Tuesday, October 7, 2008

German music in the '60s and '70s

I thought it's about time to tell you something about the 60s and 70s music culture in Germany.

Here is another history lesson. Attention, please.

In the first years after the Second World War, the German public had little time for music entertainment. That's why they listened to the radio, the music of which mainly came from the U.S. or England (sometimes also from France). But when the American phenomenon of rock music spilled over to Germany, the German citizens got into the enthusiastic excitement.
New styles such as rockabilly, R'n'B, Doo-wop, soul and folk rock were integrated into the German culture. A lot of cover versions of famous American hits have been sung in the German language. Also popular during that time: new international dance styles like bossa nova, tango, etc. Other European countries such as Greece and Hungary also sent out successful singers and styles. But, mainly, the original American and British singers topped the charts in Germany; German musicians were hardly higher ranked than in the Top 5.

By the early British Invasion (Beatles, the Rolling Stones, etc.) almost all the German bands disappeared from the German charts. Strangely, there was hardly a German musician after 1965 who still made real "rock". Instead, the German singer-songwriters sang ballads, novelties and so-called "Schlager" (German folk music) - not only successful among young people, but also among the older generations.
"Schlager" is not politically influenced - it's a kind of "easy listening" music. The bands and artists sing about love and how beautiful the world is. No deep thoughts, no messages - "Schlager" wanted to entertain the audience, especially after the war.
Even today, this attitude is not changed. The music scene is as unpolitical as it can be. More important than to reveal a political view or issue is having a good time together, singing along with the songs and listening to the melodies. Also important to mention about the German "Schlager" music scene: The style of the music hasn't been changed, either. The melodies are very much the same today as they were in the 70s.

This "Schlager" retained its exclusive place in the German music scene through the 70s: almost all German hits from this time are not rock songs, but are "Schlager". The exceptions are only those individuals who made avantgard or unusual music, just like the new electronic bands (e.g. Kraftwerk) and the (very few) German country singers. And it must also be mentioned that a handful of German songwriters like Udo Jürgens and Marius Mueller-Westernhagen from the'70s are still very successful.


This is the German theme song of the world-famous Tom and Jerry cartoons - by the German musician Udo Jürgens:

No comments: