What's the music this week? w/c 7 March

This week it's all about: The 1970s

The decade of the Space Hopper, the Ford Cortina, Raleigh Chopper bikes, the record player and the cassette recorder.

Disco, Funk, Soul, R&B, Pop, Hard Rock, Soft Rock were all common genres in the music world in the 1970s. The late '70s also witnessed the birth of another genre still popular today - hip-hop. 

Some of the most famous pop music of all time was recorded in the '70s; from David Bowie to Led Zeppelin to Pink Floyd. Vinyl records were affordable to everyone and the record player was at its most popular. Enormous music festivals like Woodstock disappeared as quickly as they arrived, and it is fair to say that 1970 marked the end of an era as The Beatles as a group dissolved, as each went their separate ways appearing on solo albums.  

Among the popular artists in the 1970’s were Elton John, the Jackson Five, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond and Simon and Garfunkel. More local were the Bee Gees who were born on the Isle of Man and then lived in Manchester. They were famous for songs such as ‘Stayin' Alive’ and ‘Night Fever’ but have been just as successful as composers. 

ABBA, named after the first letters of their members' names, was a supergroup of the late 1970's until their double divorce and their autobiographical 'The Winner Takes it All'.  Elvis reappeared in concert in the 1970's, after making nearly 30 films in the 1960's, until his death at the age of 42 in 1977. 

MABAL is music played through the school's tannoy system during break and lunch.  Chosen by Mr Taylor, Lead Teacher for Music, this is designed to offer exposure to the curriculum in different ways, and support pupils' appreciation of music.

The focus is on one theme each week across a genre, a country or from history.  The theme could also link to the season or an event in school, such as the production.  Any further suggestions are welcomed - pupils should see Mr Taylor or email a.taylor@priory.lancs.sch.uk