“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music,” said legendary American musician, singer, and songwriter Jimi Hendrix (“Jimi Hendrix Quote”). In the mid 1960’s Jimi Hendrix and many other musical artists extremely influenced this decade. In the 1980’s, there were also many influential musicians, singers, and songwriters that captivated the thoughts and movements of many people. Music influenced fashion and behavior in the 1960’s and 1980’s and these properties have been recognized throughout the years. Music went through an immense evolution in both of these decades. The fashion and behavior that derived from music inspirations defined these two decades as individuals. The 1960’s and 1980’s have differences that distinguish the two decades apart. These differences include the change in music, fashion, and behavior which has helped individual creativity. For instance, behavior is one of these variances that has made the two decades unique from each other. The behavior between the 1960’s and 1980’s was influenced by diverse factors. In the 1960’s the population was 177,830,000, the minimum wage was one dollar per hour, the life expectancy for males in the 1960’s was about 66 years old, and the life expectancy for females was about 73 years (Goodwin and Bradley). These facts were made by behaviors from the baby boom after the war (Goodwin and Bradley). In contrast to the 1980’s, the minimum wage, life expectancy, and population increased within two decades swiftly. The population in the 1980’s was 256, 546,000, the minimum wage was three dollars and ten cents, and the life expectancy for males rose up to about 70 years old and for females the life expectancy increase... ... middle of paper ... ... Library, May-June 2011. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. . "Jimi Hendrix Quote." BrainyQuote. Xplore, 2001-2014. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. . "Music Played in the 1960's Popular Music From the 60s." 1960's Music Played in the 60's Bands Groups Singers Memories from The People History Site. N.p., 2004/2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. . "Music Played in the 1980's Popular Music From the 80s." 1980's Music Played in the 80's Bands Groups Singers Memories from The People History Site. N.p., 2004/2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. . Whitely, Peggy. "American Cultural History." 1980-1989. Lone Star College-Kingwood Library, July-Aug. 2012. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .
...ath to dominate their field and branch off into other dominating sub-genres. Those genres, especially in the 1920’s, created the foundation of what we see today in the 21st century. The genres and the creativity produced in these decades were accompanied by entertaining dance and shows that provided the people with a comfortable diversion from their outward life. In addition, music remained a way of spiritual and fun release of the mind and energy. With the radio acting as a distribution center for music, it became a national pastime in which it still ranks number one today for it’s easy access and reaching fields. In conclusion, although the 1920’s saw the birthplace of what is generally known today as the foundation of modern music, the 1970’s matched innovation and creation in the industry which is why music is still a staple in the lives of many people today.
Music can be traced back into human history to prehistoric eras. To this day archeologists uncover fragments of ancient instruments as well as tablets with carved lyrics buried alongside prominent leaders and highly influential people. This serves as a testament to the importance and power of music, as well as its influence in society. Over its many years of existence, music’s powerful invocation of feelings has allowed it to evolve and serve many purposes, one being inspiring change. American journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of fuel. Sentimental people call it inspiration, but what they really mean is fuel.” This fuel is the very things that powers the influence of Rock ‘n’ Roll on American society, that author Glenn C. Altschuler writes about in his book, “All Shook Up – How Rock ‘n’ Roll Changed America.” Between 1945 and 1965 Rock ‘n’ Roll transformed American society and culture by helping to ease racial integration and launch a sexual revolution while most importantly developing an intergenerational identity.
Although its initial peak of success occurred in 1956, rock and roll had been developing since 1951. The introduction of the 45 rpm disc, transistor radio, and television; and finally, its lively, upbeat sound all contributed to the success of rock and roll(Peterson, 102- 104). The “baby boomer” generation after the Second World War, was a major influence on the success of rock and roll. Unlike their parents, this g...
Kallen, Stuart A. Through the Decades: The 1950’s. A Cultural History of the United States. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc, 1999.
The ‘60s were the age of youth, as millions of children’s from post World War II became teenagers and rebelled against the conservative fifties. Denying civil rights to African-Americans and liberation to teenagers in previous decades and Vietnam War, created a vortexes which lead to massive rebellion against the status qua. Music of the 1960s was characteristic of the revolution that was going on during the decade. It was a time of rebellion and counter-culture in which the teenagers and college students were critical of government, business, religious institution and other various aspects of life. Era marked by civil rights movement, Vietnam War, environment of drug abuse and sexual freedom formed new music like: folk rock, soul and psychedelic rock. These genres starkly contrast the teen idol music of ‘50s pop mainstream. Writes John Covach; “World was exploding, and rock musicians were listening more closely than ever.”(Covach, 152) Such stark contrast in pop music directly relay to changing social culture in America, which further echo’s the relationship between music and culture.
In the 1950’s country rock was an unknown genre to many mainstream audiences and with the emergence of rockabilly artists in the late 1960’s country rock grew and continued to grow in popularity during the 1970’s through the 1990’s because of style, sound, and the new way country rock audiences perceived it. Country rock from the 1950’s to the 1990’s has been perceived similarly and differently by its audiences over time because of it’s original country sound and its similar rock sound.
"The History of Rock and Roll Until 1960." The History of Rock and Roll Until 1960. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
Although 1969, was the end of a significant decade, it held possibilities and hope for a new prosperous 10 years. Still in the midst of what was seen to many as the most pointless American war, the young generation especially was desperate to enforce a change. Change was a common theme of the 1960’s, deriving from movements such as the civil rights movements, the second feminist wave, a social revolution, and the anti-war movement. In addition, technology in America was at one of its highest peaks. Events such as the Space Race against the Sov...
Rock and Roll is commonly known as the greatest music ever created. Most people do not know that Rock and Roll emerged out of the United States in the 1950s. Artists during this time like Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and Bob Dylan were the first major stars among the birth of Rock and Roll in America. Since the 1950s, we have seen a rise in Rock and Roll culture. A peak in the 1960s-1970s was when the world began a musical, political, and social revolution. The revolution takes place during some tense times in the world- The Vietnam War, Political Issues with Cuba, JFK Presidency/Assassination, Malcolm X’s Assassination, Martin Luther King’s Assassination — you name it. The world was in a turmoiled state of mind, but what
I. First I will start by discussing the various genres that created rock music in the 50’s and 60’s.
Music has continued to change throughout each decade, but the 1960s was the most influential decade in the history of music. Starting in the early 1950s, rock music was first introduced. Major record labels were releasing new “cover songs” which were originally made by black artist, but now by white artist (Rock and Roll). These cover songs changed a few lyrics from the original songs to avoid copyright issues and to also make the song more appropriate for the white listeners. The biggest star of the 1950s was Elvis Presley, who was known as the “King of rock n’ roll”.
During the 1960s and the early 1970s, music reflected the political and social changes that America was undergoing at the time. Some of these major changes included the African-American civil rights movement and the conflict over America’s role in the Vietnam War. During these hard times, people turned to music for hope, peace, happiness and answers.
Whitley, Peggy. "American Cultural History - The Twentieth Century: 1910 - 1919."American Cultural History. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2014. .
The years 1960-1969 were very impressionable years. With events that changed America , turning the innocence and hope of American people into violence and anger. The young nation of the 60s were the most influential of all ,with rioting about war or turning music into culture. This was a completely different america than it was years before . In a Music standpoint artists such as The Beatles , Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix were changing the way music was made . They were changing music into an artform , a way for people to express their feelings , beliefs and ideas. The Music of the 1960s evolved into an artform which lead the path for American music of today.
and popular music, and rock and roll was among the popular music of the time (McGuigan,