Listen
Concert Schedule
| Concert Date | Artist | Venue | City |
|---|
More like Spoken Word
Experience Spoken Word
Spoken word, a genre deeply rooted in oral tradition, traces its modern origins to the Beat Generation of the 1950s and the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s & 70s. Initially flourishing in coffeehouses and on college campuses, it moved beyond purely literary readings to incorporate musicality and performance art. Key characteristics include rhythmic delivery, emphasis on phrasing and intonation, and often addresses social and political issues, personal narratives, or abstract themes. Unlike traditional poetry meant for the page, spoken word *is* the performance.
Early pioneers like Langston Hughes, with his jazz-infused poetry readings, laid groundwork. Gil Scott-Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” (1970) is arguably a seminal album, blending spoken word with funk and soul – a precursor to hip-hop. Throughout the 80s & 90s, artists like Kate Tempest and Saul Williams broadened its reach.
Today, spoken word thrives in slam poetry competitions globally, fostering a vibrant community. Its influence is visible in hip-hop lyricism (artists like Kendrick Lamar frequently employ spoken word techniques), contemporary poetry, and performance art.
Login with Google