List of albums that will still be popular 50 years from now...
We all know that classical music will still be on demand 50 years from now, but what about pop music that will still be on demand? I'd like to list few titles and the rest leave to the contributors!
1. Henry Mancini "Pink Panther" as the best score he's ever wrote 2. Sesame Street "Born To Add" 3. Believe it or not, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" will still be there and hot! 4. Miles Davis "Kind of Blue 5. Dave Brubeck "Time Out"
Because he went through so many phases on his musical journey during his 40 plus years in music I'm going to go with David Bowie. He was also in films making him an icon of two mediums,he is the kind of artist who will always be relevant. Two more that have been around for over 50 years already The Doors and Jimi Hendrix whose catalogs are always big sellers year in and year out.
Interesting, dragunski. I've recently listened to a few Swing and Big Band pieces from the '40s and '50s. I think future generations who compare that music to Rock & Roll may think that the former is much more avant guard and extreme.
If we use art as an example, rather than the early days of recorded music, I think we can safely assume that many of today's popular artists will be forgotten, and some artists who die in relative obscurity will be resurrected and popularized.
This might happen in many ways, including the use of their music in films and the recycling of their music by future contemporary artists as homages, leading to the re-exploration of the original.
I would also assume that this will happen genre by genre, since it's not likely that we will ever return to formats where music can be popular across wide spectrums of society.
So the questions we should be asking are 1)which pieces will remain or become popular within a genre and 2) what genres will exist 50 years from now?
@ptss 50's,60's rock may not be popular 50 years from now simply because listeners don't have much life left. Only certain titles/artists will still remain. Note that classical music is also selective in terms of what now musicians perform.
I think there lies the rub. Musicians will always listen widely to other musicians. But the vast majority of people are not musicians, just as the vast majority are not audiophiles, and thus a seminal and valuable voice like The Band is destined to go by the wayside, as are so many other valuable artists.
Someone earlier brought up the few artists from the 20's, 30's and 40's we still listen to with anything but a sense of nostalgia. I think part of that can be attributed to the recording and sound quality; we've become spoiled by the fidelity of the past 40 years. But the large part is simply the generation who did listen to that music with a passion is by and large no longer around. What's left is second-hand discovery.
I will concede Miles and Coltrane and a few others who not only changed jazz but legitimized it for a widespread audience. I can see them sticking around for the next half-century.
Some interesting thoughts simao. I just have to comment on one of them, however. While your high school seniors rarely listen to or aren't even aware of, for instance, The Band, that in no way proves they won't still be listened to in fifty years. Of course, I would say that, ay regulars ;-) ?! The Basement Tapes are considered The Rosetta Stone for the hippest of young bands and singer/songwriters today (hence the success of The New Basement Tapes album and movie), and those first two Band albums are a master's class in Rock 'n' Roll musicianship. Everything a musician needs to know in order to play the best Rock 'n' Roll is contained on those two albums. A bold claim, perhaps!
The same can be said for Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. An absolute landmark album that is unknown by most current music consumers, but it shall endure as a deep well for emerging Jazz artists. My nominees were made from the perspective of a musician, and though I myself don't care for him, Jimi Hendrix continues to be a hugely listened to (by young musicians) artist, as he will, I predict, continue to be. Maybe not by high school students, but, more importantly, by musicians. It is musicians who keep the music alive, not consumers. Lucinda Williams is a current artist keeping her music of choice alive, reimagining and interpreting her blues and folk influences.
Oregonpapa; Frank I played the music you listed on the previous page and must say Thank You. Wonderful selections and memories from a time that is now long gone. All the best for the Holiday and New Year . Enjoy Ed
As a few have pointed out, this thread reflects the age and ethnicity of
many of us who think the albums that shaped us will have to live on.
50 years is a lot of time in pop music. 50 years ago, in 1966, a sea-change in music AND culture was underway, a synthesis that forever wove music and identity inextricably together as very few other generations have done. The music of the Civil Rights movement, of Haight-Ashberry, of Route 66, of Vietnam protests and the accompanying counterculture was as much created by as it was reflective of those phenomena. It became a watermark of the times and thus lives on as part of the American fabric as well as in those of us who were touched by it directly or tangentially.
I've noticed the vast majority of the albums mentioned in this thread are by white artists.
