Funk is my favorite genre of music. Jazz is a constant source of inspiration. But, Rock continues to influence what ever I write. It was always on the radio growing up and it just has something that keeps pulling me back.
Rock, like Rock n Roll, Jazz and Funk came from R&B, which was derived from the Blues, so it comes from good lineage. It all started with Chuck Berry. In 1955, while in Chicago to catch a Muddy Waters show, when the performance was over, Berry approached Waters and asked who he should see about making a record. He was directed to the offices of Chess Records, a Blues label. Berry didn't have any tapes on hand, so he went home and recorded some. He wrote a song that used a Blues scale, but he raised the tempo and dropped the repeated first line of every verse. The result was a song called "Ida Sue," which was later renamed "Maybellene." Chess loved the song and quickly released it. The record soon cross over from the R&B chart over to the Pop chart where it reached #5. With that, history was made.
Berry's hit began the Rock n Roll explosion that took place afterward. Soon, artists such as Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and Bill Haley and the Comets would follow. In the beginning, R&B and Rock n Roll were almost interchangeable. Artists from one chart often crossed over to the other with ease.
The sound of Rock n Roll stayed pretty much the same on into the the 1960s. The increasing electrification of the instruments that were played began to change things. And, the arrival of the Beatles would introduce the artist as song writer. R&B began to drift toward Soul and Gospel. And, the Funk of James Brown had an effect on Rock n roll as well as artist began to dropped the the 2 & 4 beat emphasis to go for a more straight ahead sound. The improvisational guitar solo at the center of most songs became longer and sometimes, they represented the heart of song. The Folk music influence brought the singer/songwriter to the forefront, as the social upheaval of the decade began to produce, "message songs." All of these things met up at Woodstock, in 1969. I can't really say that this is when and where Rock n Roll became Rock, but I think that a pretty good case could be made. Nothing in Rock was quite the same after that. Artists most noted from that time were Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones.
The creative freedom that was won in the early 1970s was actually due in part to the successes of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. The first artist of that decade to win such freedom was Stevie Wonder. While Stevie was an R&B artist, it didn't stop artists in other genres from following suite. In fact, creative freedom would serve to help 70s Rock artists to make some of the most memorable music ever made. Nothing went untried. Synthesizers increased their creative potential as well as the use of arranging and composing techniques. Ideas came from their lives, imaginations and experiences. Rock lived and breathed on the Top 40 chart. But, there was no one sound. 70s Rock represented a very diverse group of artists who goal seemed to be, not to sound like anyone else. This held true until Disco would change almost everyone's style by the end of the decade. All of the experimenting and collaborating came to a screeching halt as the major labels hurried to capitalize on Disco's success. Some artists caved in, while some others left the business for a while. Rock would survive, but a lot of what made Rock artists of the 70s so unique would be lost, as creative freedom would be traded for an artist's chance to grab at the brass ring. Some 70s artists were, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Eagles, and Peter Frampton.
The 1980s got of to a quirky start. Disco was gone and the drum synthesizer quickly became popular. Also, the gated reverb used by Phil Collins on "In The Air Tonight," swept the industry, as artists went looking for a sound that the major labels would except. Eventually, artists who began to make a name for themselves in the 70s found a way to break thought the muddle to become, in some cases, super stars. The advent of the music video and MTV and VH1 helped to make some artist's careers. While not as innovative as 70s music, in my opinion, Rock of the 80s was still an entertaining mix of music and persona. Rock eventually rebounded and and thrived as the result of the arrival of the, "power chord," and a growing interest in "Heavy Metal." But, in the late 1980s, Rap was on the rise, and about to become the "darling of the music industry. Once again, things were about to change. Some 80s artist were Metalica, Motley Crue, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi.
Five years after receiving it's first ever Grammy in 1989, Rap was had become a sensation, and the major label were all over it. The same Rock artists who were a staple in the 80s were all but left to fend for themselves in the 1990s. Again, some artists embraced Rap while some others left the business, or they went independent. But, in 1992, the Grunge sound of Seattle broke through in the guise of Nirvana's Nevermind CD. In my opinion, their success changed Rock, maybe even more than Rap. While it was popular for a time, Grunge wasn't very stylish at all. In my opinion, at times it appeared to resemble the three chord Rock similar to that of a garage band. But, at least it encouraged young and up and coming artists to keep trying. Meanwhile, mergers and acquisitions created a situation where many labels were dropping artists from their rosters, as they looked to better manage their bottom lines. Those acts with stage presence, in my opinion, seemed to be the ones who got signed. By the end of the 90s, the internet was becoming the place to find the kind of Rock that you were looking for. Some 90s artist were, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, and No Doubt.
