On Wednesday, May 1, 2013
After doing a small listening study involving bands such as the Boswell Sisters, Django Reinhardt and Louis Armstrong I've decided I'm in the wrong era. On a serious note these famous musicians were interesting to hear not only because they had such a different direction than today's musicians but because they were not concerned with marketing.
There is a huge difference between branding yourself in the 40's and 50's than there is now. We have instant access to our favorite singers via internet radios. Today's musicians are very concerned about how they look, how big their tours are and if their songs are instant hits on YouTube. They are under constant visual scrutiny. With voice alterations through the computer their live performances don't even need to be authentic.
Older artists such as Louis Armstrong proved themselves by singing common songs and by the pure brass of their voice. They had to sound like angels and work with live audiences. Often singers would get together and need to know how to perform well with other talented artists. The focus was on their voice not their looks.
