Here's a little reaseach project I'd like to try with radio people - when you think of "OLDIES" what year-range of music are you thinking about? (i.e. 70s, 60s, 90's...etc). Also what is your age?
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Define "Oldies"
- Thread starter baxterspots
- Start date
Pre-1990 because music changed dramatically in the early to mid 90's with hard-core hip-hop and grunge becoming mainstream. 80's music is very much nostalgic and is considered "classic rock" now, so why not take the more rhythmic and lighter 80's fare and mix it in with an oldies station? I think every year that passes, you can start to think of the 60's as becoming too old to make a $ on it. My ideal oldies station would play 1968-1988. I know this sounds not too long ago, but 1988 was 22 years ago.
29 y/o
29 y/o
Pop music Oldies are the first generation of Rock n Roll from approximately 1955 through 1970.
Oldies is not an age but rather a type. Think Chuck Berry, early Elvis (before the ballads), Rick Nelson, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino etc. Move through the "girl groups" (UGH!) of the early 60's through the end of the British Invasion which would include Bubblegum, Folk Rock, Protest Rock and Psychedelic.
YMMV. 65.
Oldies is not an age but rather a type. Think Chuck Berry, early Elvis (before the ballads), Rick Nelson, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino etc. Move through the "girl groups" (UGH!) of the early 60's through the end of the British Invasion which would include Bubblegum, Folk Rock, Protest Rock and Psychedelic.
YMMV. 65.
I agree with most of what landtuna writes about Oldies. The term was coined by a Top 40 DJ who played a song that was a few years old and referred to it as an "Oldie." (Forgive me, I don't know his name, maybe someone here knows?)
Since then Top 40 stations nationwide latched on to the term and used it extensively from that point on. The term, not the music, fell out of favor in the late 60's. It definitely refers to music from the first era of Rock and Roll to the very early 70's and not to any other era before or since. That's not to say that other eras aren't "good" or "worthy." It's the same kind of thing as how contemporary R&B stations and fans refer to old R&B as "Old Skool."
Since then Top 40 stations nationwide latched on to the term and used it extensively from that point on. The term, not the music, fell out of favor in the late 60's. It definitely refers to music from the first era of Rock and Roll to the very early 70's and not to any other era before or since. That's not to say that other eras aren't "good" or "worthy." It's the same kind of thing as how contemporary R&B stations and fans refer to old R&B as "Old Skool."
baxterspots said:
This is a "Term of the Trade" in radio broadcasting.
"Oldies" is late 50's through the 60's or just 60's based Top 40 gold.
"Classic Hits" is late 60's through early 80's Top 40 CHR gold.
Al Timiter said:
Oldies but Goodies, maybe Art Laboe.
G
Groove1670
Guest
Once again because of the fragmentation of formats, classic hits could be defined as:
In radio programming.
Hits from the 60's and 70's or....
Hits from about 1975 to 1989. Could be rock leaning such as the Jack or Bob formats or rhythmic leaning such as the groove, or snap formats.
or a mix of songs you can sing along to (a little sample of each decade but only the big hits)
Oldies
Early pre beatles 1955-1963 (stations are very rare now)
or with selected oldies in the mix up to 1979. (Usually post Beatles)
Oldies can be splintered into so many niche formats now. It all depends what demo you wish to reach.
Calling the big 80's classic hits sure sounds a hell of a lot better than Good times, great oldies (makes me feel younger)
. If I want to be in total denial, I like the term "songs you can sing along to" meaning if you can sing along to them you can probably remember them.
In radio programming.
Hits from the 60's and 70's or....
Hits from about 1975 to 1989. Could be rock leaning such as the Jack or Bob formats or rhythmic leaning such as the groove, or snap formats.
or a mix of songs you can sing along to (a little sample of each decade but only the big hits)
Oldies
Early pre beatles 1955-1963 (stations are very rare now)
or with selected oldies in the mix up to 1979. (Usually post Beatles)
Oldies can be splintered into so many niche formats now. It all depends what demo you wish to reach.
Calling the big 80's classic hits sure sounds a hell of a lot better than Good times, great oldies (makes me feel younger)
. If I want to be in total denial, I like the term "songs you can sing along to" meaning if you can sing along to them you can probably remember them.Ok, I noticed that this is on the "Radio Pros" board, but I am a complete outsider, so feel free to disregard me. By the way, I am 27.
In defining the term "Oldies", I think the year is a lot less important than the actual "sound" of the music.
Generally, I would say pretty much anything from the late 50s to the early 70s can safely be labeled as Oldies. However, there are plenty of songs from the late 70s (and occasionally even later than that) which could definitely be played on an Oldies station. For instance, I think almost anyone will agree that "What a Fool Believes" from 1979 fits in perfectly on an Oldies format.
