Latin Music

[OkieMan]

Hey guys,

I am going to ask a question that anyone can respond to.  I am a musician and singer.  So, I am always interested in learning more about music.  Now, that I am very much into the latin scene, I am trying to learn more about the latin music, and I have a little.  I enjoyed the salsa music when I was in Cali.  But, my question actually goes back a few years.  There are some older groups or solo artists that I have really enjoyed over the years.  One, is an old group called the Drifters.  Do any of you know who I am talking about?  I am 51, so I realize that I am dating myself somewhat.  The other artist is Tony Orlando and Dawn.  Later Tony went solo. He was big in the 70's.  The Drifters were big in the 50's and 60's.  Anyhow, the sound these performers had was and still is incredible!  But, I am also curious about the origins of the music.  I know that Tony Orlando is half Puerto Rican, and grew up in the New York City area.  I don't know where the different members of the Drifters came from, but they were mostly if not all black; but they had a decidely latin beat to many of their songs.  Two songs that I have always loved is: Boardwalk, and Save the Last Dance For Me.  I am curious if any of you know these old songs, and know what type of latin origins they come from?  I also loved when Tony Orlando sang, Knock Three Times, and other great tunes.  Since he is half Puerto Rican, maybe the songs are influenced by Puerto Rican rhythms.  I just don't know, but I love it, whatever it is.  Some of you older guys might be able to help me; and especially you East Coast guys, since that is where these groups come from.  I know that this stuff is a lot different than Skakira or Ricky Martin stuff; but it's still great music!
                                  OkieMan

[Sam Club]

... in response to Latin Music, posted by OkieMan on Mar 26, 2005

You won't get any creditable info on salsa by asking here.  You need to go to www.salsaweb.com and all the info you seek is right at your fingertips.  Your the news alert mailing list.

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re:  Latin Music, posted by Sam Club on Mar 28, 2005

Hi Sam Club,

I really was not asking about salsa.  I know that it is the most common "latin" music in Colombia, and I like salsa.  But, I would not want a steady diet of it, all the time.  I like a variety of many different styles.  However, I was mainly  trying to find out the musical origins of some old songs that I like, and the artists that recorded them.  But, I always enjoy the enchange of information concerning latin music, latinas, and the latin culture in general.  I am still learning.

                                OkieMan

[Locii]

... in response to Re: Re:  Latin Music, posted by OkieMan on Mar 28, 2005

I am 38.  I like salsa enough, but saying "I like salsa" is like saying "I like rock and roll"...there are a million subgenres of 'salsa'.  I am a (past) musician and independant record store manager, so I have been around music a great deal, and can safely say that I am over most current "american" music...especially what is oriented towards youth.  Without trying to get on a rant, I find most 'new' music to not be a celebration of anything, except perhaps nihilism and disenfranchisement.  I abhor the loss of musicality I hear today.  No really, I'm only 38.  Ha

At any rate, I strongly urge you, especially as a musician, to   get into Brasilian music, especially, of course, samba.  I am hopelessly hooked on bossa nova as well.  IMHO, the current state of Brasilian music, both musically as well as in a commercial sense, buries the american scene.

Some starter links:
http://www.brazilianmusic.com/samba.html
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/default.aspx

Enjoy!

Ciao

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: Re: Re:  Latin Music, posted by Locii on Mar 29, 2005

Locii,

Hey, thanks for the info.  Yes, I totally agree.  There is only a little of the "new" music that I can tolerate.  You know the scary thing is the I am turning into my Dad! ha  The older I get, I sound like an "old fart". ha  But, I do have a wide variety of interest in music.  If I am lucky enought to marry a latina in the near future, I will certainly have to better educate myself on her music too.  Especially her version of "music to do it by"! ha

                             OkieMan

[Bueller]

... in response to Latin Music, posted by OkieMan on Mar 26, 2005

I heard you tried to email me. My Yahoo account went unactive due to disuse. It's reactivated now, if you want to try again.

[Pete E]

... in response to Latin Music, posted by OkieMan on Mar 26, 2005

Without doing any research the Drifters to me seemed like a black harmony group,not unlike a number of others.My favorite was the Platters,from the 50's.I don't remember anything spanish about them.Seems like early 70's.I got real tired of under the boardwalk,I didn't like it that much and it seems like it was played all the time for a year or so.
Tony Orlando was hispanic but to me his music anything but.Knock 3 times latin??NO.Jose Feliciano would be to me a guy basically a latin musician who went english pop succesfully.Santana a successfull pop artist returing to latin  roots.Gloria Estefan latin from the get go,but appeals to US pop.
I personally get real tired of Salsa.Sick of Salsa I sometimes say.Although it can be fun at times.There is spanish rock and ballads,which I like alot better.Then there are american songs sung in spanish.I will recognise the tune if not the words.Lots of upscale restaurants here play english music.Like its cool to listen to english songs.60's and 70's soft rock and ballads popular.I was listening to Cat Stevens the other night with dinner.One place likes more early 50's Sinatra type music.Route 66,Henry Mancini,ect.

