When Did Pop Music Originate?

Pop music has been around for decades, but when did it first originate? Find out in this blog post, where we explore the history of pop music and its roots.

Introduction

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many diverse styles. “Pop” and “rock” were roughly synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated from each other.

Generally, rock is a heavier, guitar-based sound, while pop is lighter and features more synthesizers. Pop music often incorporates elements of other genres, such as hip hop, urban or dance. It also draws heavily from earlier forms of popular music, such as jazz, swing or doo-wop.

The term “pop music” was first used in 1926 by writer Theodore Dreiser in his book An American Tragedy. In the 1940s and 1950s, interviewer William Morris used the term to describe acts such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. By the mid-1960s, “pop” was used to describe pop groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

The first pop single is generally considered to be “That’s All Right (Mama)” by Elvis Presley, which was released in 1954. However, prior to this there were a number of other songs that could lay claim to being pop singles, including “Be My Guest” by Fats Domino (1956), “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets (1954) and “Sh-Boom” by The Chords (1954).

Early Pop Music

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many different styles.

1920s

The 1920s saw the birth of pop music. The term “pop music” was first used in 1926, and referred to previouslyexisting popular songs that were re-recorded by new artists. Pop music emerged as a distinct genre in the mid-1950s, when artists such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry began to release songs that appealed to a wider audience than just the traditional Jazz and blues audiences.

The popularity of pop music continued to grow in the 1960s, with the advent of Beatlemania and the British Invasion. In the 1970s, disco became one of the most popular genres of pop music, while artists such as ABBA and Michael Jackson helped to propel it to new heights. The 1980s saw the advent of MTV, which helped to make music videos an important part of pop music. Today, pop music is one of the most popular genres in the world, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

1930s

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many diverse styles. “Pop” and “rock” were roughly synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated from each other.

Generally, pop music is understood to be commercially recorded music with the goal of having mass audience appeal, with an emphasis on recording, often condensed and edited (or sometimes overdubbed) voices, instruments and/or beats[citation needed] instead of songwriting or improvisation. Pop music typically focuses on a catchy melody[citation needed] supported by an arrangement cofounded on lighthearted lyrical themes[citation needed]. For example, the Beach Boys’ song “Fun, Fun, Fun” (1964) was about being allowed to drive by one’s parents – a theme which has been common in pop songs since the 1930s. Similarly, during the 1980s, as digital technologies made more synthesizers available at lower prices to consumers allowing musicians more freedom to experiment freely with their sound[citation needed], many synth-pop hits incorporated orthodox rock instrumentation such as lead guitar lines or drummer machine sounds into their arrangements – for example on Donna Summer’s hit song “She Works Hard for the Money” (1983)[1][2] which despite its disco rivaling dancefloor filling sound contained an unmistakably distorted electric guitar solo

The early history of pop music closely paralleled the development of jazz, blues and country music. With origins in Western swing and big band jazz, country artists like Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys introduced many elements of pop style to Western swing while Country and Western Music was increasingly played on 78 rpm phonograph records. Other important influences on pop vocalists were RADIO; jukeboxes; MOVIES; live performances e.g. at dance halls or night clubs; BROADCASTING e.g., crooners like Bing Crosby; as well as TRIBALISM e.g., girl groups like The Andrews Sisters who gave African American musical innovations such as SYNCOPATION a wide circulation among white people.[3] The most successful popular singer of the early 1950s was Frankie Laine whose string of hits included Mule Train (1949), A Woman In Love (1950), Jezebel (1952)and Hey Joe! (1952). Laine introduced INTO HIS SINGING many elements previously associated with Jazz including scat singing – for instance in his hitof 1953 Rawhide.[4] Meanwhile other singer such as Al Jolson had developed a highly theatrical form of delivery which would also have a long lasting impact ON POP.[5]

The popularity OF THE HORSE operas such as Roy Rogers encouraged singing cowboys such AS DALE EVANS TO PERFORM IN WHITE HATS AND BOOTS while jitterbugging TO WESTERN SWING MUSIC.[6][7] In 1951 Gene Autry had a number one hit with Here Comes Santa Claus which featured CHUCK BERRY’S NOW FAMILIAR RIFF.[8][9] By contrast THE BEACH BOYS 1936 recording Of Rhapsody In Blue WAS A BIG HIT IN 1950 thanks TO ITS USE AS BACKGROUND MUSIC IN A film biography OF GEORGE GERSHWIN.[10][11]

