’s albums did not chart well as music fans taste change
? Dropped by warner bros after her 1996 lp 9 lives
 ? Uses her own money to tour in the midst of drug and alcohol problems she get sober later that year
and signs a deal with capital
? Sang on John Lee Hookers The healer album in a grammy winning duet
? Her 1989 Nick of time LP was her first sober album and it was a huge success her first number one
album selling 3 million copies first top 40 since early 80’s, features covers and originals
? Album wins 3 grammys
? He 1991 album luck of the draw reaches number 2 and also sells 3 million copies serves as co
producer co writing 4 songs
? She wins 3 additional grammy awards
? Her first top 20 hit was from the luck of the draw album and called “something to talk about”
? Recorded in 1990 and released in 1991 it was one of her most popular songs winning a grammy
? Bluesy verse enters with great background vocal pads and parallel harmonies opening the lead
? Song was a “defiant declaration of independence and Raitt draw a new audience of women in their
late teens and early twenties
? Breaks down barrier between gender and genre
? The mid 1990’s bring a number one album and she calls herself the den mother of the 1998 lillith
faire tour
? Inducted into the rock n roll hall of fame in 2000
? Influencing many young female performers, Raitt redefined the role of women in contemporary
blues “I never saw music by gender or black and white, just cool and uncool
? Melissa Etheridge
? Born in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1961
? With her acoustic guitar and raw, impassioned delivery, she is a rocker in the gutsy manner of Janis
Joplin
? Received her first guitar at age 8 and fronted a country band at age 12
? Moves to Boston to go to Berkely college of music playing at longes and coffee houses
? By the 80’s she moves to LA playing the club scene and signs to Island records in 1986
? Releases Melissa Etheridge album in 1988 featuring a celebrated voice for those who hurt
? LA times called it a electrifying debut
? Album nominated for a grammy and reaches number 22 on the charts
? Returns in 1989 with a number 22 album with simple and high energy rock n roll
? Releases 3 addition albums by 1993
? Wins a grammy for her “come to my window” from her 1993 album Here yes I am and is
considered her mainstream breakout release album
? She also came out of the closet at a gay rights them ball that year
? “I’m the only one” appears on her Yes I am album and hits number 8 on the charts
? Bluest acoustic guitar sets the tempo and feels as the band enters with the electric guitar, bass,
and drums
? After 2 top 40 albums and a number 6 album in 1995 Etheridge wins songwriter of the year from
azacap in 1996
 ? Splits from partner, has children from david Crosby through AI and has gold albums throughout end
of decade into new millennium

Adult Contemporary
? K.D. Lang
? Katherine Dawn Lang was born in Consort, Alberta, Canada in 1961]
? Studies classical Piano for 8 years writing her first song at age 9 and switches to guitar at age 10
? After high school she studies music at redgear college
? Although Lang adopts a tomboy look, she lands the role of Patsy Cline in the country chorale stage
show
? Lang starts her own group, The Reclines, and has a strong local following
? 1984 she releases her album A truly western Experience on a small local label and it is co­
produced by Lang who writes 3 songs for the LP
? 1985 Lang wins a Juno award for most promising female vocalist
? Her major label debut came in 1987 called Angel with a Lariat which received good critical notices,
but sold slowly
? Radio programmers shied away from giving airplay to Lang’s records as her hybrid of country and
rock, and her flamboyant stage appearance strayed from traditional C&W
? Lang’s spikey haircut recalled look of a male 50’s rocker
? Madonna once said of Lang “I’ve just seen elvis and shes gorgeous”
? Her gender bending was met with resistance from conservative C&W wing of the music industry
? Some referred to her style as alternative country or Americana
? She was also one of the first lesbian artists to come out and her career didn’t really suffer from it
and may have opened a few doors
? 1988 saw the release of her shaddowland which featured studio musicians, blues, jazz tinted
ballads and country
? That year she won a grammy with her collaboration with Roy Obertson with her collaboration on
crime
? Lang co wrote and co produced her 1989 album absolute torture and twang her first album to go
gold in 1990
? When her first solo grammy as best country female vocalist
? 1991 does work on film “until the end of the world”
? Her 5th album 1992’s ingénue was her highest charting album to date perhaps because it was the
year that she came out
? Grammy award winning top 40 hit “constant craving”
? Co writes it and it wins an MTV video award and hits both pop and adult contemporary charts
? Song starts with acoustic guitar setting the feel and includes accordion, percussion, and drums
? During the late 1990’s lang makes little affair appearances and performs her song surrender for
the James Bond film “Tomorrow never dies”
? Her drag lp features cover dedicated to cigarette smoking
? She duets with Tony Bennet winning a grammy in 2003
 ? 2004 brings her hymns of the 49th parallel album
? Still influences artists til this day to be themselves so they might achieve greatness
? Sheryl Crowe
? Born in rural Missouri in 1962
? Her father played Trumpet and her mother was a music teacher and sang in an amateur swing
band
? Listened to jazz growing up and was baton twirler and cheerleader in high school
? She graduated from the university of Missouri with a classical piano degree and taught music in a
St. Louis grade school while playing in bands at night
? In 1986 she moves to L.A. with money she made from singing in Mcdonalds commercials and sings
other jingles on the side
? Wins a spot as a back up singer on Michael Jacksons “bad” tour from 1987 to 1989
? She duets live with him on hit “I just can’t stop loving you”
? She then returns to L.A. to sing back up for Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart and Don Henley
? In 1991 she signs to A&M records
? In 1993 she releases her debut album Tuesday Night Music Club and the #2 single “All I wanna
do” which was co written by Crowe
? The song is a Jovial, relaxed number celebrating the joys of late night/ early morning drinking
? The song wins two grammy awards, and reaches #2 on pop and #1 on adult contemporary charts
? Her album was not an immediate success she opened for the Eagles reunion tour and appears at
Woodstock in 1994
? The album climbs the charts reaching number 3 and sells 9 million copies
? The single “strong enough” from the album reaches the top five and wins them 3 grammy awards
? Serious disagreements with her musicians regarding personal and production issues causing her to
revamp her musical direction and she will produce and co write or write all of her songs for her
second album
? 1996 brings the Sheryl Crowe LP which had a harder edge and greater depth to the material
? Top 20 hits from the album include “If it makes you happy”
? Album reaches number 6 on charts and sells 3 million copies and gives her 2 more grammy
awards
? Here 1998 album The Globe Sessions Features a wider range of instruments and strings and
features covers of Dylan and Guns n roses
? In 1999 she releases Sheryl Crowe and friends: live from central park
? The album features The Dixie Chicks, Chrissie Hynde, Eric Clapton ( who she briefly dated) and
Keith Richards
? That same year she is in the film the minus man with actor Owen Wilson who she also dated briefly
? Her acclaimed c’mon c’mon album from 2002 includes Stevie Knicks and actress Gwenyth Paltrow
and was highest charted album
? Starts new millennium dated athlete Lance Armstrong
? Produces single “Light in your eyes”
? Has collaborations including a greatest hits compilation
? Had limited mid decade appearances due to treatments for breast cancer
? Returned in 2008 with Detours album which was recorded at her Nashville farm
? Releases solorientated album in 2010
? By 2013 can claim impressive career performances as a soloist and with artists such as The rolling
stones, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Lucianno Paverati, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, BB
King, Tony Bennet, Kid Rock, Sting, and many others