Pete

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re:  Latin Music, posted by Pete E on Mar 26, 2005

Pete,
Thanks for your comments.  I have a very wide variety of interest in music.  By the way, I agree with you about something.  I really loved the Platters.  But, then I could go on and on about many great soloists and groups that I have really enjoyed over the years.  Recently, PBS was broadcasting some concerts that they sponsored. They did a tribute type theme to the 50's and they had many artists from that era.  Then they did a 60's show.  They even did one about disco, for God's sake! But, I remember one that they did a few years ago; it was focusing on Doo Wop.  I really got get a kick out of that one!  But, back years ago, there just was not very many "latin style" groups, or solo artists.   By the way, I also did like Jose Faliciano(?).  He did an interesting version of Light My Fire, and I really liked his version of Feliz Navidad.  Of course, Santana is great.  Carlos can really pick that guitar.  Since I also play the guitar, I enjoy talent like that. Today, they are latin groups or soloists all over the place, and many of them I like, and a few I don't.  I am still trying to learn more about them. On a different note, do you like the Blues?  My sons and I really enjoy that.  What about Stevie Ray Vaughn?    What a talent. Too bad he got killed in that helicopter accident years ago. Take care.

                             OkieMan

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Re:  Latin Music, posted by OkieMan on Mar 26, 2005

I am enjoying blue more,had some interest in it before.There is a blue channel on the music chanels on my direct TV.I alternate back and forth between blues and classic rock when I am listening to it.
Last summer I went to Memphis for what they called the 50 year celebration of the birth of rock and roll.July 5 1954 Elvis cut the first commercially succcessfull rock and roll record,"Thats alright Mama".So July 5 2004 they have this celebration at the old Sun Records studio,now  a national historical site.Sam Phillips who started Sun Records did it to record Memphis Blues musicians and sort of stumbled in to rock and roll.Memphis calls itself the home of the blues and the birth place of rock and roll.I stayed 2 blocks off of Beale Street,known for its blus music.I wandered over there some,didn't hear too much classic blues.
My favorite disco record is "Disko sucks".I feel the same about rap or hip hop.I like old rock and  roll,some classic rock and ballads and country rock.And even some country.My favorite singers or groups,Rodney Crowell,the Maverics,Tish Hinojosa.Lots of Latina's like Tish's music,she sing kind of country ballads but alot of spanish mixed in.But I like alot of old rock,from the 50's on.Blues brothers here plays my kind of music.Blue,rock,rock and roll.Pete the owner is from Ireland.Real good guy.When he calls over here he says its the other Pete.Pictures of the aniversary party there are at latinmodelos.com/blues.htm
For more recent rockers I like Bob Seeger,George Thoroughgood.Old guys,Chuck Berry,Carl Perkins,lots of other early rock and rockabilly.Nothin thats come out real recently I can remember liking much.Guess that means I am getting old.Got a year older yesterday.
I even like old country like Johnny Cash,Patsy Cline,Johnny Horton.One of my favotitecountry albums isby Linda Ronstadt.She does some Patsy Cline songs better than Patsy.Very twangy steele guitar,ggoid voice.
I am going to down looadsome music.Soltero is here with me,will show me how.He missed his plane this morning,they said you are there for another week.But I should let him tell the story.
2 songs I really want to download I can find nowhere but probably can with music sharing.
"Red hot women and ice cold beer" by a group called Chuck Wagen and the wheels out of Tucson.I love  it.Very funny,my sentiments exactly.They no longer publish it but hopefully I can find it on a sharing system.
The other"Nothing's cold as ashes",after the fire is gone.
By Willy Nelson and Tracy Nelson,no realative.Can't find it anywhere,but maybe with sharing.
I hope to do that yet today.Soltero is taking a nap,when he wakes up we will work on it.

Pete

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: Re: Re:  Latin Music, posted by Pete E on Mar 26, 2005

Hey Pete,
You mentioned many great artists that I love.  As I told you earlier, I have a large variety of interests in music; mainly because I am a singer, guitar player and songwriter.  I just never found a way to make a good living with it.  But, when I was younger, I played professionally for a time.  You mentioned Linda Ronstadt.  Man, she was hot in her prime.  A half-mexican babe from Tucson, with a voice like an angel.  I have several of her old vinyl albums.  Last night, PBS ran a special I had seen before about Sun Records and Sam Phillips.  You know, Sam died either last year, or the year before that.  He certainly started a bunch of great artists; then young, and new, raw, cutting edge performers.  Naturally, Elvis, but also Johnny Cash, whom you just mentioned, and Carl Perkins, and the "Killer" himself, ole Jerry Lee Lewis.  I really loved seeing the old clips they were showing last night.  I had seen most of that already, but I get a kick out of it anyhow. I really like Chucky Berry, Fats Domino and others of that era too.  Since you said that you had another birthday recently, then Happy Birthday.  I turn 52 on May 27th, so I am almost there.  I am hoping that I can make it to Cali in time for my birthday.  So, I am keeping my fingers crossed.  I want to see my sweet little calena.  She is smokin'- and really nice!  Take care, and tell Soltero I said hi.

