Pre-WWII (late 1930s – early 1940s):

1940s:

Swing and Big Band Continued: The swing era continued with bands led by Tommy Dorsey and Count Basie.

Crooners: Singers like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby became hugely popular.

 

1950s:

Rock and Roll: The birth of rock and roll with artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Buddy Holly.

Doo-Wop: Vocal harmony groups like The Platters and The Drifters gained popularity.

Country and Western: Artists like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline were significant figures.

 

 

1960s:

British Invasion: Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who dominated the music scene.

Motown and Soul: Artists like The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder became influential.

Folk Music: Bob Dylan and Joan Baez were key figures in the folk music revival.

Psychedelic Rock: Bands like The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, and Jimi Hendrix were part of the psychedelic rock movement.

 

1970s

Classic Rock: Bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Eagles rose to fame.

Disco: The disco craze hit with artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, and Chic.

Singer-Songwriters: Artists like Carole King, James Taylor, and Elton John became prominent.

 

This broad range of music genres and artists can appeal to a wide audience, from those born before WWII to baby boomers, evoking nostalgia and appreciation for the diverse musical landscape of those decades.

If you want to hear blasts from the past, there’s a very good chance that these top artists are on your list of favorites.

 

Late 1930s – Early 1940s (Pre-WWII)

1. Glenn Miller – Known for hits like “In the Mood” and “Moonlight Serenade.”
2. Benny Goodman – The “King of Swing,” famous for “Sing, Sing, Sing.”
3. Duke Ellington – Jazz legend with classics like “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”
4. Louis Armstrong – Iconic jazz musician with songs like “What a Wonderful World.”
5. Ella Fitzgerald – Renowned jazz vocalist known for her scat singing and songs like “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.”

1940s

1. Frank Sinatra – “Ol’ Blue Eyes” with timeless hits like “Fly Me to the Moon.”
2. Bing Crosby – Popular crooner with classics like “White Christmas.”
3. Tommy Dorsey – Big band leader famous for “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You.”
4. Billie Holiday – Influential jazz singer with songs like “Strange Fruit.”
5. Andrews Sisters – Famous for their wartime hits like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

1950s

1. Elvis Presley – The “King of Rock and Roll” with hits like “Hound Dog.”
2. Chuck Berry – Rock pioneer known for “Johnny B. Goode.”
3. Buddy Holly – Early rock and roll star with songs like “That’ll Be the Day.”
4. Little Richard – Energetic performer with hits like “Tutti Frutti.”
5. Patsy Cline – Country music legend with songs like “Crazy.”

1960s

1. The Beatles – British invasion icons with hits like “Hey Jude.”
2. The Rolling Stones – Rock legends with songs like “Satisfaction.”
3. Bob Dylan – Folk rock pioneer known for “Like a Rolling Stone.”
4. Marvin Gaye – Soul singer with classics like “What’s Going On.”
5. The Supremes – Motown superstars with hits like “Stop! In the Name of Love.”

1970s

1. Led Zeppelin – Rock giants with hits like “Stairway to Heaven.”
2. Pink Floyd – Progressive rock band known for “Another Brick in the Wall.”
3. Elton John – Singer-songwriter with classics like “Rocket Man.”
4. Bee Gees – Disco kings with hits like “Stayin’ Alive.”
5. David Bowie – Glam rock icon known for “Space Oddity

 

 

These artists were pivotal in shaping the musical landscape of their respective decades and continue to be celebrated for their contributions to music. 

There are bars, clubs and resorts dedicated to providing blasts from the past and they advertise to attract the people who reminisce about their younger days, listening to these artists…and their favorite songs. The music resonates with them well into their old age.