Five brilliant rock artists most Millennials and Zoomers have not heard

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As a millennial gamer with a passion for music and nostalgia, I find it fascinating to explore these bands that have left indelible marks on rock history yet seem to have slipped through the cracks of our generation’s collective memory. It’s like discovering hidden treasure in an old video game level!

A significant number of renowned rock musicians from the 1960s and 1970s are widely recognized across generations, with their music continuing to resonate. Their names carry respect due to their influential work, and many continue to create or remain in the spotlight through various media outlets. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones are recently nominated for a Grammy Award in 2024, demonstrating their enduring impact on the music industry.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that while some artists might not be as popular or recognized in today’s scene, their music is still played and cherished by those who grew up with it. However, it seems that many of these legendary artists are not as familiar to younger generations like Millennials and Zoomers. Millennials being Gen Y, born between 1981 and 1996, while Zoomers follow that group as Gen Z, born from 1997 up to 2012. It’s a bit of a shame, but times change, and the music industry evolves with it.

The key point is ‘numerous’. Not all, but quite a few possess this trait. It’s likely that some have been introduced to these musicians through family or peers and developed their own affection for them. Therefore, if you belong to the Millennial generation or later, and recognize several artists I am about to mention, chat with friends and colleagues of your age group. Find out what they know.

Five brilliant rock artists Millennials and Zoomers won’t know

Instead of inquiring about these musicians from someone who still wears a shirt from a ’70s concert, you could check if they know the following five iconic rock artists. Although they are renowned for their music, albums, and songs, many people born after the 1980s might not be familiar with them.

King Crimson 

Could it be said that this band is often recognized as pioneers of progressive rock? Their music may not resonate with Millennials, but they’ve garnered significant attention elsewhere throughout the years. Known for their intricate compositions, the group features Robert Fripp, a virtuoso on the guitar, at its heart. It’s plausible that their unique blend of rock, jazz, classical elements, and more served as inspiration for numerous other bands. Bands like Genesis, Yes, among others, followed in their footsteps.

King Crimson was significantly influential and held in high esteem within the music world. However, they didn’t produce many hit singles; instead, they excelled in extended album tracks with lengthy solos, which were often too long for a single release. This could have hindered their popularity among fans who emerged after their peak period.

Although they may recognize Greg Lake due to his seasonal hit “I Believe In Father Christmas,” his tenure in King Crimson might not immediately come to mind for some. However, it’s their debut album, “In the Court of the Crimson King,” that is most iconic for fans. The cover art from this album might be more widely recognized due to its popularity and impressive sales, with over a million copies sold throughout its lifespan.

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Sly & The Family Stone 

Let’s crank up the funk factor a notch (or three) with this band! You can bet your boots that their tunes have sparked inspiration in the likes of Stevie Wonder and more. Fronted by Sylvester Stewart, better known as Sly Stone, they were responsible for some massive chart-toppers. “Dance To The Music” and “Family Affair” are the ones that really stand out.

Now those lead to a bit of a caveat on this list. To clarify, it’s back to that title again. I reckon a lot of Millennials will have heard the songs, they have probably hit the dance floor to some of them. “Dance To The Music” is the most likely one. It’s hard to avoid feeling the beat on that one. But I reckon most won’t know who the song is by, there’d only be a few conjuring up the Sly and the Family Stone name. Aside from greatest hits compilations, their top album was There’s A Riot Goin’ On from 1971. Well worth hearing for a funk rock sound. 

Rory Gallagher 

As a devoted admirer, I find myself drawn to the captivating realm of Rory Gallagher – from funky grooves to bluesy rock anthems, he’s a guitar virtuoso that leaves me in awe. Unfortunately, his lack of chart-topping hits means his music doesn’t always reach wider audiences, but those fortunate enough to discover him can’t help but respect and cherish his artistry.

In a live setting, the man truly shone as if he owned the stage. You can sense this from his album titled “Irish Tour ‘74“, which was captured in January that year across venues in Cork, Dublin, and Belfast. Interestingly, the performance at the Ulster Hall stood out amidst the city’s turmoil, as other artists were hesitant to perform due to the ongoing issues. Yet, he persisted, and his show at the Ulster Hall seemed to bring a sense of peace and unity to its audience.

Regrettably, an untimely death caused by excessive alcohol use at the age of 47 cut short his musical influence. Gallagher was a remarkable blues guitarist in his era, known for his exceptional talent and unique style. He deserved more acclaim, but it eluded him.

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Jethro Tull 

A festive new release from this progressive folk-rock band with an individual style might draw in some more listeners to their music. Their 1976 single “Ring Out, Solstice Bells” was a modest success and is frequently played during holiday seasons. However, it’s unlikely that many millennials would recognize the artist, even if they’ve heard or remember the song.

Under the leadership of Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull skillfully blended folk melodies with progressive rock tunes. Known for his charm, Anderson played not just the flute, but an array of instruments across various albums. Their style was unique and somewhat fluid, undergoing changes over time. Notably, band members came and went frequently, though Anderson remained a constant presence throughout their discography.

1969 saw “Living In the Past” as their most popular single, although it’s rarely played nowadays, it may not be widely recognized by those who didn’t hear it during that time. Their album sales peaked with “Aqualung” in 1971, signifying a shift towards progressive rock from an earlier era characterized by jazz and rock influences.

Creedence Clearwater Revival 

It might be a gamble to include these well-known songs by this band, as their tunes are familiar but their artist name might not resonate with many younger readers or listeners. However, it’s important to note that the Fogerty brothers, John and Tom, were the pioneers who founded the band in California during the late 1960s.

Typically, a major disagreement disbanded the group during the 1970s, and they haven’t reunited since then. However, their music continues to thrive, notably in the performances of John Fogerty who frequently plays some of their tunes at his concerts.

The group amassed numerous significant chart-toppers. Among these standouts are “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” The 1970 album “Cosmo’s Factory” remains their highest-selling release, excluding compilations. To this day, it’s an enjoyable listen. Furthermore, it’s important to acknowledge that they graced the stage at Woodstock in 1969, making a lasting impact on music history, though their legacy may not be as well-known among newer generations.

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2024-11-18 14:00