1.1 Defining American music
4 min read•august 15, 2024
American music is a melting pot of cultural influences, blending European, African, Native American, and other traditions. This has led to innovative genres like , , and rock, each characterized by unique rhythms, harmonies, and expressive styles.
The development of American music reflects the nation's history and diverse population. From the blues born in the Mississippi Delta to emerging in New York City, geography and cultural experiences have shaped distinct regional sounds and styles.
Key Elements of American Music
Cultural Influences and Innovations
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- American music blends diverse cultural influences (European, African, Native American, Latin American, Asian)
- Emphasizes individual expression and innovation leading to new genres and sub-genres
- Incorporates vernacular language and storytelling in lyrics
- Technological innovations shape American music
- Development of electronic instruments
- Advanced recording techniques
- Commercialization and global dissemination contribute to widespread influence
Distinctive Musical Characteristics
- , improvisation, and call-and-response patterns fundamental in many genres
- Use of blue notes and blues scale distinctive feature
- Particularly prominent in jazz, blues, and rock
- Rhythmic elements often emphasize offbeats or unexpected accents
- Harmonic structures frequently incorporate extended chords and altered progressions
Diverse Styles in American Music
Traditional and Early Genres
- Blues developed in late 19th century
- Characterized by blue notes, specific chord progressions, call-and-response patterns
- Influenced by work songs, field hollers, and
- Jazz emerged in early 20th century
- Features complex harmonies, improvisation, syncopated rhythms
- Subgenres include swing, bebop, cool jazz, fusion
- rooted in folk and blues traditions
- Known for storytelling lyrics, twanging guitars, rural themes
- Subgenres include honky-tonk, bluegrass, outlaw country
Modern and Contemporary Styles
- born in 1950s
- Combines elements of blues, country,
- Characterized by electric guitars, strong beats, often rebellious themes
- Evolved into numerous subgenres (psychedelic rock, punk, heavy metal)
- Hip-hop originated in 1970s
- Distinguished by rhythmic vocal delivery (rapping), sampling, beats
- Often addresses social and cultural issues
- Subgenres include , ,
- more recent development
- Characterized by synthesized sounds, repetitive beats, immersive experiences
- Subgenres include house, techno, dubstep, trance
Experimental and Classical Traditions
- Classical music in America contributed unique compositional techniques
- Composers like Charles Ives, John Cage explored new sound possibilities
- (Steve Reich, Philip Glass) influenced popular music
- Experimental music challenged traditional conventions
- Incorporation of unconventional instruments and found sounds
- Exploration of microtonality and alternative tuning systems
- Avant-garde approaches pushed boundaries of musical expression
- Performance art and multimedia collaborations
- Electronic and computer-generated music experiments
Cultural Fusion in American Music
African American Influences
- African American experience particularly influential in shaping American music
- Spirituals and work songs evolved into blues, jazz, R&B, hip-hop
- influenced soul and pop vocal styles
- Rhythmic innovations from African traditions permeate many genres
- Call-and-response patterns found in various American musical forms
European and Native American Contributions
- European immigrant communities contributed various musical elements
- Folk traditions (Irish jigs, German polkas)
- Instrumental techniques (violin playing styles in country music)
- Harmonic structures (Western classical harmony in American compositions)
- Native American musical traditions incorporated into various genres
- Use of native instruments (flutes, drums) in new age and world music
- Rhythmic patterns and scales influenced some classical compositions
- Contemporary Native American artists fuse traditional and modern styles
Latin American and Asian Influences
- Latin American influences shaped multiple genres
- Cuban and Puerto Rican music influenced ,
- from Brazil impacted jazz and pop
- elements incorporated into contemporary pop and hip-hop
- Asian American contributions added new dimensions
- Incorporation of traditional Asian instruments in classical compositions
- Influence of Asian scales and harmonies in jazz fusion
- K-pop impact on American pop music production and choreography
Geography's Influence on American Music
Southern Regional Styles
- Mississippi Delta birthed Delta blues
- Raw, emotive sound characterized by slide guitar techniques
- Artists like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters pioneered the style
- New Orleans crucial in jazz development
- Unique cultural mix and history as port city shaped the genre
- Early jazz pioneers (, Jelly Roll Morton) emerged from the city
- Nashville became center of country music
- Nicknamed "Music City" due to its industry influence
- Grand Ole Opry radio show popularized the genre nationally
Northeastern and Midwestern Contributions
- New York City's diverse neighborhoods contributed to various styles
- in Manhattan shaped early American popular music
- Bebop jazz developed in Harlem clubs
- Hip-hop originated in the Bronx
- Chicago transformed Delta blues into
- Use of electric instruments created more aggressive sound
- Artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf defined the style
- Detroit's revolutionized soul and R&B
- Created distinctive "Motown Sound" with polished production
- Launched careers of numerous African American artists (, )
Western and Rural Influences
- West Coast, particularly California, significant in multiple genres
- Surf rock emerged in Southern California beach culture
- Psychedelic rock flourished in San Francisco
- Gangsta rap developed in Los Angeles
- Appalachian region fostered bluegrass and old-time music
- Reflected area's Scottish and Irish heritage
- Characterized by use of banjo, fiddle, and close harmony singing
- Hawaiian music influenced various mainland styles
- Steel guitar technique adopted in country and blues
- Ukulele popularized in early jazz and later in indie folk
Key Terms to Review (38)
American Music Awards: The American Music Awards (AMAs) is an annual awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in the music industry, as voted on by the public. Established in 1973, the AMAs are known for recognizing popular artists across various genres, reflecting the tastes and preferences of listeners in contemporary American culture. The awards not only highlight successful musicians but also influence trends and popularity within different music styles, including R&B, hip hop, and more.
