How Much American Pop Music Has Been Influenced by Native American Music

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

A lot of American music has been influenced by Native American music. This can be seen in the way that many American pop songs have been written about Native American topics, or have used Native American instruments in their recordings.

The Native American Influence on American Pop Music

It is safe to say that American pop music would not be what it is today without the influence of Native American music. From the early days of American pop music, Native American music has been a major influence. In the early 1900s, Native American music was introduced to the mainstream American public through movies and radio.

The early days: Native American music and American pop music share a history

The relationship between Native American music and American pop music is a long and complicated one. Native American music has been a powerful force in the development of American pop music, influencing everything from the early folk and blues traditions to the creation of rock and roll.

At the same time, Native Americans have often been marginalized within the American pop music industry, both as performers and as listeners. In recent years, however, there has been a renewed interest in Native American music, both within the Indigenous community and among non-Native fans.

The early days: Native American music and American pop music share a history
The earliest known examples of Native American music date back thousands of years. These early musical traditions were passed down orally from generation to generation, and they continue to be an important part of Indigenous cultural life today.

Native American music has always been dance-oriented, with various styles used for different purposes. Social dances are designed to promote community bonding and joy, while healing dances are used to address physical and spiritual needs. Ceremonial dances are performed on special occasions such as births, funerals, and harvest celebrations.

Over time, Native American music began to mix with that of European settlers. This process was hastened by the forced relocation of Indigenous people to reservations in the 19th century, as well as by the rise of popular media such as radio and television.

Many early stars of American pop music had direct or indirect connections to Native American culture. Jazz great Louis Armstrong grew up in a New Orleans neighborhood with a large population of Mardi Gras Indians, while country music legend Hank Williams was influenced by the Cherokee rhythms he heard in his youth. Elvis Presley’s hit “Blue Moon” was based on a traditional Cherokee melody, while his famous “Sunrise” logo was inspired by a Navajo sand painting.

The influence of Native American music on American pop music today

Popular music in the United States has been heavily influenced by the music of Native Americans. A number of popular genres, including country, rock, and hip hop, have been inspired by the sounds and rhythms of Native American music.

Native American music is often characterized by its use of percussion and drones, as well as its unique tonal qualities. These elements have been absorbed into many popular American musical styles, resulting in a rich tapestry of sound that reflects the diversity of the country’s musical heritage.

The influence of Native American music can be heard in a wide range of popular songs. Some well-known examples include “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, “Crazy” by Willie Nelson, and “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith. All of these songs make use of elements that are characteristic of Native American music, such as percussion and drone-like sounds.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the music of Native Americans, and a number of artists have begun to explore this rich musical tradition. With its unique sound and powerful message, Native American music is sure to continue to influence American pop music for years to come.

How Much American Pop Music Has Been Influenced by Native American Music

It is no secret that American pop music has been influenced by Native American music. This can be seen in the way that many American pop songs have elements of Native American music in them. This includes the use of drums, chants, and even the use of Native American instruments.

The influence of Native American music on American pop music can be seen in many ways

In the early 1900s, a new kind of music called jazz began to develop in the American South. This music was heavily influenced by the sounds of African American spirituals, work songs, and field hollers. One of the most important innovators of this new music was Ferdinand “Jelly Roll” Morton, a Creole musician from New Orleans who incorporated elements of African American and European music into his own unique style.

During the same time period, another new style of music was developing in the southwestern United States. This music was influenced by the sounds of Mexican and Spanish folk songs and dances. One of the most important innovators of this new style was Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, a Mexican musician who incorporated elements of Mexican and European music into his own unique style.

Over time, these two styles of music began to influence each other. For example, many jazz musicians began to use elements of Mexican and Spanish folk music in their own compositions. Similarly, many Hispanic musicians began to use elements of jazz in their own compositions. The result is that today American pop music is a rich blend of many different styles, including jazz, rock, country, R&B, and hip hop.

The influence of Native American music on American pop music is evident in the way it is used today

Popular music in the United States has been influenced by Native American music for centuries. In the early days of American history, Native American music was sometimes used as a tool for storytelling and communication. When settlers arrived in North America, they began to integrate elements of Native American music into their own, creating a new musical style that would come to be known as “American folk music.”

Over time, as different cultures and traditions mix together in the melting pot of America, the influence of Native American music has continued to be heard in popular songs. In the 20th century, it became more common for popular musicians to explicitly incorporate elements of Native American music into their work, often using it as a way to add a touch of “exotic” flavor. Today, the influence of Native American music can still be heard in many popular songs, although it is often used more subtlety than in the past.

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