Music biographies 'The Cars,' 'Only God Can Judge Me' balance greatness and tragedy

The band The Cars, known for their unique sound and influential music videos, underwent a remarkable journey from formation to rise, through internal dynamics, and ultimately to their breakup.

Cars' Origins and Early Development as a Band

Ocasek and Orr Formed the Nucleus of the Cars

Rick Ocasek and Ben Orr's partnership formed the core of The Cars. They met in Cleveland when they were about 18 or 19 years old. Ocasek was ambitious and driven, with his appreciation for music shaped by influences like Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, and Velvet Underground. Ocasek saw Orr, who was of Russian Orthodox background, as a natural musician and singer. Before establishing their signature style, the band experimented with being a folk trio and jazz rock band, but it was Ocasek's distinct songwriting that ultimately led to the creation of The Cars.

Key Role of Early Supporters and Collaborators in the Cars' Success

Dj Maxanne Sartori Crucially Helped the Cars Get Heard and Secure a Record Deal

Legendary Boston DJ Maxanne Sartori played an indispensable role in The Cars’ early success. She heavily promoted the band's demo reel on the radio, which paved the way for them to be discovered and secure a record deal. Sartori also advised the band to add drummer David Robinson from the Modern Lovers, and Elliot Easton later acknowledged her contributions during The Cars' Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Collaboration With Devo's Jerry Casali Aided the Band's Early Music Videos

In the era before MTV made music videos ubiquitous, The Cars were already innovating in this space, working with visionaries like Jerry Casale from the band Devo. Their collaboration led to some of the band's early and influential music videos.

Band's Internal Dynamics and Rick Ocasek's Growing Control

Ocasek's Control Caused Tensions as Other Band Members Felt Marginalized

As The Cars grew more popular, Rick Ocasek’s increasing control over the band led to internal tensions. His dominance was symbolized in a music video in which the band members appeared as tiny figures on a bar of soap. Ocasek penned virtually all the band’s songs, and the stop in touring negatively impacted other members' earnings. Moreover, Greg Hawkes co-wrote a few songs with Ocasek, but most of the profitable publishing rights went solely to Ocasek, further exacerbating inequality within the group. ...

Tupac Shakur's life story is complex and deeply intertwined with his familial relationships, associations within the music industry, and the violence that surrounded him, ending his promising career and life too soon.

Tupac's Complicated Relationship With His Mother, Afeni Shakur

Tupac Shakur's early life was greatly influenced by his mother, Afeni Shakur, who had a past as a member of the Black Panther Party. She was part of the Panther 21 and successfully fought her case in court while pregnant with Tupac, which greatly inspired him. However, Afeni later succumbed to crack addiction, which heartbreakingly affected Tupac personally. An incident when Tupac was 19 where Afeni used his plane ticket money to buy crack epitomized the complex relationship between the reverence he held for her and the harsh reality of her addiction.

Tupac's Association With Death Row Records

In 1995, while incarcerated, Tupac was bailed out through the financial help of Suge Knight, the founder of Death Row Records, who paid Tupac's $1.4 million bail. This act of support turned out to be pivotal, as Tupac then signed with Death Row and created the commercially successful "All Eyez On Me." Suge Knight provided Tupac with top-notch musical opportunities but simultaneously pushed him to embody 'thug life' and shifted his artistic output and persona away from the socially conscious themes of his earlier work.

The Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Tupac's Death

The death of Tupac Shakur occurred after a violent altercation in L ...

Public perception and image have played critical roles in shaping the success of both The Cars and Tupac Shakur in their respective musical eras.

Visual Representation & Music Videos' Impact on Public Perception of the Cars

The Cars' Music Videos, Including MTV's First Video of the Year Winner, Shaped Their Image and Sound

The Cars leveraged the emerging medium of music television to cement their place in the annals of rock history. MTV, in its nascent stage, was pivotal to the band's success. Their innovative music videos not only influenced public perception but also became entwined with the auditory experience of their music. The Cars' accomplishments in this arena were highlighted when they won MTV's first Video of the Year award in 1984, recognizing their mastery of combining sound with visual aesthetics.

Aesthetic and Rick Ocasek's Control Over the Band's Image Fueled Their Success

The frontman of The Cars, Rick Ocasek, was particular about the band’s image, which played a significant part in their widespread appeal. The aesthetic of their videos and the control Ocasek exerted over how the band was portrayed visually were key components of The Cars' successful image management and marketability.

Tupac’s Personal Life and Image Shaping His Thug and Gangsta Rapper Persona

Tupac's Upbringing: His Mother's Black Panther Ties, Exposure to Violence and Drugs Shaped His Art and Image

Tupac Shakur’s upbringing and personal experiences deeply influenced his art and public image. With a mother who had ties to the Black Panther Party and a childhood steeped in the harsh realities of violence and drugs, Tupac's background lent authenticity to his thug and g ...