Music is the soundtrack of our lives.  It paints a picture, it sets a mood.  It takes us back to a time and place.  It tugs at our hearstrings and it begs us to dance.  It expresses our sorrow and conveys our happiness.

The music of the 50's, 60's and 70's is arguably some of the best music of all time.  The groundbreaking hits inspired musicians across the world and gave birth to the countless genres we have today.   This music holds a special memory for those who lived it or those lucky enough to be exposed to it.  It was music you could sing along with, music you could dance to, music you fell in love with.

The 50s. The cars were fast, hula hoops were hip, leather jackets were the style and feel-good innocence flourished. As the golden age of American vocal harmony dawned, a whole new sound emerged. Vital R&B groups and rebels without causes championed rock n’ roll with an East-Coast flavor.  The nation learned to swing to a whole new sound.  The decade also produced some of the most memorable love songs and infectious happy dance tunes, due to post-World War II optimism. 

Sampling of Pure Gold’s Play List from the 50s:

• Life is But a Dream - The Harptones
• Try Me - James Brown
• Hey Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley
• Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
• Shout – Isley Brothers
  

The 60s.  The “Swingin' Sixties” saw the inauguration and assassination of a beloved president, observed Dr. Martin Luther King deliver his famous speech, and witnessed man walk on the moon.  The shifting politics of the time ushered in an attitude of "anything goes" and young people began to rebel against the conformity of the 50s.  Mod mini skirts were “cool,” fringed vests were “far out” and everyone was doing the The Twist while Motown, Atlantic, Stax, girl groups and folk rock dominated the airwaves. 

Sampling of Pure Gold’s Play List from the 60s:

• The Twist – Hank Ballard/Chubby Checker
• Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes 
• Blue Moon – Marcels
• Twist and Shout - the Isley Brothers
• My Girl – The Temptations
• You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - The Righteous Brothers
• Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
• My Guy - Mary Wells
• Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye

The 70s.   The synthetic seventies were all about freedom and excess.  With the end of the Vietnam War, polyester, disco, streaking and Smiley faces paved the way to a more simple, care-free decade.  While Hammerin’ Hank topped the Babe’s home run record, “The Godfather” ruled the big screen and “All in the Family” proved popular on the small screen.  Bell bottoms were groovy, hot pants were foxy, clogs were far out and Farrah’s flip was dy-no-mite.  Music evolved once again giving us everything from glam rock to the Osmonds, however soul stars continued to shine, introducing us to the Jackson 5, a solo Smokey Robinson and a grown up Stevie Wonder.                       

Sampling of Pure Gold’s Play List from the 70s:

• It’s All in the Game – The Four Tops
• I’ll Be Around – The Spinners
• Love Train – O’Jays
• You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics
• Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel - Tavares