60s music
Groove along to Beat Media's breakdown of the bands, artists, songs and culture that defined the 60s.
The Best of Country 1950s
“It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” is a country song from 1952 written by J.D. “Jay” Miller. It was recorded by the American country music singer Kitty Wells. It was an answer song to the Hank Thompson hit “The Wild Side of Life.” It became the first number one Billboard Country chart hit for a solo woman artist. In 1998 this recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been preserved by the National Recording Registry.
By Rasma Raisters2 months ago in Beat
'Friends'
The year 1968 was one of the most tumultuous years in both the history of the United States and the world. The Vietnam War continued to rage with no end in sight. Politically motivated assassinations such as that of Democratic Presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy as well as anti-war protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in August made the headlines that year.
By Sean Callaghan2 months ago in Beat
Zipho Memela on How Recording Formats Influence Sound. Content Warning.
Zipho Memela, the South African artist, entrepreneur, and musical innovator, is deeply familiar with the nuances of sound. From producing raw, energetic hip-hop in Durban to crafting the sophisticated reinterpretations of his "Vivaldi Project," Memela understands that the medium is part of the message. The recording format chosen by an artist or engineer is not merely a technical decision; it fundamentally shapes the listener's experience, influencing the texture, warmth, clarity, and emotion of the final audio product.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
Zipho Memela and Ethnomusicology in Modern Film Scores. Content Warning.
Zipho Memela, the South African creative polymath whose journey from hip-hop prodigy to classical innovator has captured global attention, embodies a profound truth about music: its inseparable link to culture and narrative. While Memela’s projects span the worlds of composition and entrepreneurship, his artistic trajectory offers a masterclass in the principles of ethnomusicology—the study of music within its social and cultural context. In the realm of modern film, this approach has become an indispensable tool for crafting authentic and emotionally resonant scores.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
Zipho Memela on the Profound Benefits of Singing. Content Warning.
South African creative visionary Zipho Memela, known for his dynamic shift from a childhood hip-hop star to an innovative entrepreneur and classical composer, has always been deeply attuned to the power of the human voice. Beyond its artistic expression, the simple act of singing offers a remarkable array of scientifically proven benefits for both physical and mental well-being, a phenomenon Memela's career implicitly champions.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
The Universal Current: Zipho Memela on Music’s Role in Shaping Social Connections. Content Warning.
Zipho Memela, the South African creative polymath who transitioned from a child hip-hop prodigy to a "million-dollar tycoon" and now a classical innovator, has always understood that music is far more than just sound and rhythm; it is the fundamental architecture of human connection. His career, spanning diverse genres and global stages, consistently illustrates music's unique power to bridge divides, foster empathy, and build communities from the ground up.
By Kin Mancook2 months ago in Beat
Sing Along with Paul Anka
Canadian singer Paul Anka was among the most influential singers and songwriters in music history. His career spanned over six decades and his hits were in various music genres, such as pop, rock, jazz, and country. He was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
By Rasma Raisters2 months ago in Beat
Grammy Nominations 2026: A Celebration of Music, Diversity, and Creative Evolution
Every year, the Grammy Awards capture the world’s attention as music’s biggest night. The Grammy nominations 2026 continue that legacy, showcasing both iconic superstars and rising voices who have redefined creativity across genres.
By KAMRAN AHMAD2 months ago in Beat
Solitary Man
American singer and songwriter Neil Leslie Diamond has sold over 130 million records all over the globe and became one of the best selling musicians of all time. In 1984 he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2011 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2018 Diamond received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
By Rasma Raisters2 months ago in Beat
Peter Drake: The Gentle Genius of Nashville’s Steel Guitar
In the long history of recorded music, there are figures whose influence can be heard everywhere, even if their names are not immediately recognised. One such figure is Pete or Peter Drake, the Nashville producer and pedal steel guitarist whose quiet innovation helped shape country, pop, and rock through the 1960s and beyond. His sound was subtle, but once heard, impossible to forget — a warm, bending tone that seemed to sing.
By Retired Teacher from Haydon Bridge School, Northumberland2 months ago in Beat
