What's the music this week? w/c 10 October

This week it's all about: Music of the 1950s

Post-World War 2 saw the end of the Big Band era and the beginning of Rock'n'Roll, led by such as Fats Domino's Blueberry Hill, a song originally written in the 1940s then covered by such as Elvis and Led Zeppelin. 

Teenagers bought music for the first time in the 1950s and the UK charts began. Elvis's first number 1 was 'All Shook Up' in 1957 and he proceeded to enjoy a record 22 number 1 hits in total. 

Before this time, music was only available live and was, as a result, very expensive to access. It was also the advent of the jukebox and the first time pop music became available to the masses through recorded sound on vinyl. As a result it was the advent of the commercial pop star.

More laid back genres such as Country music through such as Johnny Cash and Rhythm and Blues via the likes of Ray Charles also developed which complemented the high energy of Rock'n'Roll.

Famous legends of the era have sadly passed away now, such as Little Richard and Chuck Berry recently, but Jerry Lee Lewis of 'Great Balls of Fire' fame is still going strong.

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 school production.  Any further suggestions are welcomed - pupils should see Mr Taylor, message via Teams chat or email a.taylor@priory.lancs.sch.uk