Pop music has evolved throughout its existence, adapting to new technologies and cultural shifts while remaining true to its roots by captivating audiences with catchy melodies and unique sounds.
Pop had long been mocked by those who professed to appreciate real art, yet soon this snobbery gave way to calls of protest and an outpouring of outrage.
The 1920s
The 1920s marked the beginning of pop music as we know it today. This genre appeals to a broad audience while remaining easy for anyone to understand; additionally, its content constantly evolves.
No one knows exactly who first used the term “pop” to refer to popular music, though its first usage may date back as early as 1920s due to technological developments such as phonograph and Berliner’s gramophone which allowed audio recordings on discs – revolutionizing music distribution and making more people listeners of famous musicians’ songs.
Dance styles were relaxing during this era, while jazz became immensely popular. Jazz gave birth to artists like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra; these musicians sold millions of records and became modern pop icons who could connect with audiences as screaming teenage girls followed them around.
The 1930s
The 1930s witnessed an emergence of artists that catered to more sophisticated audiences, like Frank Sinatra. His music resonated with middle class investors and business people while also appealing to more mature listeners. Additionally, this period witnessed pop music’s first singers instead of bands like Mario Lanza.
Western pop began to incorporate dance elements, first through Ragtime and later Swing. This dance music provided the ideal outlet to release tension and have some fun during a time when people were recovering from The Great Depression. It soon became the national music of celebration and celebration!
Singers were increasingly becoming the new idols during this era, drawing in audiences through both their personalities and singing abilities. Crooners such as Rudy Vallee became instant hits, hosting radio shows on radio stations like WLS while making films. Additionally, jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald brought new genres such as R&B/blues music into popular culture and ultimately helped pave the way for rock ‘n’ roll to flourish in later decades.
The 1940s
Pop music is a broad genre that encompasses various music and styles that appeal to a broad audience, such as rock, dance music, R&B and hip hop. Its origins can be traced back to Thomas Edison and Emile Berliner’s discoveries which allowed mass production of sound recordings.
The 1920’s witnessed an increase in popular culture and people enjoyed new forms of expression such as flapper dresses, jazz music, automobiles, and movies. Unfortunately, this period also witnessed the aftermath of World War I as many were struggling to rebuild their lives and secure their financial futures.
At that time, popular musicians would compose and perform their own compositions for audiences to listen to. Sheet music for piano pieces was published as home entertainment.
Blues and country music emerged into popular culture, eventually being blended with gospel handclaps and boogie woogie to produce Rock ‘n’ Roll music that made stars out of Bill Haley, Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley – some of whom would become pop icons themselves.
The 1950s
The 1950s brought with them a major transformation of musical taste. A new form of music, known as rock and roll, emerged during this decade. This fast-paced style appealed to young people while at the same time embodying themes of rebellion and sexuality – popular artists during this time included Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Cab Calloway and Nat King Cole.
In the 1950s, television quickly emerged as a key form of entertainment. At a time of incredible economic prosperity, young Americans could spend money on recreational activities like music and films without worry for financial constraints.
Musicians began to incorporate jazz and blues influences into pop music, sparking one of the largest revolutions in pop history. Additionally, artists began using music videos as a way of reaching their audiences directly – Michael Jackson and Madonna emerged during this time period as two iconic figures who challenged pop culture with electrifying performances and visionary visuals.
The 1960s
Pop music began its transformation during the 1960s. It started combining elements from other genres like rock, rhythm and blues and country into one cohesive style, producing an appealing sound which appealed to wide audiences.
Pop music experienced continued popularity during the 1970s and 1980s due to technological advances such as digital recording equipment. Furthermore, this allowed artists to reach wider audiences through radio broadcasts and television broadcasts.
Musicians such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby became iconic crooners who sold millions of records. These iconic performers sang about love affairs, champagne and night clubs for an upscale audience.
Pop music continues its development with the introduction of disco, punk, funk and new wave genres – breaking social barriers by creating an environment more accepting of different sexualities, gender identities and races. Artists such as Donna Summer, The Clash and Madonna made notable contributions that will leave an indelible mark on these genres for years to come.
The 1970s
By the 1970s, pop music had undergone significant change, shifting towards rhythmic lyrics more than harmonious melodies, while drum machines and synthesizers entered into its creation. Artists such as ABBA and Michel Jackson made headlines while girl bands became first-ever female rock stars.
Rock and roll shows the influence of jazz to an impressive degree. Gone was the dominant seventh chord characteristic of blues music; instead came sharper licks that defined rock and roll music. Black musicians made great strides in making an impressionful statement through rock music as well, with artists such as Little Richard becoming superstars of this new form of musical expression. Racism faded quickly as young white teenagers started enjoying black artists’ music too.
Modern pop music has evolved greatly over time, yet remains accessible and enjoyed by people from all backgrounds thanks to social media and the internet. Music remains an immensely popular form of entertainment that crosses borders without language limitations preventing participation.
The 1980s
Popular music, which encompasses any genre that appeals to a broad audience or subculture, has always evolved in response to shifting social trends. Thus, surf and folk music became mainstream during the 1960s while disco and rock reigned supreme in the 70s – reflecting cultural shifts across generations and providing outlets to express emotions through songs.
In the 1980s, popular music began incorporating electronic elements. MTV helped popularize music videos during this decade and gave rise to iconic figures like Michael Jackson and Madonna who inspired audiences with electrifying performances and visionary visuals.
Duran Duran, Michael Jackson and Madonna represent how pop music continues to develop over time. Not only were these superstar musicians, but they were also fashion trendsetters that changed how people dressed. Furthermore, these pioneers introduced a new genre of music characterized by catchy beats and lyrics anyone could dance to.
The 1990s
In the 1990s, pop music witnessed an explosion of new styles that challenged established ideas about genres. Grunge bands such as Silverchair and Backstreet Boys helped dismantle generic 1980s glam rock; Kurt Cobain’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ addressed an alienated generation, while rap/hip-hop music rose from fringe culture to global influence through artists such as Public Enemy, N.W.A, Eminem, 2Pac etc.
The 90s saw heavy metal evolve into subgenres such as rap metal, nu metal and industrial metal; synthpop evolved into eurodance, techno and drum & bass; R&B was led by stars such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Jennifer Lopez and Boyz II Men – creating an unforgettable decade in music!
However, this era of diversity wasn’t without its own set of problems. When so much music was available for all tastes and genres to buy at once, record companies began losing focus on quality in favor of medium-size principalities that made it easier for record companies to stock everything from hardcore hip-hop to Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums – ultimately giving rise to some serious issues within the pop bubble era.