Here in the 21st century, many artists, both those well known as well as those who are still relative unknowns, have taken their music online in search of an audience. The DIY movement is in full swing, offering music lovers and fans around the planet the widest variety of music across every possible genre. Somewhere out there, the first internet sensation is busy toiling away at their craft. Who knows what kind of music they will present? But, it's always possible, that when they do finally arrive, they just might bring with them, the next Rock n Roll explosion.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
All That Jazz
I like Jazz. I grew up listening to it. Miles Davis, Gerry Mulligan, and Dave Brubeck were favorites at my house.
When you're young and you like Jazz, it might make you feel a little odd, especially if none of your friends even care for it. But, I had no problems. The parents of a lot of the kids I grew up with liked Jazz as well. That being said, I know that a lot of people have trouble relating to it.
Jazz is an out growth of the Blues, which was born in the rural south. The music is characterized by a strong but flexible structure, rhythm, and meter, punctuated by improvisation. Early forms of Jazz include, Ragtime, Dixieland, and Swing. By the 1940s Big Band was a big deal. By the 1950s, BeBop had given way to Cool Jazz. Cool Jazz players tended to have larger ensembles as opposed to the usual trios, quartets, and quintets. Also, they experimented with different instruments within their ensembles. Some of the artists included Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie,and Miles Davis.
In the 1960s, Rock n Roll became Rock, and began to find its way over into Jazz. In fact, R&B, Soul, and later, Funk would also begin to merge with Jazz. Jazz of the 60s seemed to expand in all directions as various artists experimented with sounds of other genres. The increase use of amplified instruments pushed Jazz toward a more electrified sound, as opposed the the more acoustic sound of the previous decade. This gave Jazz artists a greater opportunity to define their music and create a more unique and individual presence for each of them. Some of the artists from the 60s were Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, and John Coltrane.
What's interesting about Jazz of the 1970s, is that the sound of it is considered to have started in the 60s. The electrified sound of 60s Rock gave birth to Fusion while Funk took Jazz to a higher dimension. The introduction of the synthesizer allowed Jazz artists to let their imaginations run free. The result was some of the most creative and imaginative music ever made. Suddenly, Jazz was listenable and danceable. It was both interesting and exciting. And, with the help of technology, it became inventive, progressive, and innovative. Herbie Hancock's Headhunters album, in my opinion, epitomizes the depth to which Jazz artists of the decade were able to go. Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Quincy Jones, Jeff Beck, and more would all follow suite as as Jazz's popularity began to rise.
All was well with Jazz, until the success of Disco threaten to throw things on the back burner, as the major labels moved to capitalize. Jazz's rising popularity through the 70s seemed to evaporate at start of the 1980s, as Rap quickly moved in to fill the vacuum left by Disco's later demise. Instead of continuing to lead the pack, many Jazz artists dabbled with the dance sound in order to stay in the public's eye. However, a lot of Jazz artists actually pushed for a return to a more traditional or contemporary sound. It was a strange decade for Jazz, as the economics of recording music often produced some odd collaborations. Rap and later Hip Hop would also have an impact, as some saw a correlation between those genres and Jazz. By the end of the decade, Quincy Jones would produce the most notable melding of Rap and Jazz with the album, Back On The Block. Some of the artists were, Wynton Marsalis, Brandford Marsalis, and Pat Metheny.
Smooth Jazz is considered to have been born in the 70s. But, it was the late 80s and early 90s that lifted the genre to radio format prominence. Smooth Jazz, leans heavily on R&B, Pop, and Rock elements as a means of making the music more appealing to a wider audience. With the music buying public becoming increasingly enamored of Rap, Hip Hop, the prefab Pop of the 90s, Smooth Jazz radio was the most likely place to turn for something upbeat and rhythmic, but not offense to the ears. I think, and this is just my opinion, that Jazz was a victim of the merging and acquiring of the 1990s. While there were all types of Jazz recordings made in that decade, the emphasis on being commercial was so strong, that many artists did what ever was necessary to be heard. Some artists from that decade were, Pharoah Sanders, Bill Frisell, and Don Byron.
