Back Beat: The Soundtrack of our Generation
Because of back beat, our generation lived through one of the most consequential evolutions in popular music, a change that profoundly affected and reflected our view of the world.
What is back beat?
Quick definition: “back beat” is a musical term that establishes a particular structure for a song. Think about the structure of measures in songs: Four beats to a measure: 1-2-3-4.
In the music of our parents’ generations and before, the emphasis in a song would be on notes 1 and 3. 1-2-3-4.
For example, think about a line in a standard Everly Brothers tune, “All I Have to Do is Dream,” recorded in 1958:
Compare that rhythm to what would become rock and roll. Full-out game changer, mostly by shifting the emphasis in every 4-beat line to notes 2 and 4. 1-2–3–4. There it is: BACK BEAT. Listen to “Johnnie B. Goode” recorded by Chuck Berry in 1958:
We boomers didn’t invent the back beat, of course. It has been a feature of jazz, blues, African-American music and gospel music for many generations. But the confluence of counter-culture, an activating musical style, and generational discard of standard, accepted norms and behavioral rules, is a perfect alignment.
Who Led the Way?
Popular music following World War II was mellow, popular, fun and universal. Artists like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Patti Page, Glen Miller and Perry Como led the way for groups like The Everly Brothers, The Platters, and the Shirelles, and single artists like Sam Cooke, Bobby Vinton, Fats Waller and Neil Sedaka.
But cultural change was on the way and artists began discovering the power and excitement of back beat rhythms. So now, here comes rock and roll: Buddy Holly, Bill Haley and the Comets, and Chuck Berry.
And then came Elvis. Drawing on the ideas and early successes and energies that were building, Elvis took it all to a new level, beginning in the late 1950s. Then came the fabulous 1960s, fueled by the British Invasion.
The Beatles took the baton handed to them by Elvis, and we were all off and running. So much talent and excitement in the popular music of the 60s, still resonating for all of us. Who among us does not take pleasure in a ‘60s station that plays music by the Rolling Stones, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Otis Redding and Crosby, Stills and Nash?
So, What Now? What’s Next?
So much great music for all of us to have, now, at the touch of our iPhone screens. We have it nall available to us—Disco, Hip Hop, Heavy Metal, Funk, Rap, so many styles.
So, when I pick up my guitar (or sit down at my keyboard), what do I want to play? As a boomer, I almost always go back to the core of rock and roll, and find the most satisfaction in playing tunes with a robust back beat. (Wait—did I say “Satisfaction”? Move over, Mick Jagger.)
OK, how about trying some reggae? I just saw the new Bob Marley movie and got inspired. Old dog, new tricks? We’ll see! Meanwhile, here’s a verse of Chuck Berry lyrics to close out:
Just let me hear some of that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a back beat, you can’t lose it
Any old time you use it
Gotta be rock and roll music
If you wanna dance with me