As an outlying example, I think the 1987 song "Always" by Atlantic Starr could work on an Oldies format, based on the way it sounds, even though it is less than 25 years old. On the other hand, I cringe whenever I hear "Africa" by Toto or "Down Under" by Men at Work or "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson on a so-called "Oldies" station. Even though these are three of my favorite songs, I can definitively tell that they don't sound like actual "oldies" at all. These are songs that have been forced into the Oldies format purely based on their age, and they obviously sound out of place, at least in my opinion.
In defining the term "Oldies", I think the year is a lot less important than the actual "sound" of the music.
Generally, I would say pretty much anything from the late 50s to the early 70s can safely be labeled as Oldies. However, there are plenty of songs from the late 70s (and occasionally even later than that) which could definitely be played on an Oldies station. For instance, I think almost anyone will agree that "What a Fool Believes" from 1979 fits in perfectly on an Oldies format.
As an outlying example, I think the 1987 song "Always" by Atlantic Starr could work on an Oldies format, based on the way it sounds, even though it is less than 25 years old. On the other hand, I cringe whenever I hear "Africa" by Toto or "Down Under" by Men at Work or "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson on a so-called "Oldies" station. Even though these are three of my favorite songs, I can definitively tell that they don't sound like actual "oldies" at all. These are songs that have been forced into the Oldies format purely based on their age, and they obviously sound out of place, at least in my opinion.
H
hornet61
Guest
Oldies.......most of my ex-wives.
I also have to vote for Art Laboe...when he supposedly coined the term.....(based on the cuts on the "Original Oldies But Goodies Vol 1" on vinyl). Looks Like the Laboe era was 1954-1970 approx when he released his legendary "Oldies but Goodies" Lp's.
SIDE-1
1. SINCERELY - THE MOONGLOWS
2. EARTH ANGEL - THE PENGUINS
3. EDDIE MY LOVE - THE TEEN QUEENS
4. OVER THE MOUNTAIN; ACROSS THE SEA - JOHNNIE & JOE
5. HEAVEN AND PARADISE - DON JULIAN & THE MEADOWLARKS
6. THE LETTER - THE MEDALLIONS
SIDE-2
1. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL - SHIRLEY AND LEE
2. THAT'LL BE THE DAY - THE CRICKETS
3. STAGGER LEE - LLYOD PRICE
4. STRANDED IN THE JUNGLE - THE CADETS
5. CONFIDENTIAL - SONNY KNIGHT
6.THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT - THE JAGUARS
Some historians use 1954-beatles,as a measure, good example are the two acclaimed Norm Nite Publications "Rock On" Solid Gold Years (Pre-Beatles)and "Rock On " The Modern Years (Post Beatles).
Many use 1955 based on "Rock around the Clock"..even thou the song was written in 1953 and recorded in 1954 and released as the b-side to Thirteen Women by Bill Haley and the Comets, and of course became popular in 1955 was re-released by Decca as the A-side to A.B.C. Boogie on the b-side . The 1955 - XXXX is subjective to everyone's age and their perception of the end date.
I would also agree with landtuna somewhere 1954/55-1970..That is the original era, maybe,eh?? Where the first Oldies Era was defined, as far as Laboe was he saying ?? any song that is older than 10-15 years back. As far as classic this and classic that , CHR, adult A/C . By late 1958 ,there were only four basic charts Hot 100, Country and R&B (later Soul, then back to R&B), and Top 200 lps how did we morph into 200 charts. Rythmic A/C....to me seems likean oxymoron (rythmic(Rap/Hip-Hop-R&b for Adults)??????
Certainly in the modern era rap/hip-hop has such a stanglehold on the charts, that like the early days of pre-beatles we have to look to the modern era as pre and post rap....hey these are all opinons....next
I also have to vote for Art Laboe...when he supposedly coined the term.....(based on the cuts on the "Original Oldies But Goodies Vol 1" on vinyl). Looks Like the Laboe era was 1954-1970 approx when he released his legendary "Oldies but Goodies" Lp's.
SIDE-1
1. SINCERELY - THE MOONGLOWS
2. EARTH ANGEL - THE PENGUINS
3. EDDIE MY LOVE - THE TEEN QUEENS
4. OVER THE MOUNTAIN; ACROSS THE SEA - JOHNNIE & JOE
5. HEAVEN AND PARADISE - DON JULIAN & THE MEADOWLARKS
6. THE LETTER - THE MEDALLIONS
SIDE-2
1. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL - SHIRLEY AND LEE
2. THAT'LL BE THE DAY - THE CRICKETS
3. STAGGER LEE - LLYOD PRICE
4. STRANDED IN THE JUNGLE - THE CADETS
5. CONFIDENTIAL - SONNY KNIGHT
6.THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT - THE JAGUARS
Some historians use 1954-beatles,as a measure, good example are the two acclaimed Norm Nite Publications "Rock On" Solid Gold Years (Pre-Beatles)and "Rock On " The Modern Years (Post Beatles).