During THE EARLY 1950S Rock And Roll vents caught ON among TEENAGERS prompting Concerns about corrupting THE NATION’s youth.[12][13][14] David Ewen described this period: “Youngsters grooved to THE SCUFFLE beat … AND ROARED ALONG WITH ELVIS PRESLEY AS HE SHOOK HIS LEGS AND TWITCHED HIS HIPS.”[15] According to Joel Whitburn AS WELL AS having An important influence ON Rock And Roll THE HYPE surrounding Presley himself ALSO HELPED make Teenagers more aware OF POPULAR MUSIC.”

1940s

The term “pop music” was first used in 1926, in an interview with American musician George Gershwin conducted by the New York Times. In 1932, during the Great Depression, the popular song “Happy Days Are Here Again” became a huge hit and signified the beginning of the end of the economic turmoil. The 1930s also saw the rise of swing music, which was influenced by jazz. Swing bands usually consisted of seven to twelve musicians and featured a strong rhythm section with lots of brass instruments.

The 1940s was the decade that saw the birth of rock and roll. Rock and roll emerged from a combination of blues, country, gospel, and rhythm and blues. One of the earliest rock and roll songs was “Rocket 88” by Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm band. The 1950s is often considered to be the golden age of pop music, as it was during this decade that many now-classic pop songs were released. Some of the most popular artists during this time included Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry.

Modern Pop Music

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many diverse styles. “Pop” and “rock” were synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated from each other.

1950s

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many diverse styles. “Pop” and “rock” were synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated from each other.

Generally, pop music is understood to be commercially recorded music with the goal of having mass audience appeal, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and wedging itself between classical and vernacular traditions rather than heightening any specific traits. Pop music has been heavily influenced by various genres throughout its development; including jazz, rock, Motown, rhythm and blues, disco, and country. It also draws influences from African-American culture through aspects such as pitch, rhythm, and form. The lyrical content of pop songs typically focuses on themes concerning love, relationships, leisure activities, aspirations for the future, among others.

1960s

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. The terms “popular music” and “pop music” are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many diverse styles. “Pop” and “rock” were synonymous terms until the late 1960s, when they became increasingly differentiated from each other.

Generally, pop music is understood to be commercially recorded music with the goal of mass audience appeal, made easily accessible to the general public on commercial radio stations, MTV, and in digital stores and online streaming services. Pop music has been dominated by the American record industry since the early 20th century.

The Beatles were a pop music phenomenon of the 1960s. commodifying managers like Brian Epstein and legal advisors like Allen Klein popularized a more professional structure for pop performers and songwriters that continues to dominate the industry today. British Invasion bands such as The Beatles , The Rolling Stones , The Who , Herman’s Hermits , Peter and Gordon , Dave Clark Five , Dusty Springfield , Cilla Black , Lulu , Petula Clark achieved mainstream success in both the US and UK.

1970s

The term “pop music” can be used for a variety of different genres including rock, country, R&B, and soul. However, in the 1970s, the term “pop music” generally referred to a specific type of music that emerged from the Beatles-led British Invasion of the 1960s. This new type of pop music was more focused on catchy hooks and simple melodies than on complex lyrics or extended instrumental solos. Furthermore, it was often produced using well-crafted studio techniques rather than being recorded live.

The 1970s saw the rise of various pop music subgenres, including disco, soft rock, and power pop. Many well-known pop artists released their debut albums in the 1970s, such as ABBA, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Queen. The popularity of pop music continued into the 1980s with the advent of MTV and new wave music.

Conclusion

Despite its modern connotations, pop music has a long and storied history, with roots in every corner of the globe. From early jazz and blues to rock and roll and soul, pop music has always been about bringing people together and getting them moving. Today, pop music is as popular as ever, with chart-topping hits crossing genres and cultures. Whether you’re a fan of old-school classics or the latest hits, there’s a little something for everyone in the world of pop music.