Music and the Culture of the U.S.

Obviously, the history of music started thousands of years ago. To narrow my search, I decided to focus on the twentieth century. So let’s take a look at the history of the decades and the music that became popular in each decade. Due to the fact that music both reflects and influences culture, try to be aware of whether the music is reflecting the customs of the decade or motivating the attitudes of future decades.

      1900-1910:  The automobile industry and airline industry had many advancements. Popular songs pertaining to this attitude include: “Come Josephine in My Flying Machine” and “In My Merry Oldsmobile”. Racial prejudice was also a main component of the period.  Two songs that convey this aspect are: “The Darktown Strutters Ball” and “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home”.

      1910-1920:  During WWI (1913-1917), Americans made many patriotic efforts. Many also tried to find an escape from the treacherous war. Popular songs include “Keep the Home Fires Burning” and “If You Were the Only Girl in the World”. Humorous war songs like “Would You Rather Be a Colonel with an Eagle on Your Shoulder or a Private with a Chicken on Your Knee?” also became popular. In addition, “God Bless America” was written in 1917.

      1940-1950:  Dominated by WWII, this decade is characterized by fear of Hitler and the Holocaust, suffrage for blacks, and the cold war. The war production almost diminished unemployment, gave women jobs, and pulled the country out of the Great Depression. Songs like “I’m Beginning to See the Light” and “Dear Hearts and Gentle People” were popular in this decade.

      1950-1960:  As WWII ended, many men came back to their families. During the peacetime, rock and roll became extremely popular.  More developments include color TV, the first Grammy Awards, many Broadway musicals, and American Bandstand. Of course in 1956, Elvis became the “first rock star” with his hits “All Shook Up”, “Heartbreak Hotel”, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.

      1920-1930:  Also known as the “Roaring Twenties”, this era is characterized by women’s suffrage, Flappers, prohibition, and Black Friday. Sentimental ballads like “I’ll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time” were popular. Also, with easier transportation, traveling became more popular and inspired songs like “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz”.

      1930-1940:  The stock market crash caused an economical depression. Later, WWII hit, and music reflected American’s opinions of the war. There were many pro-war songs that became popular such as “We Did It Before and We Can Do It Again” and “Kiss the Boys Goodbye”.

      1960-1970:  Ah, the sixties! Many people instantly think “HIPPIES”. In the midst of another undeclared war, many significant events include: the Kennedy assassination, the Charles Manson murders, the murder of M.L.K. jr., and Nixon’s resignation. Yet, many artists (mostly those with EMI) became famous such as The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Elton John, The Jackson Five, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and let’s not forget The Beatles! Some of their popular songs of the time are: “Yellow Submarine”, “Help”, and “A Hard Day’s Night”.

      1970-1980:  Many anti-war demonstrations ensued from the involvement in the Vietnam War. However, some highlights of the decade include pet rocks, lava lamps, Rubik’s cubes, Atari, and Apollo 17. With the death of Elvis Presley and the Beatles’ breakup, the country developed other genres of music. Popular artists of the time include: Queen, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. There are many legendary songs from this decade, so I’ll list a lot. Popular songs include: “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Freebird”, “Hotel California”, “Dream On”, “Stairway To Heaven”, “Y.M.C.A.”, and “The Hustle”.

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