In all honesty, here in the 21st century, I've probably listened to more Jazz from the past then any other time I can remember. I don't think it's because there's isn't any good Jazz being made. I think it's because Jazz hasn't been given the attention that it was once given. If you want to hear good Jazz, you have to seek it out for your self. In fact, the Smooth Jazz station in my area, which had played a reasonable mix of all sub genres, went under last year. What does that tell you?
This past winter, Esperanza Spalding, a Jazz bassist, singer, and composer won the Grammy for Best New Artist. I'd like to view this as encouragement, not only for Jazz artists, but for anyone who believes in music as art and not just a product. Choosing her should be a clear indication that hard work can and will eventually triumph, but, only time will tell.
When you're young and you like Jazz, it might make you feel a little odd, especially if none of your friends even care for it. But, I had no problems. The parents of a lot of the kids I grew up with liked Jazz as well. That being said, I know that a lot of people have trouble relating to it.
Jazz is an out growth of the Blues, which was born in the rural south. The music is characterized by a strong but flexible structure, rhythm, and meter, punctuated by improvisation. Early forms of Jazz include, Ragtime, Dixieland, and Swing. By the 1940s Big Band was a big deal. By the 1950s, BeBop had given way to Cool Jazz. Cool Jazz players tended to have larger ensembles as opposed to the usual trios, quartets, and quintets. Also, they experimented with different instruments within their ensembles. Some of the artists included Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie,and Miles Davis.
In the 1960s, Rock n Roll became Rock, and began to find its way over into Jazz. In fact, R&B, Soul, and later, Funk would also begin to merge with Jazz. Jazz of the 60s seemed to expand in all directions as various artists experimented with sounds of other genres. The increase use of amplified instruments pushed Jazz toward a more electrified sound, as opposed the the more acoustic sound of the previous decade. This gave Jazz artists a greater opportunity to define their music and create a more unique and individual presence for each of them. Some of the artists from the 60s were Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, and John Coltrane.
What's interesting about Jazz of the 1970s, is that the sound of it is considered to have started in the 60s. The electrified sound of 60s Rock gave birth to Fusion while Funk took Jazz to a higher dimension. The introduction of the synthesizer allowed Jazz artists to let their imaginations run free. The result was some of the most creative and imaginative music ever made. Suddenly, Jazz was listenable and danceable. It was both interesting and exciting. And, with the help of technology, it became inventive, progressive, and innovative. Herbie Hancock's Headhunters album, in my opinion, epitomizes the depth to which Jazz artists of the decade were able to go. Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Quincy Jones, Jeff Beck, and more would all follow suite as as Jazz's popularity began to rise.
All was well with Jazz, until the success of Disco threaten to throw things on the back burner, as the major labels moved to capitalize. Jazz's rising popularity through the 70s seemed to evaporate at start of the 1980s, as Rap quickly moved in to fill the vacuum left by Disco's later demise. Instead of continuing to lead the pack, many Jazz artists dabbled with the dance sound in order to stay in the public's eye. However, a lot of Jazz artists actually pushed for a return to a more traditional or contemporary sound. It was a strange decade for Jazz, as the economics of recording music often produced some odd collaborations. Rap and later Hip Hop would also have an impact, as some saw a correlation between those genres and Jazz. By the end of the decade, Quincy Jones would produce the most notable melding of Rap and Jazz with the album, Back On The Block. Some of the artists were, Wynton Marsalis, Brandford Marsalis, and Pat Metheny.
Smooth Jazz is considered to have been born in the 70s. But, it was the late 80s and early 90s that lifted the genre to radio format prominence. Smooth Jazz, leans heavily on R&B, Pop, and Rock elements as a means of making the music more appealing to a wider audience. With the music buying public becoming increasingly enamored of Rap, Hip Hop, the prefab Pop of the 90s, Smooth Jazz radio was the most likely place to turn for something upbeat and rhythmic, but not offense to the ears. I think, and this is just my opinion, that Jazz was a victim of the merging and acquiring of the 1990s. While there were all types of Jazz recordings made in that decade, the emphasis on being commercial was so strong, that many artists did what ever was necessary to be heard. Some artists from that decade were, Pharoah Sanders, Bill Frisell, and Don Byron.
In all honesty, here in the 21st century, I've probably listened to more Jazz from the past then any other time I can remember. I don't think it's because there's isn't any good Jazz being made. I think it's because Jazz hasn't been given the attention that it was once given. If you want to hear good Jazz, you have to seek it out for your self. In fact, the Smooth Jazz station in my area, which had played a reasonable mix of all sub genres, went under last year. What does that tell you?
