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Electric Light Orchestra

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Electric Light Orchestra, ELO for short, is an English rock band from Birmingham, formed in 1970 by the multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood and the drummer Bev Bevan. The name is a pun on electric light and light orchestral music, the BBC's light orchestral programming. Wood, who had previously played in The Move, wanted to make rock music with violins, cellos and horns, so that rock would carry on where the Beatles had stopped. On 12 July 1970 he added cellos to a song by Lynne, and 10538 Overture became the group's first song.

Music and breakthrough

After Wood's departure in 1972 Lynne became the sole leader. The group made albums such as The Electric Light Orchestra in 1971, On the Third Day in 1973 and Eldorado from 1974, and later Face the Music, A New World Record, Out of the Blue and Discovery. Hits included Roll Over Beethoven, Livin' Thing, Telephone Line, Mr. Blue Sky and Do Ya. In 1986 Lynne disbanded the group. Between 1972 and 1986 ELO had 27 songs in the British top 40, and sold more than 50 million records.

Influence

The music combines smooth pop songs with strings and with a futuristic atmosphere in the sleeves and the show. The sound is full and layered, with choruses, strings and a solid rhythm. ELO showed that classical arrangements and rock could go together in robust, melodic pop music.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Mr. Blue Sky and notice how the strings, the backing vocals and the rhythm section together make a full sound. Can you hear how the melody is taken over by a different part of the orchestra each time?

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: Artists