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4 Bands Formed in 1962 That Shaped Popular Music as We Know It
Four influential bands formed in 1962 as rock music was expanding beyond rockabilly and blues to draw on folk, soul, R&B and pop. Their work helped shape popular music, from the Rolling Stones’ enduring career to the Animals’ role in connecting folk and rock.
The Rolling Stones began playing as the Rollin’ Stones in summer 1962 and continued performing into the 2020s. The Animals, first known as the Alan Price Combo, released a version of “House of the Rising Sun” that the article says helped persuade Bob Dylan to go electric. The Hollies made their debut under that name in Manchester in December; Booker T. & the M.G.’s grew from Stax Records’ house band into a group known for instrumentals such as “Green Onions” and “Time Is Tight”.
In short
- Four influential groups formed in 1962.
- Their styles helped broaden rock music.
- Their legacy spans enduring careers and hit songs.
Explained simply
In the early 1960s, rock music was taking shape from several traditions, including blues, folk, rhythm and blues, soul and pop. Bands began bringing these sounds together, helping create styles that would influence later musicians and popular music.
The Rolling Stones became known for a long career as a performing band, while the Animals connected folk songs with rock audiences. The Hollies emerged from Manchester, and Booker T. & the M.G.’s grew out of Stax Records, a Memphis label whose house band made instrumentals including “Green Onions”.
Their different paths show how the music of the period developed across Britain and the United States. Knowing these groups helps explain the roots of later rock and pop, and the role played by both touring bands and studio musicians.
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