Introduction to Pop Music: What is Pop Music?
Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many disparate styles. Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, with the goal of having mass audience appeal.
Pop music has drawn influence from rock, hip hop, country, dance, electronic, folk, Latin and classical music. Pop music is a broad genre that can encompass a wide range of styles, from the most mainstream to the most niche. It is typically broken down into two main categories: mainstream pop and alternative pop.
Mainstream pop is the most widely heard form of pop music in the world today. It is generally
Early Beginnings of Pop Music: Pre-20th Century Influences
Pop music is often thought of as a genre that began in the mid-20th century, but its roots can actually be traced back to the pre-20th century era. During this time, music was largely influenced by folk music and classical music, with certain elements of both genres finding their way into pop music.
Folk music has had a huge influence on pop music. This style of music was often passed down orally and was largely based on traditional culture and values. It was often used to tell stories and make social and political statements. Folk music typically contained simple melodies and lyrics, which allowed it to be adapted to different musical styles. This influence can be heard in many early pop songs, such as “Goodnight Irene” by Leadbelly, “The Fox” by Peter, Paul and
The Emergence of the Pop Music Genre: 20th Century Developments
The 20th century was a period of remarkable evolution for popular music. It saw the emergence of an entirely new genre of music, characterized by its rhythm, style, instrumentation, and production. This genre, known as pop music, has been embraced by audiences around the world and has become one of the most popular forms of music.
The roots of pop music can be traced back to the late 19th century when the popularity of ragtime, blues, and jazz began to increase. These genres were characterized by their use of improvisation, syncopation, and syncopated rhythms, as well as their focus on the solo performer. However, it was in the early 20th century that these genres began to form the basis of what we now consider to be pop music.
In the 1940s and 1950s,
Popular Music Icons and Trends of the 1950
s
The 1950s were a vibrant, exciting decade in which music was rapidly changing and evolving. Popular music icons, such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Bill Haley and His Comets, rose to fame as they experimented with new styles and genres. Rock n’ roll, a combination of rhythm and blues, jazz, and country music, emerged as a popular form of music during the 1950s. It was characterized by a fast tempo, a strong backbeat, and guitar-driven sound.
Elvis Presley was the most influential artist of the 1950s. His unique style of singing, hip-shaking dance moves, and rebellious attitude made him a global sensation. His first hit single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” was released in 1956 and quickly rose to the top of the charts. The
