athletic

The Groovy History of Athletic Music: From Stadium Anthems to Workout Jams

Forget the “athletic” we know today, with its spandex and protein shakes. We’re diving into the athletic music, a genre as diverse as the human body pushing its limits.

The Early Days: Brass Bands & Marching on

Imagine this: 19th-century Britain, where marching bands blare out triumphant tunes, fueling the competitive spirit of foot races and cricket matches. This brass band sound became the backbone of early athletic music, its energy translating to the field.

Swinging into the 20th Century: Big Bands & The Rise of the Cheerleader

As the 20th century swung into action, big bands took the stage. Their upbeat tunes provided the soundtrack to the golden age of sport, and the cheerleader emerged, a vocal champion with a pom-pom mic. Did you know the first ever cheerleaders were actually men? They even had a song about it: “We’re the Boys in Blue.”

Rock & Roll: Unleashing the Power of the Crowd

The 1950s saw rock & roll ignite the world, and athletics wasn’t left behind. Bands like The Rolling Stones and Chuck Berry fueled the rebellious spirit of sports with their rebellious music, while Elvis Presley became the ultimate king of the stadium crowd. Speaking of Elvis, did you know he was banned from playing his own song, “Jailhouse Rock,” at a basketball game? The reason? The song was considered “too suggestive.”

Disco Fever: Getting Down and Working Out

The 1970s brought disco, a genre perfect for those high-energy, feel-good workouts. The Bee Gees and Donna Summer provided the perfect soundtrack to aerobics classes, and even President Jimmy Carter got in on the disco action, dancing with his wife at a White House event!

Hip-Hop & The Rise of the Athlete-Turned-Musician

From the streets to the stadiums, hip-hop took over the athletic scene. Run-DMC with their iconic “My Adidas” song solidified the link between music and sport. This also marked the emergence of athlete-turned-musicians, with athletes like LL Cool J and Snoop Dogg proving that sporting prowess can be combined with musical talent.

Beyond the Stadium: Workout Jams and the Digital Era

Today, athletic music spans every genre, from EDM to pop, creating a soundtrack for every workout and sporting event. The digital age allows for personalized playlists and even algorithms that recommend music tailored to your heart rate and workout intensity.

So next time you’re hitting the gym or cheering for your team, remember the groovy history of athletic music! From brass bands to hip-hop, it’s a soundtrack that’s been fueling the human spirit for centuries.