Lloyd Price - Stagger Lee - 1958
Lloyd Price - Stagger Lee - 1958
Lloyd Price and "Stagger Lee" (1958)
Lloyd Price was a significant figure in the development of rock and roll during the 1950s. His song "Stagger Lee" from 1958 is a classic example of the storytelling power of music, bringing a folk legend to the mainstream audience. This song is based on the true story of a murder in St. Louis in 1895 and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each adding their own twist to the tale.
Background and Impact
"Stagger Lee," also known as "Stack-O-Lee" or "Stagolee," is a traditional American folk song. The song was adapted by Price and Harold Logan, turning a folk tune into a rock and roll anthem. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating the cross-genre appeal of rock and roll in the late 1950s. The song's success cemented Lloyd Price's position as a key figure in the early years of rock and roll.
Musical Characteristics
The song's musical structure is a classic example of the early rock and roll sound, featuring a strong backbeat, a catchy melody, and Price's distinctive vocal style. The use of brass instruments and a piano also reflects the influence of New Orleans R&B on Price's music.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the Song
What year was "Stagger Lee" released by Lloyd Price? (1958) (!1956) (!1960) (!1959)
What is the theme of "Stagger Lee"? (A murder in St. Louis) (!A love story) (!A road trip) (!A dance party)
Which of the following instruments is prominently featured in "Stagger Lee"? (Brass instruments) (!Guitar) (!Synthesizer) (!Harmonica)
How did "Stagger Lee" perform in the charts? (It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100) (!It did not chart) (!Top 10 on the R&B charts only) (!It was a moderate hit in the UK)
Who co-adapted "Stagger Lee" with Lloyd Price? (Harold Logan) (!Sam Cooke) (!Fats Domino) (!Chuck Berry)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What genre is Lloyd Price primarily associated with? (Rock and roll) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Country)
In which city did Lloyd Price start his music career? (New Orleans) (!Memphis) (!Chicago) (!Detroit)
Apart from "Stagger Lee," which other hit song is Lloyd Price known for? ("Lawdy Miss Clawdy") (!"Blueberry Hill") (!"Jailhouse Rock") (!"Peggy Sue")
What distinctive feature is common in Lloyd Price's music? (Strong backbeat and catchy melody) (!Heavy guitar riffs) (!Complex orchestral arrangements) (!Psychedelic soundscapes)
In which decade did Lloyd Price's career begin? (1950s) (!1940s) (!1960s) (!1970s)
Quiz: Questions on the Lyrics
What event does the song "Stagger Lee" describe? (A murder over a gambling dispute) (!A dance competition) (!A wedding) (!A journey across America)
Who is the victim in the song "Stagger Lee"? (Billy Lyons) (!Johnny B. Goode) (!Eleanor Rigby) (!Lucy in the Sky)
What item leads to the dispute in "Stagger Lee"? (A Stetson hat) (!A pair of shoes) (!A gold watch) (!A car)
In what setting does the confrontation in "Stagger Lee" occur? (A bar) (!A train station) (!A dance hall) (!A street corner)
What is the outcome for Stagger Lee in the song? (He is arrested) (!He escapes town) (!He becomes a local hero) (!He is celebrated in a parade)
Memory
| Lloyd Price | "Stagger Lee" |
| 1958 | Release Year of "Stagger Lee" |
| Harold Logan | Co-adaptor of "Stagger Lee" |
| Number One on Billboard | Chart Achievement of "Stagger Lee" |
| New Orleans R&B | Influence on Lloyd Price's Music |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore the History: Research the true story behind the folk legend of Stagger Lee and write a summary.
- Musical Analysis: Listen to "Stagger Lee" and identify the different instruments you hear.
Standard
- Cover Versions: Find and compare two cover versions of "Stagger Lee" by different artists. What changes did each artist make?
- Creative Writing: Write your own short story or poem inspired by the tale of Stagger Lee.
Difficult
- Music Production: Create your own cover version of "Stagger Lee," incorporating a different musical style.
- Historical Context: Write an essay on how "Stagger Lee" reflects the cultural and social environment of the late 1950s.
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Oral Exam
- Interpretation: Discuss how "Stagger Lee" could be interpreted as a reflection of societal issues in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.
- Influence: Explain the influence of New Orleans R&B on Lloyd Price's music and how it shaped the sound of "Stagger Lee."
- Evolution of Rock: Discuss how "Stagger Lee" contributed to the evolution of rock and roll in the late 1950s.
- Music and Narrative: Analyze how "Stagger Lee" uses music to enhance its storytelling.
- Legacy: Assess the impact of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" on subsequent musicians and genres.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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