The Coasters: Legends of Jump Blues Music

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.