Floyd and the Beatles and Zep are still listened to today by teenagers (I've taught high school for 18 years), but mostly by my white students who were raised by parents who played those artists. My African-American or Latino students by and large do not listen to those artists; but they also don't listen to Marvin Gaye or Otis or Booker T or Wilson Pickett or even Sly or other black artists from 50 years ago, so it's not a purely racial division. My students of both colors know who these artists are, but most of my students of all ethnicities listen to contemporary hip-hop, dub, pop-crossover (i.e. Katy Perry, Beyonce, The Chance, Kendrick Lamar, and others), and rap.
Some artists in this thread that I've mentioned recently that my high school seniors (suburban Missouri; upper middle-class; about 65% white) rarely listen to or have professed not to have heard of:
the Doors
the Grateful Dead
Fleetwood Mac
Iggy Pop
Joan Baez
KRS-1
Sting
The Band
James Taylor
Bootsy Collins
The Animals
Jefferson Airplane
and others
This proves nothing as kids mature and college opens the doors to many different musical artists and styles. But it does show that many of the artists of decades ago survive because, like the Stones and Kiss and MJ and others, they have become as much brand names as musical acts.
Music has been growing much more niche-oriented in the last few decades. Gone are the homogeneous Top-40 countdowns as even the idea of a "#1 Hit" is watered down by the sheer number of diverse charts out there. I don't think there's as much a collective, conscious appreciation of any one artist or album as there used to be. Bruno Mars to the contrary.
Will the greats still be listened to in 50 years when most of us are dead?The same goes for jazz. At risk of igniting flames, I'm going to say that both formats - classical and jazz -- have lost much of their cultural relativity. I'm a jazz drummer who's hunting down the best pressing of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, yet for much of the rest of America, these two genres have become the stuff of generic movie soundtracks or cliched cool.
And, as many have pointed out, the album as a format is shrinking in cultural acceptance. Tidal, Spotify, and other streaming formats, especially among teenagers and 20-somethings who have by and large never known any different, make the release of an album almost redundant for many contemporary artists. They still do, of course, but many of my students don't own many physical albums, yet have thousands of songs on their devices and phones. This kind of dis-aggregation of music I believe perpetuates its lack of longevity. Without a cohesive anchor like an album, songs will naturally become more and more lost in an increasing kaleidoscopic clutter of releases, each a pinpoint of immediate but fading incandescent satisfaction.
As for the music today - that is, music being recorded and produced within the last decade - being listened to in 50 years, I have no idea. Many here have theorized that the listening habits we will have in half a century will bear little to no resemblance to what we have now, just like the double-album listening habits of 1966 bear little resemblance to the iPhone playlist shuffle-motif of today. Just like our newsfeeds are becoming more and more of an echo chamber for our own views, so too I think will music listening follow the algorithmic predictions of Pandora and Spotify; we'll have to work harder to appreciate new stuff.
In a nutshell, I doubt any of the albums we listen to today - Radiohead, Beyonce, Bruno, Drake, Sufjan, Jimi, Rush, Miles, Snow Patrol, et al -- will still be listened to in 50 years.
Note that Radiohead is from, at their oldest, the early-90's, 25 years ago. They're still relevant, of course, as is Rush (1974) and Miles (the 50's), but that's because we're still keeping them alive.
In terms of music, we created the gods that will die with us.
Of course we’re only speculating because it’s impossible to predict but it’s kind of fun. My feeling is there will be some surprises that would shock many of us. So yes, I was halfway serious with the Chipmunks.
@ rja. So do I. The first Chipmunk LP (1959) remains a collector item, and continues to increase in value. The Chipmunks are depicted on the cover as drawn images of Chipmunks, instead of the widely known cartoon characters. From 1959 to 1961 (first 3 LP's) were depicted as actual images of chipmunks. David Seville And The Chipmunks - Let's All Sing With The Chipmunks (LP, Album, Mono, Red) Liberty LRP 3132 1959 Will people still be collecting it in 50 years or listening to it in 50 years, remains to be seen/heard. Most of the people I have played it to really enjoyed it; in fact I have actually seen it bring tears to the eyes of a few. I think it takes them back to a happy time (childhood)
Alvin and the Chipmunks? I hope your weren't kidding. My friend Robert collects those guys. He brought over a couple of their records a week or so ago ... funny stuff, and the music isn't bad.
