Thursday, May 06, 2010

When Guys Could Still Sing

Before the British rock invasion took America completely by storm, male rock vocalists still knew how to sing. Maybe they weren't Sinatra or Crosby or Dean Martin but these guys knew how to deliver a uniquely-styled song. That was between 1960 an 1966, before singing was edged out by hollering and screaming.

Whether or not you liked the person behind the singer or despite the fact that their style of music wasn't exactly your cup of tea, you had to admit that these guys knew how to sing. On top of that, people still knew how to write music for male crooners who represented the "other side" of the 1960's music scene. Here's a baker's dozen of songs that'll show you what I'm talking about.

1. Elvis Presley – It's Now Or Never (1960)
2. Gene Pitney – Town Without Pity (1961)
3. Elvis Presley – Such A Night (1961)
4. Elvis Presley – Suspicion (1961)
5. Del Shannon – Runaway (1961)
6. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons – Walk Like A Man (1963)
7. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons - Rag Doll (1964)
8. Bobby Vinton – Blue Velvet (1963)
9. Bobby Vinton – Blue Moon (1963)
10. Bobby Vinton – Mr. Lonely (1964)
11. Righteous Brothers – You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (1965)
12. Lou Christie – Lightnin' Strikes (1965)
13. Neil Diamond – Cherry, Cherry (1966)

Thank you, YouTube, for helping to keep these male rock vocalists and their unique music alive.