Danielle Eales
English 110
Mon/Wed 10:00-11:15
Essay #2
Due: 9/22/14
Evolution of Music
Change is inevitable; regardless of the depth of it. Before we get the chance to take a deep breath, blink our eyes, or finish a sentence, something in the world has changed. Everything from literature to medicine, politics, and to people in general; change allows diversity to emerge and for different types of ideology to take place. Though one of the most apparent subjects to have changed a great deal over time is music; popular music in particular, whether it be the way the melody is composed or how the lyrics are written. The evolution of popular music is a positive thing, because it allows people to discover resplendent ways to express themselves, as well as inspiring others to do the same.
Music is and has always been a way of self-expression, a type of entertainment, and is even somewhat therapeutic. As society changes, music evolves rapidly to keep up with the ever-changing musical tastes that the common folk find aesthetically pleasing. For example, back in 1910 through the 1950’s, jazz was extremely popular genre of music. Jazz branched out into many different styles such as Swing, Hard Bop, Mainstream, Cool, Bebop, etc.; and as the popularity of this particular genre of music grew, new dance crazes emerged; which allowed yet another way people could express themselves. During this era arose sensational artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Louis Armstrong; they were able to compose, sing, and give amazing performances throughout the course of their lives. Their music left a permanent mark in history and has still managed to remain somewhat popular today. According to an article titled, “Mostly Music,” written by Ronan Guilfoyle, (Jazz bassist, composer, and teacher), jazz was loved and enjoyed by many, because “it’s the product of an amazing human story,” and it celebrates both the individual and collective.
After the jazz craze slowed down, the world was introduced to yet another, exciting genre of music; Rock’n’Roll. Originating in the early 1950’s, Rock’n’Roll became a popular type of dance music which contained heavy beats and simple melodies. Popular artists like Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendricks, and Led Zepplin created music that appealed to younger audiences and as a result, led to a variety of social effects. Rock’n’Roll highly influenced attitudes, daily lives, and even fashion. The older generation during this time period, (parents, teachers, etc.), were outraged, because teens became ill mannered, used foul language, and began participating in provocative behavior, because they idolized rock musicians and their rebellious lifestyle. Based on the article “Rock’n’Roll,” written by Joel C. Mellor, (Rock’n’Roll historian and enthusiast), the younger generations enjoyed this genre of music, because there’s so much “soul,” in the music and finally had something they could relate to. Rock’n’Roll was originally a mixture of rhythm and blues, country, gospel, then transformed into psychedelic and once psychedelic declined, hard rock, progressive rock, and heavy metal became popular. The evolution of rock music from the 50’s to what it is today is a perfect example of how one particular genre of music is able to change so quickly over time.
In the 1980’s, music took one of its biggest turns. Artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Blondie, and Queen came about, and changed the face of music forever, in the best way possible. These artists are known as the kings and queens of