Music Exam 1 - January 28th, 2016 - Terms
The Carter Family:
Country Musicians in 1930’s; Alvin (husband), Sara (wife), Maybelle (sister-in-law); Traditional American Folk music; First vocal group to become country music stars; Expressed family values; “Sunny Side of Life”
Irving Berlin:
Born “Israel Baline,” but changed his Jewish name to a more American name; Wrote Broadway musicals and showtunes; Discovered his talent for writing themes after working in restaurant; Was a HUGE patriot and wrote “God Bless America” in 1938; Also wrote the 1942 musical “Holiday Inn,” in which Bing Crosby performed the hit “White Christmas”
Vaudeville:
(1890’s-1930’s) - Predominantly in the 20’s, but dies out around the 30’s; Similar to Minstrelsy; Series of various, fast-paced acts - one after the other (magic, dog show, etc.); Shows had a particular structure - Dumb acts in the beginning (don’t really need to hear, as long as you can see), Star acts were in the middle, and Chaser acts were at the end (to move the production along); The end of Vaudeville came in the 30’s because Rock & Roll became #1 entertainment when V-ville shows could not be transferred onto radio or television; BUT, modern late night shows are similar to Vaudeville
Blackface Minstrelsy:
(1830’s-1900’s); American form of entertainment (not transplanted from another country like many other forms of entertainment - of course it originated here, because we’re racist); White men put black makeup on their faces for entertainment purposes and performed in comedy skits/dances/musicals; Even continued after slaves freed in 1860’s (African Americans wore blackface after the Civil War)
Louis Armstrong:
Jazz and Scat singer; “Greatest” trumpet player of his time; Came from New Orleans; Performance style rooted in the 20’s; In 1964, at age 63, Armstrong became the oldest person to have a #1 hit with the song “Hello, Dolly!”; Very low, distinctive voice; Pioneer of scat singing
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