^^^ Well, of course I never said that I didn't like Wagner. I have the entire "Ring" on vinyl in several box sets. I don't listen to Wagner, or other German operas often as I much prefer Puccini operas over the German ones. Although, I DO find Rita Streich to be an amazing soprano, even when she sings in German.
@oregonpapa and @sevs, I was under the same impression, but if all of a sudden Russian balalaika and bayan melodies will be main interest Putin, it definitely does not mean that I have to trash all of these records and stop listening to them. Same way Wagner did not intend to write music for Third Reich in late 19th century, but was idolized by Nazis as true Arian German composer.
Ohio Express Yummy Yummy Yummy (I Have Love In My Tumy) BDS 5018 Buddah Records McCoys, The Hang On Sloopy BLP-212 Bang Records Mono Archies, The The Archies, Sugar Sugar Q16002 51 West, Stereo Starland Vocal Band Afternoon Delight BHL-1-1351 Windsong Reddy, Helen I am Woman ST-11068 Capitol Best Of The Vapors Turning Japanese EMI B0000074RG A Flock of Segals Listen JL8-8013 Arista KC and the Sunshine Band Everybody Get Down Tonight DXL1-4010 RCA Bent Fabric And His Piano Alley Cat 33-148 Atco Freddie & The Dreamers Hey (Do The) Freddie MG21017 Mercury Mono Goldsboro, Bobby Honey UAS6642 UA Records Stereo O'Kaysions Girl Watcher ABCS-664 ABC Stereo Kenny G Duotones King Missile Happy Hour Detachable Penis Atlantic 7 82459-2 Grease John Travolta Olivia Newton John Polydor 825 095-2 DEVO Are We Not Men BSK 3239 Warner Bros. Records
Thanks tostadosundios , I shot my self in the food with the wrong wording . One word equals a big difference . Got the lecture from my guitar playing brother too . I'm really enjoying this topic . I subscribe to Tidal and am able to listen to everybody's suggestions . So thanks to everybody for their suggestions . The only problem I've encountered is that I went to low power tubes and a lot of the old rock is poorly mixed and sounds poor . Oh well , Regards , Mike.
The Beatles music in general in my opinion is timeless. The list of Rock/pop artists that were influenced by them is nearly endless. Their music will probably be around forever😎
@buellrider97 I still remember my shock of realization the obvious when I read in Faulkner's The Mansion that the greatest Russian poet was a nigger per Southern standards. Pushkin is the only Russian poet who deserves the label of a Genius, his granddad was the famous Arap of Peter The Great. Tchaikovsky was "totally gay", so what? Most folks dont care even nowadays. On the other hand, I must admit that seeing ex-pornostar as the First Lady bothers me a little. But in 50yrs all this will be irrelevant, methinks... Correction: I Hope!!!
buellrider97, none of those three guys (Paco, John Mc and Al) are classical guitarists. Paco is by far the closest (he plays fingerstyle, with nails, on a nylon stringed guitarr) ahd he did make one classical recording but is known for his playing of flamenco, not classical. They are all three fine guitarists nonetheless.
Hey Sevs , small world , I'm Volga German . My people came to Fresno in 1890. My great grandfather was illegal for 45 years , then he got his papers . I was brought up on Greek music, Spanish ( Mexico ) music , Frank and Dean , 60's folk music. My brother and I took piano . My brother continued on to guitar and drums . Our mainstay was English rock and SF rock . We learned piano playing Classical music . If you go back and look at SESAME STREET's history , it's bam bam bam . I also studied poetry as a youth and was taught to dislike music/lyrics the were overly repetitive and shallow . Music that flows , evokes emotion ( not shoot yo bitch ) , and lyrics that paint a detailed picture will last the test of time . I think Bob Dylan , Johnny Cash , Simon and Garfunkel for acoustic . Al Di Meola , Paco Delucia , John Mcglaughlin for classical guitar . Pink Floyd , Led Zepplin for rock . The Beatles to me are there own genre. As good as people like Usher and Bruno Mars are, as well as many females too , pop music is shallow and will be forgotten except when people want to relive their youth . When Lady Gaga sang the SOUND OF MUSIC for Julie Andrews , my jaw hit the floor WOW ! But it's the material that will make it last . How much Madonna did you play this week ? But the best thing is when I watch my children discover Dylan , The Doors , John Lee Hooker, Tom Petty just to name a few . I hope in all that blabbing I said something constructive . Best wishes to all , Mike.
