Written by Charissa Roberson
Imagine that you are spinning the radio dial as you hit an “oldies” station—that breed of music America jammed to from the 1950s-70s. Get an earful of classic rock guitars humming of summer nights and neon lights to R&B drumbeats that make you want to tap your hand against the steering wheel. You’d hear iconic singers harmonizing with brass instruments and dazzling guitar and keyboard solos—just as excellent live as on record. In the best songs, lyrics were as memorable as melodies. Kansas’ rock ballad inspired listeners with its call to “Carry On, My Wayward Son” (1975), while The Temptations’ soulful hit romanced sweethearts with “My Girl” (1965). Parties still kick their heels up to The Isley Brothers’ “Shout” (1959) or dance to Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” (1957). Queen transformed stadium crowds forever with their unforgettable refrain “We Will Rock You” (1977), and David Bowie crooned of those “Golden Years” (1975) where nothing could go wrong. You don’t have to have grown up in the sixties to remember those feelings. Let that oldies station play—and let it take you back.
