- 1. Always Magic in the Air by Ken Emerson is a captivating exploration of the profound impact of the music of the 1960s, particularly focusing on the creative forces behind the legendary Brill Building sound. In this meticulously researched work, Emerson delves into the lives and careers of the songwriters, musicians, and producers who shaped the era, highlighting the vibrant interplay between pop culture and the social movements of the time. Through rich narrative and anecdotal storytelling, the book illuminates how the Brill Building became a hub of innovation and inspiration, fostering an environment where talent thrived and timeless hits were born. Emerson captures not only the artistic brilliance of figures like Carole King, Gerry Goffin, and Barry Mann, but also the personal struggles and triumphs that accompanied their journeys, giving readers a deeper understanding of the emotional depth behind the melodies that defined a generation. The blend of historical context, detailed biographies, and cultural analysis makes Always Magic in the Air an essential read for music lovers and historians alike, as it paints a vivid picture of an era when pop music became a potent force for change and expression.
What is the subtitle of Ken Emerson's book 'Always Magic in the Air'?
A) New York's Musical Revolution
B) The History of Rock and Roll
C) The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era
D) The Sound of the Sixties
- 2. Which songwriting team wrote 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow'?
A) Goffin and King
B) Mann and Weil
C) Pomus and Shuman
D) Leiber and Stoller
- 3. What was the primary business model of the Brill Building era?
A) Live performance focused
B) Classical music composition
C) Songwriters creating songs for specific artists to record
D) Bands writing their own material
- 4. Which producer was known for his 'wall of sound' technique and worked with Brill Building songwriters?
A) George Martin
B) Brian Wilson
C) Quincy Jones
D) Phil Spector
- 5. Which song did Leiber and Stoller write that became a hit for Elvis Presley?
A) Blue Suede Shoes
B) Jailhouse Rock
C) Heartbreak Hotel
D) Hound Dog
- 6. What was Don Kirshner's nickname in the music industry?
A) The Man With the Golden Ear
B) The Music Mogul
C) The Hit Maker
D) The Song King
- 7. Which Brill Building team wrote 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin''?
A) Goffin and King
B) Leiber and Stoller
C) Pomus and Shuman
D) Mann and Weil
- 8. What year does Emerson identify as the peak of the Brill Building era?
A) 1962
B) 1967
C) 1955
D) 1970
- 9. Which Brill Building figure later created the Archies and other cartoon music groups?
A) Jerry Leiber
B) Don Kirshner
C) Phil Spector
D) Carole King
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