                           OkieMan

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re:  Latin Music, posted by OkieMan on Mar 26, 2005

Sam Died in the fall of 2003.Artists he discovered and  promoted,in order of fame -
Elvis
Johnny Cash
Jerry Lee Lewis
Roy Orbison
Carl Perkins
Ike Turner
Billy Swan
Billy Lee Riley
Sonny Burgess
Forgot a few I'm sure.
Sam Sold Elvis's contract to RCA in 1955 for $35,000.He had lost a lawsuit and would have went out of business if he  didn't raise money and Elvis was the only guy he could get much money for.RCA hired Coronel Tom Parker to promote Elvis and made him a big star.That would not have happened under SUN records,but he was big time already.Sam used the money to promote Carl Perkins.Carl could play the guitar and write songs,which Elvis could not.He was also much more of a rocker than Elvis.Carl almost died in a car wreck,then became an alcoholic.He never made it real big time.Blue sued shoes which he wrote as well as sang did go number one.
Johnny Cash was the person who sold the most records for Sun.Sam found him looking in his window one morning,found him a couple of back up players for him and he became a star.Elvis went in to pay for a recording of a record that he wanted to give his mother as a gift.I think it was $2 to have them cut a record for you.Jerry Lee was a paid  back up piano player,$20 a session.Ike Turner came in from Georgia to get his group recorded.He was 17 years old,had an early rock song called rocket 88.This was before Tina.
I have the original Roy Orbison tract done at Sun Records.Its all Rockabilly.He became more of a soft ballad singer later.
I always wanted to see  Sun Records,so when their 50 year celebration coincided with my vacation I had to go.They do a studio tour with the original cuts of lots of these guys,like Elvis singing for his mother.

Pete

[OkieMan]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:  Latin Music, posted by Pete E on Mar 26, 2005

Pete,
Wow, you really know your stuff. There are not too many people that I know that are into all of the details like you and myself.  This past summer, I got to go to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  That was really special.  Years ago, I went to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.  By the way, most if not all of the people on the list that you mentioned with Sun Records were on the PBS special that I watched last night.  It was very cool.  I was and still am a Big "O" fan.  Very few performers had the all around talent that Roy had.  He could sing, play the guitar, and write his  own songs. I think he was much better than Carl Perkins. I remember when Roy died right before Christmas of 1988.  By the way, many years ago, I was stationed in England  with the Air Force.  While I was there, I got to play and tour around with a British country music band.  The guy that headed it up was also an old 50's and 60's Rock n Roller.  At one time, he had even had his own Rock n Roll TV Show, cut records, the whole bit.  Well, over those early years, he toured with the likes of Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. In fact, he was on tour with Eddie right before Eddie got killed in a car wreck, there in England.  This guy, named Don Adams ( not the Get Smart guy) also toured with a very young Englebert Humperdink!  So, it was a very interested experience to work with him.  We became very close friends, before we had a falling out over something else.  He and his family even came to live and work in the States, while we were all still friends.  I lost touch with them back in 1983, but I still have fond memories of my days in England. Well, this has been fun, Pete.

                       OkieMan

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:  Latin Music, posted by OkieMan on Mar 26, 2005

Yes,Eddie Cochran got killed in a car wreck in England.1960 or so I wonder if an american guy was driving and got confused what side of the road to be on.Gene Vincent did a European Tour in the early 60's.He bombed big time,went to his hotel and drank himself to death.I think that was in England.I saw him Live in the late 50's.It as at a sort of country music place in Idaho that had some fairly big rock and roll stars come buy.Weird guy.He would sing and hang on to the microphone stand,kind of dancing and slinking around with it.One cowboy type friend of mine said he looked like a monkey on a stick.They had Buddy Knox there alot,I liked him.
Carl Perkins told the story of being in England when the beatles were big.He went to party the Beatles were throwing,he wondered if they would even let him in.But the british rockers loved the early rockabilly guys.Ringo star stopped the whole party to entroduce him.Later they did a special out of england featuring Carl and  Ringo Star,Dave Edmunds and some other english rockers backed him up.
I like Orbisons rockabilly better than his crying type songs,but Carl Perkins was the ultimate Rockabilly guy.

Pete