Popular Music Genres

Blues

Blues originated from the music of the slaves, from their work songs. Their music consisted of songs for working and dancing and for worshipping God (spirituals) The blues is sometimes sad and sometimes happy. Boosey’s Blues for example is meant to be happy. The word ‘blue’ can be a synonym for ‘sad’. The blues sometimes sounds sad because it uses the blue notes.

Jazz

The city of New Orleans is important for the history of jazz because many African-American lived there. They played slow or quick marching music at funerals or festivals. Later this kind of music together with the three main features of gospel music (call and response structure, improvisation, syncopated rhythms) developed into jazz. Jazz became popular in other American cities like Chicago. Louis Armstrong, whose nickname was Satchmo, was one of the most famous jazz musicians of all times.

Rock ‘n’ roll

Rock ‘n’ roll started in the 1950s in the USA. It is a mixture of R&B (Rhythm and Blues) and country and western music. The first rock ‘n’ roll singers were black like Buddy Holly. He introduced rock ‘n’ roll to young white people. Elvis Presley is called the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ roll’ because he’s the most famous rock ‘n’ roll artists of all times. He also played the guitar.

RAP

‘Rap’ is the short form for ‘rhythm and poetry’. A lot of rap artists are African-American, but Eminem is unusual because he is a white rapper. Rappers speak the words rhythmically over the music (hip hop music). Rap originated in the urban black ghettos of many US cities and its songs cover themes of violence, materialism, racial hatred and discrimination.

Country & western music

Country and western music is a combination of cowboy songs and love songs. The best place to hear country and western music is Nashville, Tennessee (USA). Dolly Parton is a famous country and western singer. A famous country song is Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree.