Photos of Records of South American Folk Music from the 1950s

A collection of photos of South American folk music records from the 1950s.

Introduction

Welcome to our collection of photos of records of South American folk music from the 1950s. This collection includes records from a variety of countries, including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina. In addition to featuring a variety of musical styles, these records provide a unique glimpse into the cultures of the countries they come from. We hope you enjoy exploring this collection!

The History of South American Folk Music

South American folk music has a rich history that dates back to the early 1950s. The music is a blend of various cultures, including indigenous, African, and European. The music has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is still being performed today.

Pre-Columbian Era

The folk music of South America has its roots in the music of the indigenous peoples of the continent. The earliest evidence of music in South America comes from cave paintings in Brazil that date back to 12,000 BCE. These paintings depict people playing drums and other musical instruments.

During the Pre-Columbian era, the only people who had access to musical instruments were members of the ruling class. This changed after the European colonization of South America in the 16th century. The colonizers brought with them their own musical traditions, which began to mix with the indigenous music to create new genres.

One of the first genres of South American folk music to emerge was samba. Samba is a Brazilian form of music that was initially only popular among Afro-Brazilians. It eventually spread to other parts of Brazil and became one of the country’s most iconic musical styles.

Other popular genres of South American folk music include tango (Argentina and Uruguay), cumbia (Colombia and Peru), and chacarera (Argentina). These genres have all been influences by both European and indigenous traditions.

Colonial Era

The Colinial Era of South American Folk Music lasted from the 1500s to the 1800s. This was a time when many different cultures and religions were brought over to South America by the colonizers, resulting in a wide variety of musical styles. One of the most popular genres during this time was the zarzuela, a Spanish opera that often incorporated elements of Latin American music. Other popular genres included bullfighting songs, Afro-Brazilian songs, and Peruvian waltzes.

Post-Independence Era

In the years following independence, South American nations experienced great upheaval and change. Political turmoil and civil wars were common, and many countries drifted in and out of dictatorships. Along with this instability came huge waves of immigration from Europe and Asia, which further mixed and blended the region’s musical styles. In the later 1800s and early 1900s, a new generation of composers began to fuse folk music with classical music traditions, creating a uniquely South American sound.

The 1950s

Recordings of folk music from South America dating back to the 1950s have been found in the collections of various archives. These recordings, made on location by musicologists and ethnographers, provide an invaluable glimpse into the musical cultures of the region at a time when many of them were under threat from modernization.

The Rise of Popular Music

In the 1950s, South American folk music saw a rise in popularity due to the influence of US popular culture. Although this music had been around for centuries, it was not widely heard outside of its native countries until the mid-20th century. The 1950s were a time of great change for South America, and the music reflecte

The Decline of Folk Music

The 1950s were a decade of great change in South America. Political and economic turmoil led to a decline in the popularity of folk music. Many of the region’s traditional musicians died or retired, and young people were less interested in the music of their ancestors.

The rise of rock and roll also had an impact on folk music. In the United States, Elvis Presley’s mix of country and rhythm and blues inspired a new generation of musicians who would come to be known as “The Beatles.” These so-called “British Invasion” bands became popular around the world, including in South America.

The Beatles’ success helped to launch a new wave of folk-influenced rock bands in South America, including Los Acosta, Los Folkloristas, and Los Incas. These groups blended traditional folk music with elements of rock and roll, creating a new sound that would come to be known as “folk rock.”

Despite the decline in popularity, folk music continued to be made throughout the region. In Argentina, for example, folklore groups such as Chamamé y Sueño continued to perform traditional songs and dances from the country’s northern provinces. And in Brazil, singers like Maria Gadú and Caetano Veloso kept alive the musical traditions of their homeland.

The Records

These old records of South American Folk Music from the 1950s are truly amazing. I love the way they look and the detail in the design. Each one is unique and has a story to tell. I’m sure that the people who made them had a lot of fun doing so.

Themes

There are a variety of records available which document the sounds of traditional South American folk music from the 1950s. These records were produced by a variety of different companies, and each one has its own unique take on the music of the region.

Themes in South American folk music from the 1950s include love, loss, work, and play. The music often reflects the struggles and joys of everyday life in South America. There are also many songs about dancing, drinking, and available for purchase which document traditional South American folk dances.

Styles

There are four basic categories of South American folk music: traditional music, religious music, popular music, and modern/artistic music.

Traditional music includes the music of the indigenous people of South America as well as the music of those who have roots in the Spanish, Portuguese, and African cultures.
-Zapateado
-Jarocho
-Son Jarocho
-Fandango
Repertoire for traditional instrumental ensembles includes works such as:
-“El Cascabel”
-“La Bamba”
-“San Antonio”
Popular music encompasses a wide variety of styles, including:
-Tango
-Vals (or waltz)
-Chamarrita
Popular songs often include:
-“La Cumparsita”
-“El Choclo”
-“Mi Buenos Aires Querido”

Musicians

Some of the most iconic musicians of South American folk music from the 1950s were Argentinean, such as Atahualpa Yupanqui and Carlos Gardel. Other well-known musicians from the era include Brazil’s Luiz Gonzaga and Uruguay’s Alfredo Zitarrosa. These artists helped to popularize South American folk music around the world and their records can be found in many collections today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these photos of records of South American folk music from the 1950s provide a valuable glimpse into the culture and history of the region. They offer a unique perspective on the music of the time, and are sure to be treasured by anyone with an interest in South American folk music.