Fleetwood Faculty, Students Reflect on Music Trends

Music has grown exponentially over the years.

Many teachers and students say music genres such as country, classical, religious, and rock are the most popular genres among the people of Fleetwood today. Many teachers agree that music has come a long way since they have been in high school.

“Hair” bands were extremely popular about during the 80s. General hip hop music today is more provocative and obscene compared to earlier years, when the music was cleaner and more conservative.

Country is adding more elements of rock music to its formula than it was in earlier years with Jonny Cash, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire.  Reba’s song “Fancy,” which came out in 1991, compared to the song “Hear Me on the Radio,” is an example of this artist changing to keep up with her fan’s wants.

“I mostly listened to Christian rock,” Herr Shawn Rudy, a German teacher at Fleetwood, said.

Songs that were popular in the 60’s were songs like “Hey Jude,” by the one and only Beatles; “Dock of the Bay” , by Otis Redding; “Got Vibrations,” by The Beach Boys; songs from Elvis; and so many more.

Kiss and Quiet Riot wore heavy makeup and had big hair in the 80s, which could have led to the theatrics and costumes of modern pop stars such as Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, and Katy Perry.

Even though many thing have changed in the tones, lyrics, interests, and styles, artists wouldn’t be where they are today without the foundation of our earlier music.