Little Eva - The Loco-Motion - 1962
Little Eva and "The Loco-Motion"
Little Eva's "The Loco-Motion" is an iconic song that made waves in the early 1960s. This catchy tune not only topped the charts but also became a dance craze, illustrating the interplay between popular music and dance culture. Let's dive into the history, impact, and legacy of Little Eva and her hit song.
The Story Behind the Song
"The Loco-Motion" was written by the dynamic songwriting duo, Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Initially, it was intended for Dee Dee Sharp, but she turned it down. Little Eva, born Eva Boyd, was actually the Goffin-King's babysitter. When they heard her singing around the house, they realized she had the perfect voice for their song. The song was released in 1962 and quickly climbed to the top of the charts, becoming a symbol of the dance crazes that defined the early 60s.
The Dance Craze
"The Loco-Motion" didn't just become famous for its catchy tune; it also sparked a dance craze. The song included instructions on how to do the dance, making it accessible and fun for a wide audience. This phenomenon of dance-centric songs was particularly prominent in the 1960s, and "The Loco-Motion" was one of the most notable examples.
Little Eva's Career
Following the success of "The Loco-Motion," Little Eva continued to record music, but she never replicated the immense success of her debut single. Nonetheless, she remained an important figure in the music industry and a symbol of the 60s pop and dance culture.
The Song's Legacy
"The Loco-Motion" has been covered by various artists over the years, including a famous version by Kylie Minogue in the 1980s. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy melody, danceable rhythm, and the universal appeal of pop music.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "The Loco-Motion" released? (1962) (!1958) (!1965) (!1970)
Who were the original songwriters of "The Loco-Motion"? (Gerry Goffin and Carole King) (!Lennon and McCartney) (!Brian Wilson) (!Holland-Dozier-Holland)
Which artist turned down "The Loco-Motion" before it was offered to Little Eva? (Dee Dee Sharp) (!Aretha Franklin) (!Diana Ross) (!Tina Turner)
What was Little Eva's occupation before she became famous for "The Loco-Motion"? (Babysitter) (!School teacher) (!Radio DJ) (!Backup dancer)
Which 1980s artist famously covered "The Loco-Motion"? (Kylie Minogue) (!Madonna) (!Whitney Houston) (!Cyndi Lauper)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is Little Eva's real name? (Eva Boyd) (!Eva Smith) (!Eva Johnson) (!Eva Williams)
Which songwriting duo discovered Little Eva? (Gerry Goffin and Carole King) (!Lennon and McCartney) (!Simon and Garfunkel) (!Jagger and Richards)
In which decade did Little Eva gain fame? (1960s) (!1950s) (!1970s) (!1980s)
What genre of music is "The Loco-Motion" primarily associated with? (Pop) (!Rock) (!Soul) (!Disco)
Little Eva's "The Loco-Motion" was her... (Debut single) (!Second single) (!Third single) (!Fourth single)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the first line of "The Loco-Motion"? ("Everybody's doing a brand-new dance, now") (!"Come on baby, do the Loco-Motion") (!"Move around the floor in a locomotion") (!"Come on, come on, do the Loco-Motion with me")
What do the lyrics suggest you need to do to do the Loco-Motion? ("Swing your hips now") (!"Clap your hands") (!"Stomp your feet") (!"Jump in the air")
According to the song, what will happen if you do the Loco-Motion? ("You'll get to like it if you give it a chance now") (!"You'll become a star overnight") (!"You'll fall in love") (!"You'll never stop dancing")
How does the song describe the Loco-Motion? ("A little bit of rhythm and a lot of soul") (!"A crazy dance that will make you lose control") (!"The latest trend that's sweeping the nation") (!"An easy dance that's fun for all")
What is the song's invitation to the listener? ("Come on, come on, do the Loco-Motion with me") (!"Let's hit the dance floor and move") (!"Join the crowd and dance all night") (!"Feel the beat and let yourself go")
Memory
| Little Eva | "The Loco-Motion" |
| 1962 | Year of release |
| Gerry Goffin and Carole King | Songwriters |
| Dance craze | Associated with the song |
| Kylie Minogue | Famous cover artist |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore the 1960s: Research other popular songs and dance crazes from the 1960s. Create a playlist of these songs.
- Music and Movement: Learn the dance steps to "The Loco-Motion" and teach them to friends or family.
- Song Analysis: Listen to "The Loco-Motion" and write down the instruments you can hear in the song.
Standard
- Songwriting Inspiration: Write your own song inspired by "The Loco-Motion," focusing on a fun and easy-to-learn dance.
- Music Comparison: Compare Little Eva's version of "The Loco-Motion" with Kylie Minogue's version. Discuss the differences in style and production.
- Dance Tutorial Creation: Create a video tutorial teaching the Loco-Motion dance.
Difficult
- Interview Project: Conduct interviews with people who were teenagers in the 1960s. Ask them about their memories of "The Loco-Motion" and other dance crazes.
- Music's Cultural Impact: Write an essay on how "The Loco-Motion" reflects the cultural and social aspects of the early 1960s.
- Dance Evolution: Research how dance crazes have evolved over the decades and present your findings in a multimedia presentation.
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Oral Exam
- Music and Culture: Discuss how songs like "The Loco-Motion" influence and reflect cultural trends and societal attitudes.
- Artistic Expression: Explore the role of dance in expressing emotions and ideas in music. Use examples from different genres.
- The Role of Songwriters: Discuss the impact of songwriters like Goffin and King on popular music.
- Cover Versions: Analyze how cover versions can transform the meaning or appeal of a song, using "The Loco-Motion" as an example.
- Music and Memory: Discuss the role of music in preserving and evoking personal and collective memories.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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