I'm no expert or historian, but what do you suppose produced such excellence in music during that time period?
The newness of electric guitar sound
The cultural influences colliding
Huge receptive boomer market which is the largest proportional generational bulge ever or since
LSD in many instances ....do not doubt me
LSD for better or worse was perhaps the biggest aggravant in the youth culture of those born from 46-64
That and the draft
Freepers here hate admitting it but a LOT of folks at least tried it including of course.....me
A profound impact....the largest artificial impact on my life
Yet I don’t champion it’s use but for those ready
I think that the folk music movement of the late 50s early 60s played a big role. Those musicians had to know their craft, they couldn’t fake it with electronic gimmickry. They mastered acoustic instruments. The singers knew how to sing. They understood harmony. They couldn’t fake having talent, they really had to have it. When they moved on to pop and rock and folk-rock they took their great talent that they had honed along with them.
Plus ‘Boomers were aware of the good music that our WWII parents liked. Big band music, jazz, hit parade music, country, even classical (I like Bach..). It may not have been our music but it was good music played by very talented musicians and we recognized that. Boomer era musicians grew up on that stuff.
And talented amateurs had the chance to get discovered. You had street musicians who invented their own music and were given airplay on local radio. You don’t have that anymore. Radio is owned and controlled by a tiny number of corporations with restricted playlists. New talent doesn’t get an opportunity. Anyway that’s my thoughts.
“I’m no expert or historian, but what do you suppose produced such excellence in music during that time period? “
I will go out on a limb. It was a special time in America. Our music is wonderful, and during that time it evolved fast and very nicely.
Elvis and Buddy
Folk like Kingston Trio,
Surf instrumental
Southern Rock
C & W popularized
British invasion (in part dragging our music back to us)
Chicago/other American blues here
Jazz/fusion
Ballad singers-Sinatra, Striesand, others
Motown/rhythm & blues
Psychadelic (some good)
The Brits have loved American music for example, in all the forms. Jazz, blues, C & W, etc.
I think there is a synergy of music going back & forth across the Atlantic. Brits very good, too.