In the 1980s, hard rock bands like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison and Europe found enormous success with their “hair band” music that featured big hair and flashy stage shows. Additionally, these bands gave rise to Christian hair metal subgenre of music. Reba McEntire and other country artists found an audience for their music through …
People may mistakenly believe that electronic music began with the invention of synthesizers, but its roots can be traced much further back. Indeed, electronic instruments first appeared near the end of 19th century. Early pioneers of electronic music were mostly musicians and composers influenced by new technology that was becoming accessible and affordable for everyone. …
In the 1960s, rock music experienced great disruption: hard and soft sounds were split apart into distinct genres, punk’s emphasis on authenticity being contrasted against glam’s celebration of artifice. Country & Western saw stars such as Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette emerge, while in Africa, Fela Kuti and Mulatu Astatke pioneered Afrobeat. The Beatles The …
In the mid 1960s, folk singers and bands began combining traditional folk songs with rock music. Tight vocal harmonies and an almost “clean” (effects- and distortion-free) approach to electric instruments were the hallmark of this genre, heavily influenced by The Beatles in 1964 when they combined their folk influences with rock music. The Byrds The …
Rock music and drug use is a controversial issue. Studies suggest that those who listen to certain genres are more likely to use drugs than non-listeners, though the link between music and substance abuse remains complex. Some rock bands have taken this topic head-on and made a statement, while others used drug references as an …