So in my second blog post, I’m sharing another word themed playlist.  In this day in music history, September 24, 1957, Elvis Presley released “Jailhouse Rock” which went on to become his ninth number one single, and stayed on the billboard charts for nineteen weeks.  The film clip from the movie with Elvis singing the title song is considered by many to be the first rock video:

So my word theme playlists are fun, as they pull in songs from various eras that share a common theme, a unifying word, in this case “Rock,” today commemorating the anniversary of Elvis’ song.  Interestingly, Spotify’s algorithms to provide suggested songs as you create a playlist have not figured out this method of creating a list.  They typically will try to match genres, eras, sounds, or similar artists, but even in my long word themed playlists of 100 or more songs, Spotify has not suggest a song containing the word of my theme.  I guess I’m running under their radar screen.

This playlist is packed with great “rock” songs over the years.  Though I did not include “rock” songs that are part of “rock & roll,” as I will address this combination in future playlists.  Included are such classics as David Essex “Rock On”, Stray Cats “Rock This Town,” The Clash “Rock The Casbah,” The Who “Long Live Rock,” Def Leppard “Rock of Ages,” and the list goes on.  I think you’ll find this a fun playlist to listen to.  When can you listen to a collection of songs that includes Bill Haley & His Comets and LMFAO? 

Though country music is not my area of expertise, I’ve also included a few country hits in this list.  While I know some rock and pop fans don’t enjoy country, I have included them in this list, and I think they add some variety, and are quality songs worthy of being on the list.  Other words on future lists scheduled for release will sometimes have country songs separated into their own list, if there are many, to give them their own attention.  And some of the best guitarists in the world are more and more being drawn to country bands.  Check out the Nashville scene sometime – a great town to enjoy great live music, often for free.  You won’t be disappointed.

https://www.visitmusiccity.com/explore-nashville/music

Also on this day in music in 1983, Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” went to No.1 on the US singles chart.  (he scored his first No.1 hit in 1980 with “It’s Still Rock & Roll To Me.”) 

One year later on this day, Culture Club landed their second UK No.1 single with “Karma Chameleon,” their first being “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” in 1982.  Interestingly, “Karma Chameleon” was the best-selling single of the year in the UK in 1983.  Who would have guessed that?!? 

And on this day in 1988, Bobby McFerrin started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” the first a-cappella record to ever be a No.1.  It was later featured in the movie “Cocktail.”  All of these songs are featured in various future planned playlists (from “Live to TELL,” to “Love HER Madly,” to “Come On Get HAPPY,” to “I Feel Good,” to “Animals.”  So many playlists, so little time!

And so on with the playlist, “ROCK On” – check it out/listen on Spotify:

I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew.  Rediscover the passion of music in your life.

Live in the moment

Enjoy the moment

Love the moment

Listen to the MUSIC!