Gene Simmons explains why Rock and Roll should mean Rock and Roll 2014
The title of this article seems a bit strange. I will put it another way the,
Rock and Roll and Hip Hop do mix, doesn't it?
However, if you read further into this article, it will all make sense to you.
This article still brings out a divide of opinion if you are a music lover I may add.
This was more evident when Gene Simmonds aired his views about the matter. Some years ago
The 1970s Rock group called Kiss, and its frontman known as Gene Simmons has taken part in an interview with the Radio station known as Radio.com (USA) - (On the 12th March 2014) - Gene Simmonds Interview Radio.com - 12th March 2014
A few questions were thrown at him that produce a reaction regarding the reasoning and allowance of Pop, Disco, and Rap acts to be included in the Rock and Roll awards ceremonies.
The 64-year-old frontman isn't too pleased with the makeup of the committee (which is all men) for a start: and the allowance to make space for music genders such as Hip-Hop, Disco, and Pop acts to be included within these awards known as the Rock and Roll hall of fame. Made him even angrier.
Kiss (The 1970s ROCK GROUP) themselves have finally been inducted into the rock & Roll hall of fame.
However, Mr. Simmons is not happy with the way it goes about selecting certain artist/s or acts to receive such a prestigious award.
Below I have included part of the interview that was conducted with Mr.Simmons and Radio.com on the 12th of March 2014.
At last year’s ceremony, Neil Peart of Rush said, “We’ve been saying for years that this isn’t a big deal. Turns out: it kind of is!”
Do you feel any sense that this is a big deal, after being overlooked for so long?
Yes and no: it’s a big deal, except that it’s a big deal to the fans, especially to the older fans.
I have no beef with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
You go on with your bad self and get more disco artists. Get the Boston Pops Orchestra to be inducted!
A long time ago it was diluted. It’s backroom politics, like Boss Tweed. A few people decide what’s in and what’s not. And the masses just scratch their heads.
You’ve got Grandmaster Flash in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Run-D.M.C. in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
You’re killing me! That doesn’t mean those aren’t good artists. But they don’t play guitar. They sample and they talk. Not even sing!
Last year, Donna Summer was inducted, were you happy to see that finally happen?
What do you mean ‘finally?’ Donna was my next-door neighbor for many years, I knew and liked her, she was on my [1978] (*Gene Simmons - Kiss).
But if you asked Donna, ‘What kind of artist are you?’ do you think she would say ‘rock?’
If you asked her, ‘What kind of artist are you?’ do you think she would say, ‘Oh, rock!’ So what the hell are they doing in the Hall of Fame?
They can run their organization any way they’d like, but it ain’t rock! It just isn’t! If you don’t play guitar and you don’t write your songs, you don’t belong there.
The Rock and Roll hall of fame first added its first Hip-Hop act in the year 2007.
That act was Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5.
In 2014, LL Cool J and N.W.W were nominated but were not inducted.
Reginald C Dennis of the Rock and Roll Hall of fame website - states this -
"In 2010 cultural diversity is the fulcrum that turns the world of culture.
Today’s generation has never known a world without the cross-pollinating effects of BET and MTV.
Their musical heroes are just as likely to rap as sing and many are proficient at both as a matter of course.
Rappers perform with live bands and DJs often accompany rock groups.
Samplers and drum machines are legitimate means to an end and the sales of turntables nearly equal those of guitars.
The 21st century is the age of the cultural mash-up, digital age where all things are welcome, equal, and accepted.
It’s what Afrika Bambaataa called “Planet Rock.”
Should Hip-hop, Disco, and Pop music be given a separate award?
Hmmmmmm... I have been thinking about this quite hard. I have concluded that I don't think there should be.
For example, can you say thatthe Beatles and the Beach Boys were straight-out Rock groups?
Yes, I agree, that both of them, included within their huge repertoire of songs, had a large amount of Rock style songs in their lockers.
However, many of the tracks that WE liked from them are considered pop standards today. And we are talking about the big tracks from these groups such as "Yesterday, God only knows, Hey Jude, California Girls", and the list goes on.
I believe that when this ceremony was set up it should not have been geared towards the music of just Rock and roll.
For instance who makes Rock and Roll music these days anyway, if we were to take the words of the award literally?
If you were to take the words "Rock music" quite literally instead then the quality of Rock acts coming through to the music has dwindled.
I haven't seen an AD/DC, Foreigner, The Who, Slade, White snake, Aero Smith, Oasis, Def Leopard, Kiss, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Arctic Monkeys, etc act coming through in years.
To be fair it has been Rap/Hip-hop music that has been pushing the envelope of modern-day music development in my opinion.
By utilizing the music of Rap and Rock fusion (i.e. Run DMC and the Beastie Boys) they created a new understanding of the two music standards for both sets of fans via the music.
Taking the music of Jazz away from the enthusiasts and elitists of the music and fusing it with Hip-hop (Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Stezzasonic), has allowed the music of Jazz to reach more people once again and truly appreciate its appeal.
The production work in creating beats and curating samples has allowed people to understand how difficult it can be to present something pleasing to the ears.
For instance, listen to the sample that was taken by Kanye West. Please listen to the original record of - Ray Charles - 'I got a Woman' (1954)
Then listen to Kanye West's track that is called -"Gold digger" - 2005.
It is still a great jam and in my opinion the better of the two tracks.
Such has been the development of samples and beats within Hip-Hop music.
Hip-Hop producers such as Timberland, DJ Premier, Prince Paul, Jazzy Jeff, Dr.Dre, Dj Quick, Marley Marl, RZA, Pete Rock, J Dilla (Rip), and Madlib (just to name a few):
Have amazed the world of music by using very short snippets of Classical music, Indian music, African music, Reggae, Rock, Punk rock, Funk, Soul, Jazz, House, and even Rock and Roll music to create outstanding musical ideas and new sounds for Rappers to rap over or for Soul or RNB Singers to sing over. That had not been thought of.
Many in the music business do not consider the technique of sampling as being authentic enough to be classed as creating music properly.
Well, you try using a 5-second sample of an Indian chant into something palatable. Groovy even?
It's much harder than you think to do and do well enough for people to book you.
Enough of my ranting.
I would love for people to come forth with their ideas or voice on this matter.
Is Gene Simmonds right?
Should there be a separate award for other kinds of music, and leave Rock Music alone?
Please respond to this article via email. We would love to hear your thoughts!
Well, that's all folks for me now anyway.
Please
Dj Mistri and the Electric Soul Show © www.electricsoulshow.com
