Boomers and Classic Rock: Debunking the Myth of Laughable Artists
When Boomers lecture younger generations on how classic rock from the 1960s-70s was the greatest of all time, should we remind them of KISS, Bay City Rollers, Disco Duck, John Denver, and Barry Manilow? As a Boomer, I believe music from the 1950s to the 1970s is our era's soundtrack, but I'd never claim Disco or Arena rock as Boomer music. This reflects a misunderstanding and a dismissive attitude towards artists from different generations.
Why Remind Them?
Every decade has artists that some people consider laughable. Isn't it fair to assume that there are individuals who look at our generation and say that our music is stupid or talentless?
Artists like KISS, John Denver, Barry Manilow, and the Bay City Rollers all played their own instruments and, except for cover versions, wrote their own songs. These artists contributed to the music scene and demonstrated creativity.
As for Disco Duck, you have to appreciate its humor and the sense of fun it provided, even in a time when people had a sense of humor. It's not a serious matter like the mood of current popular music.
Music's Contribution to Society
Some current artists do provide valuable contributions to society, such as Bruno Mars, Pharrell, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, and Taylor Swift. However, the revenue distribution is skewed. Most of the money from downloads goes to labels, with very little reaching the artists themselves. This is not fair.
Think about the original Rock and Roll artists from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. They worked tirelessly to establish their careers and achieve true success. Compare that to today's artists who often appear on shows like America's Got Talent. Some of the original artists from that era have been performing for over 50 years, while many contemporary artists struggle to maintain their careers.
Boomers' Attitude Towards Younger Generations
Some Boomers despise today's artists and almost everything about younger generations. They view them with hatred and anger, which can be counterproductive and divisive. It's important to embrace and learn from different eras of music and recognize the value each generation brings to the table.
Classic Rock Icons
When Boomers refer to the greatest classic rock, they mean timeless artists such as Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, James Hetfield, Bruce Frederick Springsteen, Tom Petty, Rush, the Eagles, Def Leppard, Rush, Yes, Skid Row, David Lee Roth, and many more. These artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry and are truly the greatest of their time.
Remember, despite differences in taste, music from every generation has its own unique charm and contributions to society. It's essential to respect and celebrate the diversity of music and the artists who create it.