8.2 WORKSHEET 8
- Due No Due Date
- Points None
Wrapping up Worksheet 8.
ARETHA FRANKLIN
Another one of a kind artist now, Aretha Franklin. Her father was a famous minister, who eventually settled in Detroit. Despite a challenging childhood, she ended up with the title "Queen Of Soul." Her career did not take off until Jerry Wexler, a producer for Atlantic Records, took her down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to a legendary recording studio called Fame. Watch this trailer about that place:
MUSCLE SHOALS TRAILER
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Her first number one hit, "Respect," was recorded in Muscle Shoals, and even today is regarded as one of the greatest recordings in popular music.
82. RESPECT - ARETHA FRANKLIN
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Jerry Wexler's decision to take Aretha Franklin down to Muscle Shoals created an unlikely but magical combination of the singer and these backwood musicians. My favorite is a fellow named Spooner Oldham. The other musicians called him the "secret weapon," because he would come up with a part that would glue the arrangement together. Watch this clip to see how he makes our next song happen:
SPOONER HELPS ARETHA HIT HER GROOVE.
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For our journal:
83. I NEVER LOVED A MAN (THE WAY I LOVE YOU) - ARETHA FRANKLIN)
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Snapshot: A few years ago a girl in my class, who grew up in Georgia. said her father was a minister at a church. Aretha Franklin was coming to her church to sing something with the kids. Of course they were all excited. Aretha drove up in her car (she had a strong fear of flying), walked in, and the very first thing she said was, "Do you like donuts?" She then went out to the car and brought in 2 boxes full!
JUST FOR FUN: Aretha Franklin had a great cameo appearance in the movie The Blues Brothers:
THINK - ARETHA FRANKLIN - BLUES BROTHERS
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JAMES BROWN
This worksheet is full of amazing singular talents, whose influence was monumental.
Our last artist is James Brown, who had many nicknames: Soul Brother Number One, Godfather of Soul, and The hardest working man in show business. I have long thought that he created funk music, and is still today the top artist in that realm. He was known for his high energy, non-stop shows that featured his many hits, with his crazy dancing skills. Watch this short video showcasing his dancing:
JAMES BROWN DANCE MOVES
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Although he was long established on the R&B charts, James Brown became a superstar with "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag." which reached the Top Ten on the pop charts. Characteristics of JB's songs included a syncopated rhythm section, with the bass guitar brought up louder in the mix. The band would often stop suddenly, and jump back in after a short vocal. See if you can spot these characteristics. Journal:
84. PAPA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG - JAMES BROWN
As a drummer, I found James Brown's music to be funky, challenging, and fun to play. I've told my students, if they play along to JB's music, they are on their way.
Our last journal entry, "I Got The Feelin'," also features the dance moves he was famous for:
85. I GOT THE FEELIN' - JAMES BROWN
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This is a pretty heavy worksheet, with lots of information and great songs. Try to finish this as soon as you can.
EXTRAS
Now, if you want to explore soul music a little more, check out these videos.
Here is a good biopic of the Temptations. The background on this group is fascinating, and more interesting than whatever is on TV.
The movie is presented here in episodes. Here is the playlist:
TEMPTATIONS MOVIE:
Here is Otis Redding appearing at the Monterey Pop Festival (The 1st outdoor rock festival) a few months before he unfortunately died in a plane crash:
OTIS REDDING AT MONTEREY:
OTIS REDDING AT THE MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL
See you next time!
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