We are the generation that gave Grunge and Hip-Hop a home. The Gen-X years housed some of the greatest musicians and music of our time. The Who’s My Generation was released in 1965. Although created by baby-boomers, to me it is an introduction for what is to come musically for the newly formed (birthed) Generation X. In fact, late Baby Boomers such as Prince, Michael Jackson and Billy Idol (who named his band Generation X) reached their superstar status during this period.
My awareness of music began with two songs: Jimmy Mack by Martha and the Vandellas (1967) and Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud) by James Brown (1968).
My mother told me that her friend Moni, was given the honorary title of my Godmother because I made her listen to Jimmy Mack over and over again when she babysat me. As I play the song on Apple Music, I can only assume the clapping beats made my toddler heart happy. At that age, what did I know about a woman missing her “ex”?
James Brown… The Godfather of Soul… My first clear recollection of music was dancing to Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud) in nursery school and screaming the call back at the top of my lungs because I wanted all of the neighbors in the Brownsville projects where my school was located to hear me. I did not understand the meaning of civil rights but I understood the need for acknowledgement. With sampling, James Brown provided Hip-Hop and Rap heart and soul.
Certain songs and musicians bring back clear memories of my growth. I think about my friend Lisa K’s sweet sixteen party where she only played Bruce Springsteen. Eight hours of Bruce Springsteen of which Hungry Heart played at least ten times. The first album my father gave me was Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder. The first album that my mother gave me was the self-titled Prince (or was it The Jackson Five Christmas album?). My first rock movie was Pink Floyd’s The Wall. I lost my virginity to the music of Earth Wind and Fire. I walked down the aisle to Jesus is Love by the Commodores.
This weekend, generationxlost.com will introduce a new site page called Mixtape. This page will house the song list for our weekly podcast (more details to come). If the music brings a memory that you would like to share, I would love to read about it.
Peace, Love and Music…
P.S. Mommy informed me that the Jackson Five Christmas Album was the first album she purchased for me… awesome
Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: baby boomers, generation x, music, soundtracks
The Search for Generation X 