 Publicity photo of singer Wayne Cochran. Image by GDM Productions/photograph-Glamour Studios, Miami, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed Public domain |
Jean DinningA teenage tragedy song is a sentimental ballad genre that reached its height in the U.S. during the late 1950s and early 1960s, characterized by melodramatic narratives about teenage deaths. These songs often featured perspectives from the deceased's romantic interest or witnesses and depicted themes like star-crossed lovers and reckless youth. Notable examples include "Teen Angel," "Tell Laura I Love Her," and "Leader of the Pack." The genre's popularity waned around 1965 with the rise of the British Invasion but has since influenced other music styles and continues to resonate due to its exploration of youth and mortality. (Source: Wikipedia)
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