Popular music generally follows a specific musical structure that has existed for decades.
Pop first made its mark as an art form with some degree of arrogance attached, but this soon changed when artists defied being classified either rock or pop artists.
Rock and roll
Pop music may seem to have its origins in rock and roll, but the genre actually dates back much further. Before becoming widely recognized as pop, popular or folk music were forms of this style that had strong musical roots including jazz, country, big band music. Additionally, this unique form has its own individual aesthetic that set it apart from other types of musical expression.
Pop music became increasingly popular during the early 1950s. Songs were catchy, with lyrics everyone could understand – such as those by Chubby Checker, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley. Some artists even included orchestral instruments in their performances to give it more professional sounding music.
Pop music’s popularity was cemented during the sixties when artists like Marc Bolan and the Beatles rose to prominence. By using different styles to craft their unique sound, these musicians became hugely successful. Additionally, around this time came British Invasion that introduced pop music to wider audiences.
Pop music has an extensive and diverse history. Over time it has moved beyond being simply entertainment to becoming an essential component of culture and art. Pop music provides people with a way to connect with one another while also being used to promote social changes; furthermore it offers young people an outlet through which they can express themselves freely while finding their voice.
Country
Pop music is a broad genre that encompasses various styles. Its roots can be traced back to Thomas Edison and his invention of the phonograph in 1876; this technology allowed people to record sound on flat discs rather than cylinders, revolutionizing popular music by making it easier for average people to listen to the sounds they liked – creating new genres like jazz, blues, rock n roll, dance music soul & funk grunge hip hop etc.
Pop artists create songs with catchy beats and lyrics that appeal to a wide audience, often exploring romantic or sad emotions within relationships. Pop is also notable for incorporating elements from other genres like rap and R&B; this unique mix has had an enormous effect on musicians worldwide.
Elvis Presley popularized an eclectic blend of blues and country in his style during the 1950s. Later came the British Invasion bringing rock and pop music from England into America; Madonna and Prince also experimented with their unique sounds that are still part of modern pop music today.
Pop music has never been more prevalent. Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, anyone can now easily create and distribute their own songs online. While some critics may allege that pop music lacks innovation or depth, there’s no denying its appeal and millions of listeners worldwide who continue listening to this genre of music.
Blues
Pop music has evolved throughout its history to meet society and the tastes of its listeners, reflecting both social change and musical taste evolution. Its origins can be traced back to late 19th century when sheet music became more readily available and the phonograph allowed people to listen to records; from there rock’n’roll emerged, followed by rockabilly; then came rockabilly/ rock’n’roll, followed by rockabilly/ rockabilly in 1940s/ 1940s then 60s with Beatles then dance music/ punk movement which created new types of pop such as bubblegum/ British invasion – both which still impact popular music today!
The blues is an American musical genre originating in West African communities brought over as slaves during the slave trade, particularly areas with plantations slavery. Their experiences, including backbreaking work on American plantations and treatment by whites, helped shape its message: sadness and melancholy are two themes found throughout its roots.
During the 1920s, African American singers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith made blues accessible to a wider audience through recordings. Their success gave rise to various blues styles like Boogie-Woogie – an influential form from barrel house ragtime – and West Coast Blues with its swing beat.
Jazz
Early pop music began with jazz. Jazz is an eclectic style of music encompassing various instruments and musical genres; played either by an orchestra or just a few musicians, often featuring vocal accompaniment and its signature style. Popular since its creation in late 19th century, its rise became even greater after the invention of the phonograph allowed people to access home record players where it could be enjoyed regularly alongside blues, rock ‘n roll, soul music and others at this time.
Pop music has long been popular. Its wide array of musical styles includes doo-wop, rock and roll, disco, R&B punk and grunge. Pop’s popularity lies in this combination of sounds that appeals to multiple audiences; this explains its immense success.
The Beatles revolutionized pop music during the late 1960s with their unique blend of rock-n-roll with classical elements – a style now synonymous with popular music.
Marc Bolan stands as an artist who successfully bridges pop and rock and roll music genres without succumbing to any sort of categorisation or classification.
The 1990s and 21st centuries saw an upsurge of boy bands and girl groups, typically consisting of young, attractive men and women singing catchy melodies. Some of the most successful pop groups included New Edition, Backstreet Boys, Hanson and *NSYNC which all made millions while inspiring future musicians.
R&B
R&B music evolved during the Great Migration of rural Southern African Americans into urban centers such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, during a thirty-year period encompassing legally sanctioned segregation laws, international conflicts, and the civil rights movement. R&B genre can be defined as an amalgam of blues, big band swing, gospel music and jump blues elements fused together. It evolved alongside these demographic shifts.
Louis Jordan was among the early practitioners of R&B. His Tympany Five played jump blues, an uptempo mix of jazz and blues featuring shuffle rhythm, boogie-woogie bass lines, short horn patterns or riffs and short horn patterns or riffs. Additionally, their vocal use of African American vernacular, humor and call-and-response sections further contributed to its development.
Motown Records in Detroit played an instrumental role in R&B’s rise. Established by songwriter/producer Berry Gordy Jr, this record label produced such iconic performers as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Commodores as well as its signature sound: sleek production quality combined with soulful vocals and catchy songs set a standard that continues to influence popular music today.
The 90’s saw R&B artists like Janet Jackson, Usher, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child D’Angelo and Mariah Carey dominate charts despite emerging rock genres like grunge and alternative music gaining prominence during this era. Although these other forms have also gained recognition since, R&B remains popular today and continues to thrive today.
Hip-hop
Hip hop music was created and popularized in New York City during the 1980s and 90s, becoming part of pop music culture over time. The genre features a beat, rhymed vocal style called rapping and long instrumental passages called breaks; DJ Kool Herc is widely credited with inventing its breakbeat although today many modern hip hop artists have expanded upon its limits.
Hip-hop features an array of other sounds. Funk-influenced grooves are common, often combined with synthesizer riffs and lyrics discussing social issues. Rappers also frequently incorporate various vocal techniques–singing, spoken word or autotune–into their performances; in some cases even singing in their native language! Hip-hop has evolved into a cultural movement; many performers serve as community organizers.
In the 1970s, Rapper’s Delight by Sugar Hill Gang became the first mainstream hip hop song. Although other tracks followed shortly after MTV was introduced, the genre really took hold once RUN DMC, the Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J began pushing rap into new areas such as romantic themes and political ideology.
Today’s popular music reflects our contemporary social climate. Stars such as Lady Gaga and Kesha have integrated elements of rock and roll while Bruno Mars uses funk music in his performances. Social media also allows new artists to make an impressionful mark.