The Coasters

If you're a fan of 50s and 60s music, then you've probably heard of The Coasters. These legendary R&B icons made their mark in music history with their infectious melodies and witty lyrics. While the band may not have been as commercially successful as other groups during their time, their impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the musical biography of The Coasters: from their humble beginnings, most famous albums, famous songs, and their musical style and influences.

The Coasters’ story started in the late 1940s in the coastal city of California. They began performing as the Robins with unique R&B hits like Smokey Joe's Cafe and Riot in Cell Block #9. In 1956 they signed with Atlantic Records to become The Coasters. Their famous line-up included Carl Gardner, Bobby Nunn, Leon Hughes, and Billy Guy.

The Coasters’ albums contained hits like Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown and Poison Ivy molded their unique blend of poetic vocal harmonies with rock and roll into a sound that was truly innovative at the time. Their music was characterized by satirical lyrics that dealt with issues like teenage infatuation, gumshoe detectives, and American teenage culture. Their musical style appealed to many listeners, selling millions of copies around the world.

The Coasters’ biggest commercial success was their 1958 album, The Coasters Greatest Hits. The album featured some of their most popular songs of the time and was an instant hit among music enthusiasts. Their other notable albums include Coast Along with The Coasters (1959), One by One (1960), and Coastin' Classics (1983). Each album presented a new variation of their sound and added to their vibrant and infectious catalog.

The Coasters remained active up until the 1970s, contributing to the music scene for over two decades. Their music managed to influence an entire generation of musicians, especially those that followed in their footsteps in the 1960s and 70s. Artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys all acknowledged that The Coasters had made a significant impact on how they approached their music.

The Coasters’ musical style was an amalgam of several genres that were popular before or during their time. They combined rock and roll with doo-wop, R&B, and pop to create a unique, upbeat sound. The band also incorporated witty storytelling into their music, which made their songs stand out from the rest. The Coasters were without a doubt one of the most successful acts within the R&B world, and their sound remains vibrant and iconic to this day.

In summary, The Coasters left an indelible mark on the music industry with their witty lyrics, infectious melodies, and innovative style. Their musical journey stands as a testament to the enduring quality of their sound and its lasting impact on the music world. Despite having faced many ups and downs throughout their career, The Coasters remain an important part of music history, and their influence continues to be felt by many artists today. For anyone looking to dive into the music of this acclaimed R&B band, one thing is for sure - it's never too late to start!

Although they were perhaps best known for their tongue-in-cheek songs about dance crazes and teenage life, the Coasters brought much more to the table than a quirky sound--they had a powerful social message that spanned generations. While some fans may fault them for their often lighthearted approach to songwriting, many others respect them as pioneers of classic jump blues music who were able to combine energy with craftsmanship. Their music remains important today as an insight into different truths about American life at its most tumultuous points in history. With all this in mind it’s easy to see why The Coasters are considered legends among musical performers. In this blog post we will take a critical look at both what is good and bad about these iconic artists!

When we think of classic rock 'n' roll, we might conjure up images of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, or Little Richard. Yet, there exists another group from that golden age of pop music who often fly under the radar: The Coasters. Though they are perhaps best known for their tongue-in-cheek songs about dance crazes and teenage life, they brought much more to the table than a quirky sound. They had a powerful social message that spanned generations. In this blog post, we will take a critical look at both what is good and bad about these iconic artists!

The Coasters were more than just another doo-wop group of the 1950s. They were pioneers of jump blues music, a style that fused electric blues with big band swing. Their music was energetic and catchy, yet at the same time, they produced lyrics that were socially conscious. For example, Charlie Brown might seem like a lighthearted tune about a schoolboy prankster, but when you listen to the words, you can hear a message about bullying and fitting in. Similarly, Yakety Yak encourages teenagers to take responsibility for their chores, a lesson that still resonates with young people today.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Coasters was their ability to combine energy with craftsmanship. The group was comprised of four talented vocalists - Carl Gardner, Billy Guy, Will Dub Jones, and Cornell Gunter - who created intricate and harmonious arrangements with their voices. They often worked with songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who penned some of the most memorable hits of the era, including Searchin', Poison Ivy, and Down in Mexico. The Coasters never relied on gimmicks or production tricks to create their sound; they simply had raw talent and a dedication to their craft.

However, The Coasters were not without their faults. One criticism of the group is that they sometimes played into stereotypes about African Americans. Some of their songs contain lyrics that could be viewed as offensive today, such as Love Potion No. 9, which references voodoo and African drum beats. However, it's important to view these songs in the context of their time. In the 1950s, there were limited opportunities for African American artists to create music that would appeal to a broad audience. The Coasters found a way to make music that was both fun and socially conscious without alienating white listeners.

The Coasters were true legends of jump blues music, combining energy and craftsmanship into something truly unique. Their music remains important today as an insight into different truths about American life at its most tumultuous points in history. As with any artist, they are not without their faults, but we should view their work in the context of their time. The Coasters were able to make music that appealed to everyone while still sending powerful messages about social issues. Even decades later, their music still has the power to move and inspire us.