The Everly Brothers - Wake Up Little Susie - 1957
The Everly Brothers - Wake Up Little Susie - 1957
The Everly Brothers - "Wake Up Little Susie" (1957)
The Everly Brothers were an influential American rock and country music duo, known for their close harmony singing style. Their song "Wake Up Little Susie," released in 1957, became one of their most famous hits and a classic of the rock 'n' roll era. This song, with its catchy tune and engaging storyline, holds a special place in the history of popular music.
Background and Release
"Wake Up Little Susie" was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and recorded by the Everly Brothers. Released in 1957, the song was a notable hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Pop and Country charts. The song's story revolves around a young couple who fall asleep at the movies and wake up long after midnight, concerned about the societal implications of their tardiness.
Musical Style and Influence
The Everly Brothers' music style blended rock 'n' roll with country, which was a relatively new concept at the time. Their harmonious vocals and guitar-driven sound were influential in the development of genres like folk-rock, country rock, and beat music. "Wake Up Little Susie" exemplifies this blend, combining a catchy rock 'n' roll rhythm with country-flavored guitar playing.
Controversy and Cultural Impact
Despite its popularity, "Wake Up Little Susie" faced controversy upon its release. The song was banned by some radio stations due to its suggestive lyrics, which implied that the couple had spent the night together. This controversy, however, only served to increase the song's popularity among the youth of the time. The song is often regarded as a subtle commentary on the conservative societal norms of the 1950s.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Wake Up Little Susie" released? (1957) (!1959) (!1961) (!1955)
Who wrote "Wake Up Little Susie"? (Felice and Boudleaux Bryant) (!The Everly Brothers) (!Elvis Presley) (!Chuck Berry)
What genre does "Wake Up Little Susie" primarily belong to? (Rock 'n' Roll) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Pop)
What was the unique aspect of The Everly Brothers' music style in "Wake Up Little Susie"? (Blend of Rock 'n' Roll and Country) (!Use of Synthesizers) (!Heavy Metal Influences) (!Rap Elements)
Why was "Wake Up Little Susie" controversial? (Implied that the couple spent the night together) (!Explicit language) (!Political content) (!Use of electric guitar)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which country are The Everly Brothers originally from? (United States) (!United Kingdom) (!Australia) (!Canada)
The Everly Brothers are primarily known for their... (Close harmony singing) (!Dance moves) (!Instrumental solos) (!Costumes)
Which of these is another hit song by The Everly Brothers? ("Bye Bye Love") (!"Hound Dog") (!"Johnny B. Goode") (!"Peggy Sue")
How did The Everly Brothers influence future music genres? (Their style contributed to the development of folk-rock and country rock) (!They pioneered electronic music) (!They introduced rap into mainstream music) (!They were pioneers in classical music adaptations)
The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in... (1986) (!1979) (!1990) (!2001)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
In "Wake Up Little Susie," where did the couple fall asleep? (At the movies) (!At a concert) (!In a park) (!At a diner)
What is the main concern of the couple in "Wake Up Little Susie"? (The societal implications of waking up late) (!Missing a TV show) (!Losing their jobs) (!Forgetting an appointment)
How does the song "Wake Up Little Susie" end? (The couple decides to go home and face the music) (!They go back to sleep) (!They run away) (!They go for breakfast)
What does "Wake Up Little Susie" subtly comment on? (Conservative societal norms of the 1950s) (!The importance of punctuality) (!Teenage rebellion) (!The rise of rock 'n' roll)
Which instrument is prominently featured in "Wake Up Little Susie"? (Guitar) (!Piano) (!Saxophone) (!Drums)
Memory
| The Everly Brothers | Influential American rock and country music duo |
| "Wake Up Little Susie" | Released in 1957 |
| Felice and Boudleaux Bryant | Songwriters of "Wake Up Little Susie" |
| Rock 'n' Roll and Country | The Everly Brothers' music style |
| Controversial lyrics | Suggestive theme in "Wake Up Little Susie" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research the 1950s: Investigate the societal norms and culture of the 1950s in America, focusing on how they might have influenced the reception of "Wake Up Little Susie."
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of songs from the 1950s that share similar themes or styles with "Wake Up Little Susie."
Standard
- Analyze the Lyrics: Write a detailed analysis of the lyrics of "Wake Up Little Susie," exploring its themes and cultural references.
- The Everly Brothers' Influence: Research and present on how The Everly Brothers influenced future music genres.
Difficult
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "Wake Up Little Susie" with a modern song that faced similar controversies. Analyze the societal reactions in both eras.
- Musical Style Evolution: Explore how the blend of rock 'n' roll and country music in "Wake Up Little Susie" influenced the development of other music genres.
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Oral Exam
- Cultural Impact: Discuss the cultural impact of "Wake Up Little Susie" in the 1950s and how it reflects the societal norms of that era.
- Music Evolution: Explain how the musical style of The Everly Brothers contributed to the evolution of music genres in the following decades.
- Controversy and Popularity: Analyze the relationship between controversy and popularity in music, using "Wake Up Little Susie" as a case study.
- Lyrical Interpretation: Interpret the lyrics of "Wake Up Little Susie" in the context of the 1950s culture versus modern-day perceptions.
- Influential Artists: Discuss how The Everly Brothers' style and success influenced other artists in the late 1950s and beyond.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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