The Coasters - Young Blood - 1957
The Coasters - "Young Blood" (1957)
The Coasters are an American rhythm and blues/rock and roll vocal group who had a string of hits in the late 1950s. One of their most famous songs, "Young Blood," released in 1957, is an excellent example of the group's dynamic vocal harmonies and humorous lyrics. The song was a significant hit for The Coasters, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Background and Release
"Young Blood," written by the legendary songwriting trio Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Doc Pomus, showcases The Coasters' unique blend of music and comedy. The song tells a humorous story about a young man smitten by a beautiful girl he sees on the street. The Coasters' performance is marked by playful, storytelling vocals that bring the song's narrative to life.
Musical Style and Influence
The musical style of "Young Blood" combines elements of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and doo-wop. This blend contributed to the development of a distinct style that influenced the evolution of popular music in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The Coasters' use of humor in their songs was also innovative, setting them apart from other groups of the era.
Legacy and Impact
"Young Blood" remains an iconic song, reflecting the spirit of its time and continuing to influence artists and music enthusiasts. The Coasters' ability to combine catchy melodies, humorous lyrics, and charismatic performances made them one of the most memorable groups of the rock and roll era.
To learn more about this era of music, explore related topics like Rock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues, and Doo-Wop on MOOCit.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Young Blood" released? (1957) (!1962) (!1954) (!1960)
Which songwriting trio wrote "Young Blood"? (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Doc Pomus) (!Holland–Dozier–Holland) (!Goffin and King) (!Lennon–McCartney)
What was the highest chart position of "Young Blood" on the Billboard Hot 100? (Number 8) (!Number 1) (!Number 15) (!Number 5)
What unique element did The Coasters bring to "Young Blood"? (Humorous storytelling) (!Complex instrumental solos) (!Operatic vocals) (!Electronic sound effects)
Which musical styles are combined in "Young Blood"? (Rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and doo-wop) (!Jazz, blues, and soul) (!Funk, disco, and pop) (!Country, folk, and bluegrass)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is the genre of The Coasters? (Rhythm and blues/rock and roll) (!Jazz) (!Country) (!Hip-hop)
In which decade did The Coasters gain significant popularity? (1950s) (!1940s) (!1960s) (!1970s)
What distinguishes The Coasters' songs from other groups of their era? (Humor in their lyrics) (!Use of classical instruments) (!Political themes) (!Electronic music elements)
Besides "Young Blood," name another hit song by The Coasters. ("Yakety Yak") (!"Hey Jude") (!"Bohemian Rhapsody") (!"Thriller")
Which of these songwriters was NOT part of the trio that wrote "Young Blood"? (Lennon from Lennon–McCartney) (!Jerry Leiber) (!Mike Stoller) (!Doc Pomus)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the main theme of the lyrics in "Young Blood"? (A young man smitten by a girl) (!A dance party) (!Traveling across the country) (!A breakup)
In "Young Blood," where does the protagonist first see the girl? (On the street) (!In a café) (!At a dance) (!In a park)
How does the protagonist in "Young Blood" describe the girl? (Beautiful and captivating) (!Shy and reserved) (!Mysterious and elusive) (!Outgoing and energetic)
What is a key element of the storytelling style in "Young Blood"? (Playfulness and humor) (!Deep emotion and sadness) (!Anger and frustration) (!Nostalgia and longing)
Which phrase is NOT a lyric from "Young Blood"? (!"She's my pride and joy") ("I can't stay away") ("She looked so tough") ("Love that chick")
Memory
| The Coasters | Rhythm and blues/rock and roll group |
| 1957 | Release year of "Young Blood" |
| Jerry Leiber | Part of the songwriting trio for "Young Blood" |
| Billboard Hot 100 | Chart where "Young Blood" reached number 8 |
| Doo-Wop | One of the musical styles in "Young Blood" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research The Coasters: Find out more about other songs by The Coasters and their impact on the music industry.
- Explore 1950s Music: Listen to other popular songs from the 1950s and compare them to "Young Blood."
- Create a Playlist: Make a playlist of your favorite rhythm and blues and rock and roll songs from the 1950s.
Standard
- Analyze the Lyrics: Write a short essay on the storytelling techniques used in "Young Blood."
- Music Genres Comparison: Compare the musical styles of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and doo-wop, and how they are blended in "Young Blood."
- Study Influences: Investigate how The Coasters and "Young Blood" influenced later musicians and bands.
Difficult
- Creative Writing: Write a modern version of a story similar to "Young Blood," using contemporary music styles.
- Music and Culture: Explore how the music of The Coasters reflects the cultural and social changes of the late 1950s.
- Perform a Cover: Arrange and perform your own version of "Young Blood," either solo or with a group.
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Oral Exam
- Comparing Eras: Discuss how the themes in "Young Blood" would be different if the song was written in today's music scene.
- Music Evolution: Explain the evolution of rhythm and blues into rock and roll, using "Young Blood" as an example.
- Lyrics Analysis: Analyze the humor in "Young Blood" and its effectiveness in storytelling within the song.
- Influence of Comedy: Discuss the role of humor in music and its impact on the listener, referencing The Coasters.
- Cultural Reflection: Explain how "Young Blood" reflects the social and cultural context of the 1950s.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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