Article by Nicole Roberts
Hot rod music was sweeping across the nation during the 1960s and some of these songs were even part of the 50s music era. When hotrods first began to take the world by storm there was a small, concentrated base of fans. However the appeal of these fast cars soon led to a growing fan base and a higher demand for other products that had some type of connection to the hotrod world. Clothing, books, t-shirts, tattoos and other items were now being produced and these had a clear connection to the world of hotrods.
Whether it was the subject matter, the title or just the music itself there were soon hot rod fans that lined up to be the first to buy the latest records that gave a nod to the sport of ‘hotrodding’.
Hot rod tunes were seen as the edgier music genre during the late 50s and early 1960s. These hard driving, hard rocking tunes were the antithesis of the softer, folksy ballads and the California surfer songs.
Some of the favorite hot rod music songs included titles such as
“Dead Man’s Curve”
“Bucket T”
“No Wheels”
“Hey Little Cobra”
“Little Old Lady from Pasadena”
“Tell Laura I Love Her”
“Little Scrambler”
What these types of songs had in common was that they idolized or romanticized the hotrod culture. A variety of bands and singers released a number of hot rod songs, particularly during the 60s era. Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys led the pack with some of the top songs that paid homage to fast cars of the time.
Hot rod songs could be funny or sad, but they always maintained a certain “cool” quotient. Whether these tunes were describing car crashes, unrequited love or a favorite car hotrod fans were certain that these Top 40 hits were head and shoulders above all others.
Some of the best hotrod songs from the early 60s even included spectacular sound effects such as screeching wheels, revving engines or squealing brakes. It was almost not even necessary to listen to the words of these songs because the background noises would cue you in to what was happening.
Today baby boomers and other nostalgia buffs relish the 50s music and hot rod songs from the late 50s and early 1960s are being revived once again. There are even new fans among the younger generation of hotrod enthusiasts who are finding it ‘hip’ to tool around town with their modified cars while hot rod songs are being blasted at full volume.
Car shows and hotrod conventions are another opportunity for the spotlight to once again shine on hot rod music and fans can relive the past through both music and a ride in an authentic, ‘souped up’ hotrod.
About the Author
Welcome to Ray’s Car Culture, inside you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality hot rod music.