@czarivey and @oregonpapa : methinks you are wrong, this "race" talk wont be an issue then. I am talking from my personal experience, my grandkids will be of Slavic+Mexican+Japanese descent... I am not a fan of Wagner (Puccini and Tchaikovsky is as far as I am comfy with Opera) but if I learn that Stalin (who exterminated my granddad's family) loved Brahms, I am not going to change my priorities in music!!!!!! If Tchaikovsky wasn't gay in Mama Russia, he would have never produced his later symphonies, our moral codes of today will be totally forgotten 50yrs from now
@buellrider97 what do you think kids or 45yo will be discovering 50yrs from now? Anything from today's Top 30? Kanye West was hailed as a Mozart of the 21st century by The Atlantic...
Hi , I've seen live the following ; Zeppelin , Stones , Pink Floyd, The Who, Sabbath, Deep Purple, Queen, Van Halen, AC/DC and many others . My addition to the list would be Supertramp's - Crime of the Century . I saw them do the album in its entirety in an acousticly pleasing , small venue theatre. It was sanctimonious ! Also at 59 years old and growing up in a musical house , but preferring Rock and Roll , I must agree with Franks perspective on rock . At about age 45 , I discovered " THE ORIGINAL MUSIC ". The fist time I heard Willie Dixon - I am the Blues , every song had been covered by a major rock band . So if you want to really know Rock and Roll , listen to every album on Aligator Records . As far as color , I didn't know the Chambers Brothers were black . So don't judge music by the color of its skin , but by the content of its heart ! Sound Familar ? I LOVE ALL OF YOU AND THERES NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT ❤️
I made it a point a couple of years ago to finally wade myself through the tome "The Rise and Fall of The Third Reich." One of the things that was brought forth in the book was the Nazi's love of Wagner operas. Wagner's influence upon the Reich can be seen in old documentary films of their grand marches, the pomp and circumstance, the props ... all reminiscent of what would be seen in Wagner operas. Your grandpa was certainly correct in his assessments.
Fifty years from now, all of us geezers (myself included) will be dead. The geezers of 2066 are in high school and college now. I substitute teach for a few schools. When I overhear what is playing through a student's earbuds, most of the time it sounds like hip-hop. I don't hear Beatle music, or The Rolling Stones, or Pink Floyd or anything that I recognize. In deference to the guitar teacher, who knows two young girls who want to learn Beatles songs, there are a gazillion high schoolers out there who have no idea who The Beatles are. Do you really think fifty years from now the current crop of high schoolers are going to be playing albums from our generation? No, they'll be hanging on to the music of their youth. Just like we're hanging on to the music of our youth My guess is, fifty years from now albums will be a thing of the past. The only thing left from the "classic rock" era will be about 50 individual songs that receive very, very sporadic attention. It may end up that the only music that lasts will be, "White Christmas", "Jingle Bells" and " Have a holly, jolly Christmas. Think of it this way. How many Bennie Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, or Frank Sinatra bobbie-sox songs have YOU listened to lately? I don't know about the rest of you, but when I die, I'm taking my music with me.
(Editorial note: I wrote this when I was in a GOOD mood.)
Sevs, google the band Tauk and check them out, you might like. Also Perigeo, an Italian fusion band from the 70s. And Hawkwind (Nik Turner recent stuff also) Lemmy's origin is Hawkwind. And of course any early King Crimson.
Well, the popular music of today will still be played in 50 years. But the 50-year-old music we listen to now will be no more popular than 1910-20's music was 50 years ago. By that time, there will be two newer generations with totally different tastes. Considering today's popular, ahem ... artists, that's a scary thought, but history shows that each generation moves on.
I couldn't disagree more with Bdp24 on his Beatle rant. Some great choices on this thread but if you think the Beatles won't be a part of the future you are truly misguided. In a 100 years we might be speaking Beatle. Bury your hatchet.
Bdp you are clueless !!!!!!!!!!!!! I like The Bands first 2 albums also but if you think the Beatles will not survive you must of voted for ........ And your still listening to your Realistic Receiver with 22 watts RMS. You must be extremely tired Go to bed and dream about Mick and Keith
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