This past winter, Esperanza Spalding, a Jazz bassist, singer, and composer won the Grammy for Best New Artist. I'd like to view this as encouragement, not only for Jazz artists, but for anyone who believes in music as art and not just a product. Choosing her should be a clear indication that hard work can and will eventually triumph, but, only time will tell.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Rhythm... And The Blues
My favorite genre of music is Funk. But, I grew up listening to R&B, Jazz, and a dash of Blues. Rock was always on the radio, but I didn't get into it until I started school. Occasionally, some Country music might find it's way onto my palette. Lets just say that my taste in music is very "eclectic." What I really like is anything that's well written. And, I'm not usually bothered if the singer isn't very good, as long as what they're singing moves me in some way.
Rock, Jazz, and Funk all owe a debt to the Blues, which is a form of music that is melancholic in mature. It was music that expressed suffering or lament and was created by blacks in the rural south. The first recordings of the Blues are said to have taken place in the mid 1920s. By the end of the 1940s, artists such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters had made the music popular. In the 1940s, Rhythm and Blues was created by combining Blues with Jazz and Gospel, while adding a strong back beat and syncopated instruments. Though the Blues had come into its own, it was Rhythm and Blues or R&B that broke through to reach a wider audience in the 1950s.
Early R&B of the 50s was characterized by a strong lead vocal with lots of background singing in harmony. Some of the most notable groups were the Platters, The Coasters, and the Penguins. Solo artists included, Sam Cooke, Lloyd Price, and Jackie Wilson. The R&B of the 50s was also known as Doo Wop, which was harmony vocalizing, based on phonetic syllables for rhythmic structure. Here is where it is my understanding that R&B as a musical form could be both uptempo and slow ballads.
In the the 60s, the vocal group was still a very important part of the R&B scene. However, the music took on a slightly more Gospel quality. The strong backseat was still a prominent feature but the rhythm became more African. James Brown who has been, attributed for introducing the "Southern Soul," sound into R&B, took the emphasis from the 2 and 4 beat and placed it squarely on the 1. The new sound was called Funk.
As the 60s progressed, more and more of its R&B artists began to incorporate the new sound into their music. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Miracles, Supremes, and Four Tops were among the most notable of that period. The music, once again could be uptempo or slow ballad, and what seemed to be most important by this time, was the growth of the artists and the growth and development of the R&B sound.
The 70s R&B sound drew upon first, the end of the turbulent times of the 60s, and the arrival of creative freedom. One of the first R&B artists to get such freedom was Stevie Wonder. Stevie was fascinated by technology, especially synthesizers. He took those early instruments and made virtual one man masterpieces. His first hit using these instruments was "Superstition." Drawing from Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Funk, Stevie reinvented himself with a sound that was uniquely of his own making. And, other artist would quickly follow. The vocal group remained a staple of the genre while the rhythm and syncopation became increasingly funky. At times the rhythm would shift from African to Afro-Cuban in texture as artists began to experiment with just about every aspect of songwriting, arranging, and production. The Isley Brothers, Commodores, Earth Wind & fire, Ohio Players, Parliament/Funkadelic and Average White Band are some of the most notable. Once again, the music could be uptempo or slow ballad.
Heavy manipulation of the dance music scene of the late 70s created a short period of what seemed like uncertainty at the beginning of the 80s. Many successful R&B artists began to either record less and less or left the music business altogether. Those who were just getting started were left groping for a sound as creative freedom was traded away to the labels as a way for artists to secure record deals. The vocal group was still a main stay and because of a continuing dance influence, uptempo sounds were emphasized heavily, while the music could also be slow ballads. Rick James, Cameo, and The Gap Band were some of the most notable artists.
The 90s saw Billboard Magazine change its R&B chart to reflect the rising popularity of Rap and Hip Hop. The chart was called the top Hip Hop and R&B singles chart. At this point, around 1994, the first Hip Hop radio station format appeared. It was WQHT or Hot 97 FM in New York, New York. Some of the most notable artists are Babyface, Boys II Men, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey.
It's my opinion, that until these two events took place, R&B was a versatile and progressive genre that featured many influences, but after these two events, it became a mostly slow ballad genre with heavy Hip Hop and Rap attributes. And, I believe that Hip Hop and Rap became R&Bs uptempo counterpart, when in reality, the genre as we knew it, no longer exists. While the above artists all have influences that come from decades of R&B tradition, many who have followed in their footsteps appear, in my opinion, to be unaware or possibly do not care about such tradition. The beats and rhymes formula of success rages on as musical growth has given way to winning the "music game."
