The 1950s marked a period of great financial prosperity for young Americans, giving them access to popular culture such as music and movies. This fostered rock and roll music, which often explored themes related to youth, rebellion, and sexuality.
Country music became increasingly popular during the 1950s, influenced by African American blues musicians. However, rock and roll gained wider acceptance and commercialization as time passed.
Rock-n-Roll
In the 1950s, society underwent profound social transformation, and this was reflected in the music played on radio and in movie theaters. Rock-n-Roll became particularly popular during this decade and quickly gained acceptance as an outlet for teenage emotions and concerns.
Rock music emerged in the mid-1950s from a combination of African American musical styles such as rhythm and blues, country music, boogie-woogie, jazz and jump blues. Over time it evolved into what would later be referred to simply as rock music – though both continued to be known by their original names.
At first, white suburban teenagers found the music more exotic and exciting than anything they had ever experienced before. They were introduced to it by disc jockeys such as Alan Freed in Cleveland and Dewey Phillips in Memphis who played hard-driving rhythm-and-blues and raunchy blues records on their radio stations.
These songs, such as Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” and Bill Haley’s version of the blues classic “Rock Around the Clock,” sparked a movement. They projected an image of youth rebellion that church leaders labeled Satanic music.
At the same time, other musicians such as Paul Revere and The Raiders issued criticism of emerging drug culture through their songs. These lyrics expressed disdain for this new substance’s growing appeal among adults, who perceived them as an expression of anger against their parents’ values.
However, these songs also expressed the sense of liberation and rebellion that had developed among this generation since World War II. Often accompanied by dance, they became integral components of pop music during the 1950s.
While some in the older generation despised the music that was popular during this time period, young people found it to be immensely appealing. It helped bring them together and provided them with an outlet for their emotions.
Music provided them with an outlet to express their sexuality and challenge society’s norms. Indeed, many of its most renowned performers were both men and women.
Traditional Pop
Traditional Pop was a widely beloved music genre during the 1950s. It featured songs that were inspired by various musical genres, such as pop, rock, R&B, blues, country and soul. This form of mass-produced music became hugely popular in America during this era.
Traditional Pop songs were immensely popular and remained so even after rock and roll took hold in the 1950s. These tunes featured repeated choruses and hooks, short to medium-length compositions, as well as danceable rhythms or tempos that could be quickly moved along to.
These songs were largely composed by Broadway and Hollywood show tune writers such as Irving Berlin, Victor Herbert, Harry Warren, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin; Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart Oscar Hammerstein Johnny Mercer Dorothy Fields Hoagy Carmichael Cole Porter and many more.
At that time, these songwriters and their music had become so popular in America that many considered them “standards”. These talented songwriters were renowned for their beautiful melodies and insightful lyrics.
However, Traditional Pop’s popularity faded over the years and was eventually eclipsed by other musical genres. At this point, many musicians from other musical genres began creating their own versions of traditional pop songs to further individualize them.
Another major shift in the music industry occurred around this time: record labels began merging various genres of music together. This created an innovative new pop style that appealed to a wider audience.
Some of the most renowned pop artists during this era were Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Patti Page and Dean Martin. All enjoyed enormous success during their respective periods and were hugely popular on television as well.
Columbia Records dominated the music industry during the 1950s, enabling a wide variety of songs to be produced. Some became immensely popular and reached an enormous teen audience. These hits were then recorded and popularized by popular singers such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Bill Haley who then brought them into mainstream popularity.
Soft Rock
Soft rock music has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the years. It features an ambient, soothing soundscape featuring instruments like acoustic guitars and pianos, along with beautiful lyrics and melodies – making it perfect for a peaceful evening listening.
In the early 1970s, pop rock emerged in response to its overwhelming success during the 1960s. This genre’s songs were less commercial and inoffensive than their predecessors’.
In addition to hard rock’s influence on soft rock music, the rise of folk rock and singer/songwriter tradition during the 1960s played a significant role. These musical genres, born out of Los Angeles’ recording scene, ushered in an era where soft rock would finally make it onto Billboard charts.
In the 1970s, soft rock gained steam and popularity within music. Artists such as Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, and James Taylor contributed to its meteoric rise to global success.
Soft rock peaked in the 1970s, but its popularity has endured ever since. Many of today’s biggest artists began their careers with this genre and have achieved great success.
Soft rock music stands out from other types of rock music due to its emphasis on melodies and vocal harmonies. This makes for a very relaxing genre to listen to, which has been known to help people de-stress during stressful periods.
Soft rock songs are easy to remember and often feature vocal harmonies over a smooth soundscape. Not only do these make great choices for relaxing, but everyone can enjoy them!
One of the iconic soft rock songs is Tapestry by Carole King. This hit single made a major impact during the ’70s and has been enjoyed by millions around the world ever since.
This song offers a beautiful and soothing melody backed by electric pianos and light drums. It blends elements of country and rock to create an iconic example of its genre. With its slow tempo and delicate instrumentation, it makes for the ideal choice for a relaxing night at home.
Pop Ballads
The 1950s brought us the beloved ballad, a slow love song popular throughout that decade and still beloved today.
Pop ballads tend to have a slow tempo and lyrics that tell a story about a relationship. They can also be quite poetic, conveying an intense feeling of love.
Pop ballads, often drawn from folk songs, possess an ancient allure that continues to move listeners today. These timeless classics of musical interpretation are treasured by musicians and singers across generations.
Some of the most renowned and beloved ballads ever composed include songs by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and others. These popular melodic compositions often feature string instruments along with captivating lyrics that will stay in your memory.
The Beatles’ iconic rock ballad, “Yesterday”, is an example of this trend. This popular tune has become one of the greatest songs in music history.
This song tells the tale of two people who love each other deeply but have never met. Though they have both tried and failed to get together, they remain hopeful that one day their dreams will come true.
Elvis Presley’s song “All Shook Up” is another great pop ballad. It is a slow, sentimental piece about someone experiencing love for the first time and not knowing how to cope.
In the 1950s, studio experimentation was taking place. Some of the most forward-thinking producers utilized reverb chambers – rooms with altered acoustics in response to sound. These proved highly effective at creating an entirely new sound and giving music a unique and fresh feeling.
In addition to experimenting with how instruments are played, a great producer also ensures the overall feel of the song is balanced and uncluttered. This is essential as it sets the mood of the piece while bringing out its best features. Furthermore, rhythmic instruments like drums and bass don’t overpower or create an overly busy soundscape.