Ep 5. 1962

A Year in Music is a documentary series that explores the iconic songs, artists and events that shaped the music industry as we know it. In season 5, episode 5 titled "1962", the show takes us on a journey back in time to explore the most memorable moments and songs that made 1962 such a pivotal year in music history.

The episode begins by delving into the early days of Motown Records, when the company was just starting out and struggling to make a name for themselves in the music industry. Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown, explains how he took a chance on a young artist named Marvin Gaye, and his decision changed the course of Motown and influenced the music world for decades to come.

The show also looks at the rise of girl groups, specifically The Crystals who had achieved success with their hit song "He's A Rebel". The episode highlights the song's producer Phil Spector and his innovative recording techniques, which gave birth to a new genre of music known as "the Wall of Sound".

Moving on, the episode explores the popularity of surf rock in 1962 with the emergence of bands like The Beach Boys and their breakout hit "Surfin' Safari". The band's lead singer, Mike Love, reflects on the early days of the band and how their sound evolved over time.

The show also takes a look at country music and its influence on popular music, particularly in 1962 with the release of "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Ray Charles which topped the charts for weeks on end. The episode tells the story of how Charles, a soul musician, took a risk recording a country song and how it paid off in a big way.

Additionally, the show examines the impact of the British Invasion on American music, with a spotlight on The Beatles and their first single "Love Me Do". The episode charts the band's meteoric rise to fame, the hysteria surrounding their arrival in America, and how their music forever changed the course of popular music.

Finally, the show explores the themes and events that were influencing music during this time period. The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Civil Rights Movement, and the changing attitudes towards women are all discussed, and the episode demonstrates how these events affected the music being made at the time.

Overall, "1962" is an engaging and informative episode of A Year in Music, offering a detailed look at the people, events, and songs that helped shape the music of this transformative year. From Motown to surf rock to the British Invasion, this episode showcases the diverse range of music being made in 1962 and how it continues to influence artists and listeners to this day.