House music originated in Chicago in the early 1980s and quickly spread to other cities like Detroit, New York, Baltimore, and Newark with each city developing their own sound that fit their region. House Music quickly became popular in Europe, South America and Australia.
House music is the predecessor of today’s EDM with its repetitive 4/4 beats, rhythms and use of the hi-hat cymbals and synthesized bass lines.
It’s not easy to sit still while listening to House music it causes you to want to move every part of your body! It’s energizing and exciting. Trax Records is THE house music record label and they introduced the world to many talented artists such Marshall Jefferson who created the first house anthem “Move Your Body”.
House music wasn’t just about getting people to move their bodies but the lyrics almost always had some sort of political message. From Aly-Us’ “Follow Me” to Ce Ce Rogers & Marshal Jefferson’s “Someday” the lyrics spoke of times when people could be free, where we’d live in a world of social justice and acceptance.
House music appealed to those who didn’t fit into mainstream American society much like EDM today appeals to an audience that is not the ‘norm’. Frankie Knuckles who was known as the “Godfather of House Music” once said that the Warehouse club in Chicago was like “church for people who have fallen from grace” The house producer Marshall Jefferson compared it to “old-time religion in the way that people just get happy and screamin'”.
Today I celebrate Black Music Month by sharing my love of house music and encourage you to listen to some House Music today. I promise that it will brighten your day!
Mrs Deveter’s Top 5 House Songs
Byron Stingily – It’s All Jesus
Jungle Brothers – I’ll House You
Marshall Jefferson – Move Your Body
Raze – Break For Love
Aly Us – Follow Me
MrsDeveter 