Music has been our form or channel of self-expression, and it has changed over time. From classical to modern, music has now developed and branched into subgenres that have earned musicians their rightful spots in musical history and even in the industry. The evolution of people’s taste in music has grown from old music videos in Washington, DC, such as various forms of jazz (Bebop, Big Band, Afro-Cuban Avant Garde), to the modern day (straight-ahead, smooth jazz), to rock and roll, R&B, funk, and pop, to name a few of the varying genres of trending music we have today.
Since the beginning of time, music has been an essential component of human culture. Over the years, people’s tastes in music have evolved and changed in response to social, cultural, and technological changes. Let’s explore the evolution of people’s taste in music as time passes, focusing on our self-titled album Fathers Children on Mercury Records and culminating with the current album, which is untitled at the moment.
- The 1960s and early 1970s: Social and Political Consciousness
The 1960s were a time of social and political upheaval in the United States, but they were also a period of musical innovation and creativity.
- Rock and Roll and artists like Little Richard, Elvis, and Chuck Berry emerged.
- The Motown sound was born, and groups like The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, and The Supremes thrived.
- The United States was also impacted by foreign groups like the Beatles and The Who.
- In the late 60s and early 70s, we were known as the Flower Child Movement, advocating “make love, not war” in protest against the Vietnam War.
- Our group, Fathers Children, formed by four childhood friends, reflected the social milieu of the time in their early music.
- In 1979, we released an album of the same name that featured a special fusion of funk, R&B, soul, and rock.
- Our album included songs about love, life, education, and more, such as “Linda” and “Intellect.”
Our group, which had been playing together for quite a while, released its self-titled album in 1979. Our album showcased the band’s unique sound and style, which combined elements of funk, soul, rock, and R&B.
- The late 1970s: The Rise of Funk and Soul
Just as the 1960s saw the birth of Rock and Roll, and the decline of jazz in popularity, the emergence of new artists in the 1970s reflected a change in music tastes and styles.
- The 1970s saw a change in music tastes and styles with the emergence of new artists and self-contained acts.
- Bands were being formed where the band members both played and sang, like Earth, Wind & Fire, War, and the Grateful Dead.
- This was a departure from groups like The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and The Miracles.
- The rise of disco, punk, and new wave music signaled a move away from the political and social consciousness of the previous decade.
- Fathers Children’s 1979 self-titled album blended funk, soul, and R&B music videos in Washington, DC, and reflected this shift in music tastes.
Unlike some bands that compromised their music to accommodate the rise of disco, our group, Fathers Children never tried to play it, as they knew it was a trend that would negatively impact their ability to continue working live shows.
- Today: Fathers Children’s Continuing Influence on Music
Throughout musical history, the emergence of new artists or musicians has shown their individuality or uniqueness, which has marked them in the world of music. We write about what’s newsworthy—what’s going on in our daily lives—and we also write about what’s on the minds of the masses.
Fathers Children’s music has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant today. With a unique blend of social commentary, love, and life, our music speaks to a diverse audience. We continue to influence and inspire new generations of musicians, demonstrating the enduring impact of our unique blend of funk, soul, and R&B music videos in Washington, DC. Our early albums are considered classics of the funk and soul genre, and their impact can still be heard in the music of contemporary artists today.
We offer a range of slow, moderate, and up-tempo music that appeals to different tastes and moods. As one of the few remaining Old School R&B bands, we take pride in keeping the genre alive and well. Our music has evolved over the years, and we invite you to explore our albums to experience the journey. If you want to book us for a live show or have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at 202-257-2331 or 301-254-2153 or email us at tedcarp1@gmail.com. We look forward to sharing our music with you!