Will It Last?

Listen to this while you read:




Music is an inarguable important part of our lives. Every generation has the music it prefers. But some generations have music that lives on. Every so often, a musician surfaces who's influence is greater than average. A musician who's influence inexorably penetrates every corner of society, effecting an entire generation of musicians. I would like to discuss some of those artists, both past and present.

First, let us look back. Not quite to the classical, but pretty far back. We all already know how influential artists like Beethoven, or Mozart have been. But back then, there were really only two kinds of music: folk, or classical. But with the industrial revolution and the introduction of leisure time, music has split into many genres, many of which influence the others.

Let's begin with the first song in our play list. Big Bill Broonzy was a country blues musician who's career began in the 1920's. His music later influenced musicians like Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. And he was an early pioneer in what would become a hugely influential genre of music, blues. He wasn't as widely popular as some musicians we will discuss later, but he was pretty important.

Next, let's talk about Glenn Miller. It is hard to find somebody who hasn't heard this song. This song, released in 1939, had quite an impact on the progression of modern music. I think you can hear that influence in the song Sh-boom by The Chords.

The next artist I want to talk about may be one of the most influential musicians in all of history. Bob Dylan has been shaping music since his first releases in the 1960's. That is almost 50 years. He obviously has lasting power. In fact, his era produced many artists who's music is still relevant and effecting musicians. The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix had an effect that is arguably equal to that of Bob Dylan. The 70's saw the rise of The Eagles, who's album Hotel California is widely recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time. In the 1980's we were blessed with Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is to pop music what the Continental GT is to cars.

Of course I haven't listed every artist of import. Each generation produces a number of musicians who's influence is of varying degrees of impact and lasting power. But what I wanted to do with this post is talk about who I think has that lasting power now. I wanted to talk about musicians who haven't been around long enough for history to venerate them, but who I think are already influential.

So...let's get started.

I feel like this first song is awesome enough to deserve the whole video.

Dave Grohl is amazing. He got started back in Nirvana as their drummer, where he saw plenty of success along with Kurt Cobain. Sadly, Kurt decided life just wasn't worth it and blew his brains out with a shotgun. Not to be stopped, Dave went on to have a stellar solo career. Dave formed the Foo Fighters. These guys have been cranking out hits since their inception in 1995, and I'm pretty sure their (mostly Dave's) influence is here to stay. When I have 26 year-old children, they will be playing Foo Fighters on the oldies station.

My next artist is Jason Mraz. Whether or not you like him, I am certain you have heard him. And you have to admit, this guy has talent. He has a fantastic voice and is a gifted song writer and lyricist. Also, his songs have wide enough appeal that they have a pretty darn good chance of catching the fancy of future generations of angsty teenagers looking for an alternative to whatever is popular in their day. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been around for a while. Almost 20 years. And in that time they have never really lacked for radio play. Their music will certainly be a part of the next 30 years.

Of course, there are many that I didn't mention, but this is just a sampling. Think about today's artists. Who is going to last? Who is going to have a cult following? Who is even playing original music, and who is playing generic copy-crap? Leave me your thoughts below.