Rock, Jazz, and Funk all owe a debt to the Blues, which is a form of music that is melancholic in mature. It was music that expressed suffering or lament and was created by blacks in the rural south. The first recordings of the Blues are said to have taken place in the mid 1920s. By the end of the 1940s, artists such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters had made the music popular. In the 1940s, Rhythm and Blues was created by combining Blues with Jazz and Gospel, while adding a strong back beat and syncopated instruments. Though the Blues had come into its own, it was Rhythm and Blues or R&B that broke through to reach a wider audience in the 1950s.
Early R&B of the 50s was characterized by a strong lead vocal with lots of background singing in harmony. Some of the most notable groups were the Platters, The Coasters, and the Penguins. Solo artists included, Sam Cooke, Lloyd Price, and Jackie Wilson. The R&B of the 50s was also known as Doo Wop, which was harmony vocalizing, based on phonetic syllables for rhythmic structure. Here is where it is my understanding that R&B as a musical form could be both uptempo and slow ballads.
In the the 60s, the vocal group was still a very important part of the R&B scene. However, the music took on a slightly more Gospel quality. The strong backseat was still a prominent feature but the rhythm became more African. James Brown who has been, attributed for introducing the "Southern Soul," sound into R&B, took the emphasis from the 2 and 4 beat and placed it squarely on the 1. The new sound was called Funk.
As the 60s progressed, more and more of its R&B artists began to incorporate the new sound into their music. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Miracles, Supremes, and Four Tops were among the most notable of that period. The music, once again could be uptempo or slow ballad, and what seemed to be most important by this time, was the growth of the artists and the growth and development of the R&B sound.
The 70s R&B sound drew upon first, the end of the turbulent times of the 60s, and the arrival of creative freedom. One of the first R&B artists to get such freedom was Stevie Wonder. Stevie was fascinated by technology, especially synthesizers. He took those early instruments and made virtual one man masterpieces. His first hit using these instruments was "Superstition." Drawing from Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Funk, Stevie reinvented himself with a sound that was uniquely of his own making. And, other artist would quickly follow. The vocal group remained a staple of the genre while the rhythm and syncopation became increasingly funky. At times the rhythm would shift from African to Afro-Cuban in texture as artists began to experiment with just about every aspect of songwriting, arranging, and production. The Isley Brothers, Commodores, Earth Wind & fire, Ohio Players, Parliament/Funkadelic and Average White Band are some of the most notable. Once again, the music could be uptempo or slow ballad.
Heavy manipulation of the dance music scene of the late 70s created a short period of what seemed like uncertainty at the beginning of the 80s. Many successful R&B artists began to either record less and less or left the music business altogether. Those who were just getting started were left groping for a sound as creative freedom was traded away to the labels as a way for artists to secure record deals. The vocal group was still a main stay and because of a continuing dance influence, uptempo sounds were emphasized heavily, while the music could also be slow ballads. Rick James, Cameo, and The Gap Band were some of the most notable artists.
The 90s saw Billboard Magazine change its R&B chart to reflect the rising popularity of Rap and Hip Hop. The chart was called the top Hip Hop and R&B singles chart. At this point, around 1994, the first Hip Hop radio station format appeared. It was WQHT or Hot 97 FM in New York, New York. Some of the most notable artists are Babyface, Boys II Men, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey.
It's my opinion, that until these two events took place, R&B was a versatile and progressive genre that featured many influences, but after these two events, it became a mostly slow ballad genre with heavy Hip Hop and Rap attributes. And, I believe that Hip Hop and Rap became R&Bs uptempo counterpart, when in reality, the genre as we knew it, no longer exists. While the above artists all have influences that come from decades of R&B tradition, many who have followed in their footsteps appear, in my opinion, to be unaware or possibly do not care about such tradition. The beats and rhymes formula of success rages on as musical growth has given way to winning the "music game."
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Pop That Thang....
The Pop chart was once a reflection of the musical tastes of the record buying public. Granted, that music buying demographic was those ages 14 to 24, If you made that chart you were a star, or at least a one hit wonder. Music that made the Pop chart usually came by the way of the charted music of other genres. This meant that Rock, Country, R&B and Jazz would make the Pop chart if their popularity spread into other areas or communities beyond where they first were played.
