The Common People
By: Jennifer Smith
How did the music of the 1960s influence my father's band?
My father's band, The Common People, were formed in 1970. They took influence from soft rock of the 1960s. His band took the idea that was a common thread through war times, of capturing what was around you and how it affected your life. This idea has fascinated me for years, so I went to my dad to find out what his band was all about.
For What It's Worth, Buffalo Springfield, 1967
Buffalo Springfield captured what life was like at many ages during the Vietnam War, in a way that just documented, and a way that showed his opinion on the war.
Buffalo Springfield - For what it's worth , Vietnam war
Earth's Disease, The Common People, 1975
My father captured what it was like to live during the Vietnam War, loving music and trying to find love.
Crimson and Clover, Tommy James and the Shondells, 1967
Tommy James captured what it was like to fight for love in a world that didn't know what love was.
Crimson and Clover - Tommy James and The Shondells (With Lyrics)
This Moment is Everywhere, The Common People, 1976
The Common People took the idea of fighting for love during war and captured it in this song.
To Love Somebody, Michael Bolotin, 1967
The soulful ballad was exactly what the Americans needed, it provided a sense of hope.
Michael Bolton - To Love Somebody
Night Cat, The Common People, 1777
Night Cat was a jazz filled ballad that also provided hope to the audience.
The Common People were created based on my father wanting to share his opinions in a way that his audience could get stuck in their heads and that might change their views as well.