Many use 1955 based on "Rock around the Clock"..even thou the song was written in 1953 and recorded in 1954 and released as the b-side to Thirteen Women by Bill Haley and the Comets, and of course became popular in 1955 was re-released by Decca as the A-side to A.B.C. Boogie on the b-side . The 1955 - XXXX is subjective to everyone's age and their perception of the end date.
I would also agree with landtuna somewhere 1954/55-1970..That is the original era, maybe,eh?? Where the first Oldies Era was defined, as far as Laboe was he saying ?? any song that is older than 10-15 years back. As far as classic this and classic that , CHR, adult A/C . By late 1958 ,there were only four basic charts Hot 100, Country and R&B (later Soul, then back to R&B), and Top 200 lps how did we morph into 200 charts. Rythmic A/C....to me seems likean oxymoron (rythmic(Rap/Hip-Hop-R&b for Adults)??????
Certainly in the modern era rap/hip-hop has such a stanglehold on the charts, that like the early days of pre-beatles we have to look to the modern era as pre and post rap....hey these are all opinons....next
"Oldies" to me means roughly the dawn of rock 'n roll to the early 70's...roughly to when American Pie/Crocodile Rock/What's Goin' On came out. Oldies is 60's based pop, centered around the mid 60's....Beatles pre Sgt. Pepper, Girl Group Sounds, Beach Boys, Motown, British Invasion (Searchers, Hermans Hermits), etc. A smattering of 50's, but not too many.
Classic Hits is from the mid 60's to the early 80's, centered on the 70's. Balances mix of pop, rock, & soul hits from the era that were on CHR's back in the day. See any CBS Radio "Classic Hits" station as an example.
22 y/o....grew up with CBS-FM & WOGL in there last throws as oldies....miss being able to hear "Oh Pretty Woman" without some Fleetwood Mac or Steve Miller Band song next to it. But time marches on I guess.
Classic Hits is from the mid 60's to the early 80's, centered on the 70's. Balances mix of pop, rock, & soul hits from the era that were on CHR's back in the day. See any CBS Radio "Classic Hits" station as an example.
22 y/o....grew up with CBS-FM & WOGL in there last throws as oldies....miss being able to hear "Oh Pretty Woman" without some Fleetwood Mac or Steve Miller Band song next to it. But time marches on I guess.
So, stations that center on the 80s, play some mid to late 70s, and maybe a small smattering of early 90s are called what? Variety hits? Adult hits? Is that the Jack/Bob genre?
Jack/Bob and their cousins are OK by this 46-year-old. But I would like to hear a station with live jocks and jingles with upbeat energy. Bonneville seems to be doing some of those in Chicago and a market in Ohio, I forget which one.
Music from 1985 is 25 years old now. Isn't it about time there is a "classic" station in many markets that centers on 1975-1989?
Jack/Bob and their cousins are OK by this 46-year-old. But I would like to hear a station with live jocks and jingles with upbeat energy. Bonneville seems to be doing some of those in Chicago and a market in Ohio, I forget which one.
Music from 1985 is 25 years old now. Isn't it about time there is a "classic" station in many markets that centers on 1975-1989?
radiophiler said:
There are quite a few variants on 80's formats, and they go by Arbitron names ranging from the decade to Adult Hits. The Jack type stations are generally much wider than a single decade, so "adult hits" is different from "80s" for the most part.
One of the primary attractions of the Jack-like stations is the absence of annoying DJ's (as expressed by listeners).
E
EZway2go
Guest
vinyltapecd said:
I would expand that range just a little, say, from the mid-50s thru the mid-70s. For some reason, I always counted Bill Haley & The Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" as the beginning of the Oldies period. Then I would leave it up to the programmer on whether to stretch it to include disco music from the late '70s... a matter of personal preference.
I totally agree that it's the sound, or texture of the music that's more important than the year. That's why I really wouldn't get into '80s music. It's still heard fairly regularly on various other contemporary formats. Oldies should be a unique sound. Besides, the wider the period, the less room there is for those 50s & 60s songs which might otherwise get overlooked.
radiophiler said:
By the same token, though, a song from 1985 is really not that drastically different in tone or texture when heard today. But the music from 1960 had a different tone than what we heard in 1985.
Anything played by Art Bell when he did his nightly Coast to Coast back when.
8
8638
Guest
Turnpike Tuner said:
Perfect definition! I love the Fifties tunes (all of which predate me!) but 2-3 an hour would suffice (something like "From the CBS-FM Hall of Fame...").
Same stations in my 'youth,' except WOGL was WCAU-FM then. Later in life/travels, heard truly great oldies stations like Xtra 104, WXTR La Plata-Waldorf, MD (Washington DC market), WAXY Fort Lauderdale/Miami, and KRTH 'K-Earth' 101 in the big LA.
I'm 50.
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