As a Genre, Pop became defined by its sound, as a "watered down," version of each particular genre. In other words, Pop was music of the masses. However, in every decade of the popular era, dating back to the 1950s, there was one or more of the more specific genres of music that dominated the Pop charts. Rock n Roll was the most notable.
The rock of the 50s, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino, gave way to the Rock of the 60s, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. While each changing of the guard reflected a kind of musical growth as artist who became successful in one decade did so by reflecting their influences from the previous one.
In the 70s, the above remained true, however, the power of the artist to create every aspect of their product and persona brought a wave of popular music that at times transcended their respective genres. Songwriting was brought center stage, along with arranging and producing. Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd all brought the music of their lives and minds to bare, as they created music that often crossed onto multiple charts all at the same time.
The 80s saw the rise of the persona of many of its biggest stars become larger and more important then their music. Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna all became mega stars with their rock star lives often taking center stage. The Pop chart was still a reflection of a variety of styles, but the emphasis shifted away from the artist as creator to the artist as performer. The result was great showmanship, but an erosion of form and content.
In the 90s, I would have to say, in my opinion, that the music really became a genre that was defined by blandness and "watered down," everything. Rock became grungy. R&B became "soapy," ballads, and Jazz became so smooth that it almost slipped away. Meanwhile, Rap and Hip Hop ruled. That is at least until the middle of the decade when the prefab "boy band, girl band," fad took over. The sound of the nineties was ultimately defined by the producers who produced the music rather than the artists who might have created it, but many times, only performed it. The Backstreet Boys, N'sync, Brittany Spears, and Spice Girls always come to mind.
Sadly, the music of the first decade of the 21st century had been defined by a return to dance music. And while Rap and Hip Hop are still extremely popular, Club, House, and Trance continue to influence artists that are making their debuts on the Pop charts. I say sadly because a lot of the great songwriting that used to be a staple of the Pop charts is now found only through the DIY movement of the internet. The market demographic still remains 14 to 24 years of age, so cross marketing continues through the use of movies and TV shows that appeal to that age group. While I think that it is unlikely, and I mean no slight, I find it hard to imagine Rhianna, Lady Gaga, or Kanye West being considered as the classics twenty years from now.
As a Genre, Pop became defined by its sound, as a "watered down," version of each particular genre. In other words, Pop was music of the masses. However, in every decade of the popular era, dating back to the 1950s, there was one or more of the more specific genres of music that dominated the Pop charts. Rock n Roll was the most notable.
The rock of the 50s, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino, gave way to the Rock of the 60s, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. While each changing of the guard reflected a kind of musical growth as artist who became successful in one decade did so by reflecting their influences from the previous one.
In the 70s, the above remained true, however, the power of the artist to create every aspect of their product and persona brought a wave of popular music that at times transcended their respective genres. Songwriting was brought center stage, along with arranging and producing. Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd all brought the music of their lives and minds to bare, as they created music that often crossed onto multiple charts all at the same time.
The 80s saw the rise of the persona of many of its biggest stars become larger and more important then their music. Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna all became mega stars with their rock star lives often taking center stage. The Pop chart was still a reflection of a variety of styles, but the emphasis shifted away from the artist as creator to the artist as performer. The result was great showmanship, but an erosion of form and content.
In the 90s, I would have to say, in my opinion, that the music really became a genre that was defined by blandness and "watered down," everything. Rock became grungy. R&B became "soapy," ballads, and Jazz became so smooth that it almost slipped away. Meanwhile, Rap and Hip Hop ruled. That is at least until the middle of the decade when the prefab "boy band, girl band," fad took over. The sound of the nineties was ultimately defined by the producers who produced the music rather than the artists who might have created it, but many times, only performed it. The Backstreet Boys, N'sync, Brittany Spears, and Spice Girls always come to mind.
Sadly, the music of the first decade of the 21st century had been defined by a return to dance music. And while Rap and Hip Hop are still extremely popular, Club, House, and Trance continue to influence artists that are making their debuts on the Pop charts. I say sadly because a lot of the great songwriting that used to be a staple of the Pop charts is now found only through the DIY movement of the internet. The market demographic still remains 14 to 24 years of age, so cross marketing continues through the use of movies and TV shows that appeal to that age group. While I think that it is unlikely, and I mean no slight, I find it hard to imagine Rhianna, Lady Gaga, or Kanye West being considered as the classics twenty years from now.
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