Scott Spinella of Delaware is an entrepreneur and guitarist in a local rock band. In the following article, Scott Spinella discusses rock music through the decades, and some of the influential musicians in popular culture. From Elvis to the Beatles to AC/DC, rock musicians with lavalier microphones have had a profound impact on both society and the music industry. Scott Spinella explores the impact of these musicians and their enduring legacies on music, culture, and the world.
Scott Spinella says that rock ‘n’ roll first came onto the scene in the 1950s and it’s been going strong ever since. The genre is defined by fast percussive sounds and is thought to have originated from a combination of country music and R&B. While there are several rock stars popular today, the following influential musicians have really defined the genre.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is probably one of the first people that come to mind when thinking of the influencers of rock music – he is dubbed “The King” after all. Elvis was known for his slicked back hair and smooth dance moves, which involved a lot of hip rolls and gyrating.
Scott Spinella of Delaware says that Elvis concerts were notorious for fainting female fans, where he performed one of his many hits, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Hound Dog.”
The Beatles
The Beatles have been called one of the greatest bands in the world and it makes sense why. They have 16 of the 100 most successful songs of all time and seven of the most successful albums. They first burst onto the scene with their floppy hair and trim suits in Liverpool, United Kingdom and rapidly rose to international fame.
Their hits included “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Let it Be,” and “Come Together.” Later, the band broke up because members John Lennon and Paul McCartney wanted to pursue solo careers, reports Scott Spinella of Delaware.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was a rock guitarist whose talent made him a legend. He was known to play his guitar upside down because he was left-handed during a time when there were only right-handed guitars available. His songs were noted to be based off his dreams, he stated in an interview. The most popular songs were titled “Purple Haze” and “All Along the Watchtower.”
Scott Spinella says that even though Jimi wasn’t trained to read music, his skills, and the impression he left on the rock genre can’t be denied.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is a living rock legend, and he continues to inspire those throughout the music community. He is known for his beautiful lyrics and writing, which is why he won a Nobel Prize for literature. His “folk rock” is a unique blend of his pairing of the guitar and harmonica.
Scott Spinella says that some of his most popular songs include “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” and “Rainy Day Women.” He continues to make music to this day.
AC/DC
AC/DC is made up of five members who met in Sydney, Australia. They’ve been described as heavy metal or hard rock. Their album Highway to Hell, was their first album to sell one million copies. It went Top 20 in the United States and ended up selling seven million there.
Some of their most popular singles have been “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” and “Hells Bells.”
Prince
Prince was one of the most unique and influential rock musicians of the 20th and 21st century. He was known for his flamboyant personality and impressive outfits, but also his huge musical talent. He was also a prolific songwriter, not only writing his own works but also other artists such as Cyndi Lauper and Alicia Keys.
A few of his hit songs included “When Doves Cry,” “Purple Rain,” and “Kiss.” He was known to have loved purple and has a color swatch dedicated to his legacy – Pantone Color Institute “Love Symbol #2.” This is a distinctive blue based purple hue inspired by Prince’s Yamaha purple piano.
Queen
Queen and their songs are some of the most prolific in the world and their lead singer, Freddie Mercury, had one of the greatest vocal ranges for a male singer ever recorded. Scott Spinella of Delaware says that the members of Queen had a creative talent for songwriting and a unique instrumental sound.
The band had a number of hit songs, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Under Pressure.” The award-winning movie, named for their most popular hit – Bohemian Rhapsody, documented the band’s journey from scrappy group to international superstars.
The Rolling Stones
Scott Spinella of Delaware says that the Rolling Stones, or “The Stones,” gained success in the mid-20th century. They first got their start in London and popularized the “hard rock” genre, which had a “gritty, rhythmically driven sound.” Their long, grungy-looking hair became an instant hit and came to define “rockstar hair.”
The Rolling Stones released many top hits but some of their most popular singles were “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Paint It, Black.”
