The Platters - The Great Pretender - 1955
The Platters - The Great Pretender - 1955
The Platters - "The Great Pretender" - 1955
The Platters were a pioneering American vocal group in the early era of rock and roll. Their song "The Great Pretender", released in 1955, is an iconic track that showcases the group's smooth harmonies and the rise of doo-wop music. This song not only represents a significant moment in music history but also reflects the social and cultural shifts of the 1950s. Let's dive into the fascinating world of "The Great Pretender" and its impact.
Background and Release
"The Great Pretender" was written by Buck Ram, the manager and producer of The Platters. Released in 1955, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a number one hit on the R&B and pop charts in the United States. Its success helped The Platters gain international fame.
Musical Style and Influence
The song's style is a blend of doo-wop and early rock and roll, characterized by its smooth harmonies and a simple yet catchy melody. The Platters' rendition of "The Great Pretender" played a crucial role in the popularization of doo-wop music in the mainstream. It influenced numerous artists and groups in the following decades.
Cultural Impact
"The Great Pretender" resonated with audiences for its theme of heartache and pretending to be fine when one is not. Its emotional depth, coupled with The Platters' expressive delivery, made it a timeless classic. The song also reflects the broader cultural themes of the 1950s, including the pursuit of the American Dream and the complexities of personal identity in a rapidly changing world.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "The Great Pretender" released? (1955) (!1956) (!1957) (!1954)
Who wrote "The Great Pretender"? (Buck Ram) (!Berry Gordy) (!Sam Cooke) (!Lionel Richie)
What style of music does "The Great Pretender" primarily represent? (Doo-wop and early rock and roll) (!Jazz) (!Blues) (!Soul)
Which record label released "The Great Pretender"? (Mercury Records) (!Motown Records) (!Atlantic Records) (!Capitol Records)
What was the song's main theme? (Heartache and pretending to be fine) (!Celebration and joy) (!Political protest) (!Romantic love)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which group performed "The Great Pretender"? (The Platters) (!The Drifters) (!The Coasters) (!The Supremes)
In which decade did The Platters gain fame? (1950s) (!1960s) (!1940s) (!1970s)
How many members did The Platters originally have? (Five) (!Four) (!Six) (!Three)
What other hit song is The Platters known for? ("Only You") (!"My Girl") (!"Stand By Me") (!"What's Going On")
Which member of The Platters had a distinctive lead voice in many of their hits? (Tony Williams) (!David Ruffin) (!Smokey Robinson) (!Otis Williams)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the singer pretending to be in "The Great Pretender"? (Happy and in love) (!Sad and lonely) (!Rich and successful) (!Young and carefree)
Which line follows "Oh-oh, yes I'm the great pretender"? (Pretending that I'm doing well) (!Wishing that my love was real) (!Dreaming of a better day) (!Hoping for your return)
What does the singer pretend not to see? (Tears) (!Smiles) (!The past) (!Shadows)
What does the singer claim to do in his room? (Dream) (!Cry) (!Sing) (!Dance)
What is the singer pretending about his need for love? (That he doesn't need it) (!That it's fulfilled) (!That it's unimportant) (!That it's overwhelming)
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic. Insert suitable texts (at least 5 pairs) using exactly the following format, write only the text and leave no characters out, do not transform anything into a table, etc.
| The Platters | 1950s Vocal Group |
| "The Great Pretender" | 1955 Hit Song |
| Buck Ram | Songwriter |
| Doo-wop | Musical Style |
| Tony Williams | Lead Singer |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research the 1950s: Explore the cultural and musical landscape of the 1950s and how it influenced groups like The Platters.
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of doo-wop songs from the 1950s, including "The Great Pretender."
- Song Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "The Great Pretender" and discuss its themes of heartache and pretense.
Standard
- Musical Comparison: Compare "The Great Pretender" to another hit song from the 1950s, focusing on themes and musical styles.
- Biography Project: Write a short biography on one of The Platters' members, focusing on their contribution to the group.
- Performance Review: Watch a performance of "The Great Pretender" and write a review, focusing on vocal harmonies and stage presence.
Difficult
- Cultural Impact Essay: Write an essay on the cultural impact of "The Great Pretender" during the 1950s and its relevance today.
- Music and Society: Explore how "The Great Pretender" reflects the societal changes and attitudes of the 1950s.
- Musical Evolution Project: Trace the evolution of doo-wop music, using "The Great Pretender" as a starting point, and discuss its influence on later musical genres.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Evolution: Discuss how the themes in "The Great Pretender" reflect the societal changes of the 1950s.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "The Great Pretender" with a modern song, focusing on themes and musical styles.
- Impact on Music Industry: Discuss the impact of The Platters and their music on the music industry of the 1950s.
- Influence on Artists: Talk about how "The Great Pretender" influenced other artists and genres that followed.
- Musical Legacy: Discuss the legacy of "The Great Pretender" and its place in music history.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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