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Hey there, music lovers! Grab your headphones and buckle up; we’re about to take a funky ride through the vibrant history of St. Louis music. This city has been a hub for some seriously cool sounds, from ragtime and blues to rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop. So, let’s dive in!
Picture it: the late 19th century, and America is buzzing with new sounds. Enter Scott Joplin, the king of ragtime! Born in Texas but later planting roots in St. Louis, this dude brought syncopation to life with his iconic piece, “Maple Leaf Rag.” It became one of the first big hits of American sheet music.
Funny fact: Joplin was such a perfectionist that he used to change his compositions every time he performed them! Imagine waiting for your favorite song only for the musician to go completely off-script!
Fast forward to the early 20th century—St. Louis becomes a hotbed for blues musicians like W.C. Handy and Sammy Benskin. These artists infused their music with feelings drawn from life’s ups and downs.
In the 1920s, as jazz legends began making waves around town (we’re talking about folks like Miles Davis, who was born here), electric blues started evolving too! With players like Ike Turner, who claimed credit for being one heck of an innovator—he’s often recognized as one of the first people ever recorded playing rock ‘n’ roll with “Rocket 88.”
Funny fact: Ike Turner once tried to get out of trouble by saying he was just practicing when caught trying to tune his guitar loudly at midnight on multiple occasions!
As we slide into mid-century America, St. Louis continues heating things up on radio waves—with DJs like Nina Simone creating ruckus alongside local rock legends such as Chuck Berry! A true pioneer whose immortal riffs inspired countless musicians worldwide.
Did you know that Chuck Berry had quite a playful side? He would often prank tourmates on stage by switching up songs unexpectedly—imagine jamming out only for him to launch into “Johnny B Goode” without warning!
And speaking of pranks…
Funny fact: In concerts where fans were overly enthusiastic (i.e., rowdy), Chuck sometimes pretended not to see them—a classic case of “if I can’t see you then you can’t see me!” Classic Berry style!
The soulful strains drew from gospel traditions were also prominent in St. Louis churches during this era—the roots run deep here! Artists like Mavis Staples, originally part of The Staple Singers, showcased how gospel blended seamlessly with pop-infused soul.
Imagine cruising down Delmar Boulevard while listening to her powerful voice echoing across neighborhoods—it’s pure magic.
And what better way than funk? As bands formed throughout the ’70s—from groups like The Ozark Mountain Daredevils playing rock-infused country sounds—to tight ensembles weaving rhythms together grooves got even groovier right across Missouri River bend!
Ever heard about those infamous musical battles? Well… there was an ongoing debate among local bands over whether wearing sunglasses indoors made them look cooler or simply ridiculous during performances—not everyone agreed on what ‘cool’ really meant back then!
Jumping ahead now—the late ‘80s broke ground for rap scenes influenced heavily by earlier genres birthed locally.
Local crews created mixtapes slinging rhymes at block parties while establishing their own identity within broader hip hop culture—music legends came together forming influential acts such as Black Moon Rising mixed harmonically pushing boundaries artistically beyond comfort zones daily till now.
Today’s scene still thrives thanks partly due diligence shown towards having weekly open mic nights featuring aspiring dope lyricists honing skills before crowds packed full laughter ready bass lines kept alive nonstop till sunrise illuminating everything around us collectively allowing connections flourish organically too…
There exist tales circulating memories shared among peers recalling times when spontaneous freestyle battles ignited after midnight pizza runs fueled creativity leading hilarious punchlines crafting friendship stories worthy documenting forever more so than albums produced alone could capture alone…
From ragtime roots shaking hands with electrifying blues rhythms all way present day influence hip hop beats bubbling wildly within heartbeats pumping joyously noise flowing through streets—St.Louis remains proud sharing its rich musical tapestry woven tightly amongst diverse genres inspiring talent years come’ll further along journey mankind takes together wherever they may roam next step discovering melodic adventures awaiting upon horizon beckoning far-off lands beyond imagination itself deep down inside our souls chasing notes never-ending parading onwards relentlessly dancing along merrily under starry skies above…or perhaps just good ol’ backyard barbeque jams cheerfully serenading close friends celebrating life itself!!! 🎶✨
The Unswung Hero – Winslow
WINSLOW EDITS 2023 – Winslow
Luciana (Yoruba Soul Edit) – Jorge Ben
I Promise – Johnny Malek
Legacy – OVEOUS X Don Kamares
Drippn’ (Karizma Baltimore Drip) – Mr. Flip
Breath Away (Yoruba Soul Dub) – Nadirah Shakoor