[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 11.17.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

You know, every now and then I find myself listening to an old favorite and thinking, “If this came out today, it would still be a hit.”

There’s just something timeless about certain voices, certain harmonies, or even that little something you can’t put your finger on.

Some artists had a magic that didn’t depend on fancy production or trends—they just had it.

So here’s today’s question: What band or artist from yesteryear do you think would still do well today?

Image credit: Unsplash/Eric Krull

Maybe it’s someone whose songs still stop you in your tracks, or a group you think younger folks would love if they just had the chance to hear them.

As for me, I’d put my bet on The Carpenters. Karen Carpenter’s voice has that warm, velvet quality that never seems to go out of style. I truly believe she’d still captivate audiences today just as she did decades ago.

Now it’s your turn—share your pick below!

And don’t just drop a name; tell us why. The fun part is reading everyone’s memories and the stories behind those favorite artists.

Cheers!
Blue

 

[Arkie]

Beetles

 

[BluegrassChik]

Moody Blues

 

[GaryBlake]

The Doors.

 

[tennis]

Elvis

 

[NIBOR0]

America

 

[41Geezer@mustaGotlost]

Pink Floyd

 

[senior71]

Steve Perry and Journey also Jay and the Americans.

 

[dkleslie52]

Janis Joplin

 

[Gayle B.]

The Carpenters. Carole King. Simon and Garfunkel. James Taylor. The 5th Dimension. Peter Paul and Mary.
Guess I dated myself, huh? Lol
These folks were the beat of my soul!

 

[Hazeleyes]

Emerson Lake and Palmer

 

[TriciaR]

Beetles

Thanks so much for sharing! The Beatles really are timeless — their music still pops up everywhere today. Do you have a favorite Beatles song or era? I always find it fascinating which tracks people connect with most.

 

[TriciaR]

Moody Blues

Thanks for sharing @BluegrassChik ! The Moody Blues had such a unique, dreamy sound — it really holds up even today. Do you have a favorite album or song of theirs? I always love hearing which tracks resonate most with everyone.

 

[TriciaR]

The Doors.

Thanks for sharing @GaryBlake ! The Doors definitely had a sound that still feels modern — there’s something about their edge that never gets old. Do you have a favorite track or moment from their music? I’d love to hear what draws you to them.

 

[TriciaR]

Elvis

Thanks for sharing @tennis ! Elvis really was one of a kind — his voice and stage presence would still captivate audiences today. Do you have a favorite Elvis song or era? There are so many to choose from!

 

[TriciaR]

America

Thanks for sharing @NIBOR0 ! America had such a beautiful, easy-listening sound — their harmonies still feel fresh today. Do you have a favorite song of theirs? ‘A Horse with No Name’ and ‘Sister Golden Hair’ are classics!

 

[TriciaR]

Pink Floyd

Thanks for sharing @41Geezer@mustaGotlost ! Pink Floyd’s music is so timeless — their storytelling and sound would definitely still draw huge crowds today. Do you have a favorite album or track? Everyone seems to have a different Pink Floyd moment that sticks with them.

 

[TriciaR]

Steve Perry and Journey also Jay and the Americans.

Thanks for sharing @senior71 ! Steve Perry and Journey definitely had those powerhouse vocals, and Jay and the Americans brought such charm to their songs — both would still do well today for sure. Do you have a favorite song from either of them that you still listen to now?

 

[TriciaR]

Janis Joplin

Thanks for sharing @dkleslie52 ! Janis Joplin had such a raw, unforgettable voice — she really left her mark in music. Do you have a favorite song or performance of hers that always sticks with you?

 

[TriciaR]

The Carpenters. Carole King. Simon and Garfunkel. James Taylor. The 5th Dimension. Peter Paul and Mary.
Guess I dated myself, huh? Lol
These folks were the beat of my soul!

Thanks so much for sharing @Gayle B. ! Oh, I love all of these — such timeless voices and songs that really do touch the soul. You definitely didn’t date yourself; these artists shaped so much of music history! Do you have one song from this list that still brings back the strongest memories for you?