The history of pop
We are surrounded by Pop music whether it be through social media or events like the Grammy Awards and Coachella. Pop music, or popular music, defines the music charts. Pop music did not always sound like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Justin Bieber, and The Weeknd, however. While it would not exist without the early-1900s piano-based, sweet genre of Tin Pan Alley, Blues Music, and Black singers had an integral role in its creation and success.
When researching the history of Pop, the story always seems to begin in the same place. In 1953, 18-year-old Elvis Presley walked into Sun Studio and recorded two songs for his mom as a gift for $3.98. Sam Phillips, the founder of the record company, had already been recording Black Blues with singers
such as Howlin’ Wolf and Junior Parker when he heard Elvis’ demo. A year later, Elvis was back in the studio recording a bluegrass song “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “That’s All Right (Mama)” a Blues song by Arthur Crudup that catapulted him into success. He began releasing hits such as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” His performance of “Hound Dog” on the Milton Berle Show on June 5, 1956, was otherworldly. His body moved in a way never before broadcasted on television to an entire nation. His charisma, handsomeness, and stage presence projected a great rockstar. His physical appearance and dance moves were largely inspired by the Black singer-songwriter, Chuck Berry.
Before the Beatles were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll hall of fame, they were pop stars. Before they became pop stars they were fans of Elvis who played many 12 Bar Blues songs. When the four boys first came to America in 1964, they performed on the Ed Sullivan show. Beatlemania immediately ensued.
The clean-cut early 60s Beatles inspired other pop groups such as The Ronettes. As The Beatles eventually strayed away from bubblegum pop, L.A. Folk-Rock bands such as The Byrds and The Mamas and the Papas popularized. These bands grew, progressed, and transformed into different genres, but they all originally followed a pop song form. Their songs would have verses, choruses, and bridges with basic chords and simple lyrics about young love.
These sub-genres could be country-pop, power pop, and punk rock. In the 1970s Queen and Elton John were huge and in the 1980s Michael Jackson was crowned the “King of Pop” launching us into the early 2000s and now.
Pop Music is vastly white artists, but its roots are in Black culture. The Blues originated in the United States after the Civil War. It was a culmination of work songs, minstrel show music, church music, and stories detailing life experiences. Between the years 1916 and 1970, The Great Migration caused Black people to move from the south, midwest, and northeast. The Delta Blues, one of the earliest forms of Blues originating in Mississippi, moved to Chicago. Muddy Waters, for example, was born in Mississippi in 1913 and moved to Chicago where he signed with Chess Records. His music was full of sexual bravado and voodoo references.
Elvis was inspired by these kinds of singers. He imitated their voices, stage presence, confidence, and sexuality. The Rolling Stones, The Animals, and Eric Clapton all found their niches through listening to these Chicago Blues singers.
While the history behind these genres of music is much deeper and the story is much greater, it is important to know where the things in our everyday lives come from. Without the Blues, we would not have Rock ‘n’ Roll, and without Rock ‘n’ Roll we would not have the Pop we have today. Our music explores topics and appreciates artists other than heterosexual, white people.
If you're interested in learning more about these topics, MUS264 and 265 do deep dives into music history, and MUS270 is specifically a Blues History class. ES310 explores Race, Sex, Hip Hop, and its origins. For more info check out some of these sites, and listen to this playlist for examples of popular music and the Blues over the years.
Sources to Check Out!
“History of the Blues” : https://www.britannica.com/art/blues-music
“Elvis Presley's 80th birthday: The king's first song, recorded in 1953, up for auction” : https://www.al.com/entertainment/2015/01/elvis_presleys_80th_birthday_t.html#:~:text=MEMPHIS%2C%20Tenn.,gift%20for%20his%20mother%20Gladys.
“History of Pop Music: Complete Guide about this Genre” :