Human Interest

The teen idols dominated the scene for the decades 40s, 50s, 60s. Many of today's performers boast of the experience passing through the teen idol phase of success. These are the heartthrobs that mesmerize swooning crowds of young people. To this day, "They are dream mates who fuel romantic daydreams, and provide a safe release for hormonally-charged emotions. (Source: Teen Idols)." In the 60s, during a time when 'screen images' were just as important as musical talent, marketing focused generally on the image. The teen idol was structured to appeal to the pre-teen and young teen female pop audience member and children in general. Their sheer magnetism was a box office draw.

Today in Music History: August 24, 1967

"It is not unusual for a novel to become a movie. Many classics have resounded their presence decade after decade upon the silver screen. Among the greats are Gone With the Wind, The Great Gatsby, The Last Picture Show, To Kill a Mockingbird, just to name a few. There are also movie series, such as Harry Potter and Twilight. Less known are the songs that have been made into movies. A few that immediately come to mind are Stand By Me, La Bamba, Walk the Line, Cold Miner's Daughter and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. The song in the spotlight today is still going strong over 50 years after its release with the movie being an all-time favorite.

Today in Music History: August 29, 1964

Welcome into the Spotlight...Roy Orbison

"Within the music industry are the singers, songwriters, musicians here today but gone tomorrow. Some hit the charts fast and furious only to become among the many classified as one-hit wonders. Then, upon occasion, there is that one, or group, which fills the pages of music history with hit after hit becoming legends in his or her own time.

Today in Music History: July 15, 1986
Songwriter, storyteller and cat lover, Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, was a singer, guitarist and songwriter whose music innovatively mixed country, rock, blues and gospel influences."

"70s Groovy Times brought into the spotlight Dance, Dance, Dance! Disco was at an all-time high and fashion was absolutely outrageous...on and off stage. One group at the very top of the success ladder was a Swedish quartet who first found fame when they won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. They became one of the most widely known European groups ever and one of the best selling artists of all time. If the name has not yet come to mind, perhaps two of their most popular songs will shake off the cobwebs: Take a Chance on Me and Dancing Queen."

Welcome into the Spotlight...ABBA