Aretha Franklin: Aretha Franklin was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist known as the 'Queen of Soul.' Her powerful voice and emotive performances defined the rhythm and blues genre and played a significant role in shaping American music, reflecting the cultural dynamics and historical events of her time.
Blues: Blues is a music genre that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South, characterized by its expressive style, use of specific chord progressions, and lyrical themes that often reflect sorrow, hardship, and resilience. This genre has significantly influenced the development of various musical styles in America, marking it as a cornerstone of American music culture.
Bob Dylan: Bob Dylan is a pivotal American singer-songwriter known for his profound impact on music and culture since the 1960s, particularly through his poetic lyrics and unique fusion of folk, rock, and blues. His work not only redefined the role of the songwriter in popular music but also reflected and shaped the social movements of his time, influencing generations of artists and fans alike.
Bossa nova: Bossa nova is a Brazilian music genre that blends samba and jazz, characterized by its smooth melodies and intricate guitar patterns. Originating in the late 1950s, it became popular in the United States and played a significant role in defining American music during that era while also influencing the development of Latin jazz, particularly in its rhythmic and harmonic elements.
Call and response: Call and response is a musical technique where one voice or instrument (the 'call') is followed by a responding voice or instrument (the 'response'). This interactive style creates a conversational feel in music, emphasizing community and participation, and it is deeply rooted in various American musical forms.
Chicago Blues: Chicago Blues is a distinct style of blues music that originated in Chicago during the 1940s, characterized by its electric instrumentation and a strong emphasis on amplified sound. This genre emerged from earlier rural blues traditions and incorporated urban influences, making it a significant part of American music history. Chicago Blues reflects the cultural shift of African Americans migrating to urban areas, showcasing themes of struggle, resilience, and social issues through its powerful lyrics and dynamic performances.
Conscious rap: Conscious rap is a subgenre of hip hop music characterized by its focus on social issues, political themes, and cultural awareness. This style often emphasizes lyrical content that promotes awareness of social injustices, inequality, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities, making it an essential part of the hip hop narrative.
Country music: Country music is a genre that originated in the Southern United States in the early 20th century, characterized by its use of folk melodies, simple chords, and lyrics that often reflect themes of love, hardship, and rural life. This genre is deeply rooted in the musical traditions of folk, blues, and gospel, and it has become a significant part of American culture, influencing and being influenced by various social and cultural movements.
Crossover appeal: Crossover appeal refers to a genre's ability to attract listeners from different musical backgrounds or demographics, breaking traditional boundaries and engaging a wider audience. This phenomenon often leads to the blending of styles, resulting in music that resonates across genres, cultures, and age groups. It highlights how certain artists or songs can become popular not only within their primary genre but also in other musical circles, showcasing the fluidity of musical tastes and preferences in American culture.
Cultural Appropriation: Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission and typically in a way that can be seen as exploitative. This practice raises questions about power dynamics, ownership, and the impact of cultural exchange in contexts where one culture dominates or marginalizes another.
Electronic dance music (edm): Electronic dance music, commonly known as EDM, is a genre of music primarily produced using electronic instruments and technology, designed specifically for dance-based environments like clubs and festivals. It encompasses a variety of styles such as house, techno, trance, and dubstep, characterized by repetitive beats and synthesized melodies that create a euphoric atmosphere. EDM has evolved over the years, becoming a global phenomenon that influences various aspects of American culture, including fashion, art, and social interactions.
Fusion: Fusion refers to the blending of different musical styles and genres to create a new, hybrid sound. This concept is key in understanding how American music evolved by incorporating various influences, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of the country. By merging elements from different traditions, fusion creates innovative expressions that often resonate with broader audiences and showcase the rich tapestry of American music.
Gangsta rap: Gangsta rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that emerged in the late 1980s and is characterized by its explicit lyrics that often focus on the lifestyle, struggles, and experiences of inner-city youth, particularly those involved in gang culture. This style of rap became a voice for marginalized communities and addressed themes like violence, crime, and social injustice, shaping the perception of hip hop in American music.
Gospel music: Gospel music is a genre of Christian music that expresses faith and spiritual themes through joyful, uplifting songs, often characterized by its rich vocal harmonies and use of call-and-response techniques. This genre has roots in African American spirituals and has significantly influenced the development of various music styles in America, highlighting its importance in both cultural and religious contexts.
Grammy Awards: The Grammy Awards are an annual set of awards presented by the Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. They are considered one of the most prestigious honors in American music, celebrating a wide range of genres and styles, and reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary music. The awards are significant not only for acknowledging artistic excellence but also for shaping trends and highlighting emerging talent within the industry.
Hip-hop: Hip-hop is a cultural movement that emerged in the 1970s in the South Bronx, characterized by four key elements: rapping (MCing), DJing, graffiti art, and breakdancing. It reflects the social and political realities of urban life and has evolved into a global phenomenon that influences music, fashion, and art across cultures, embodying both resistance and celebration of community identity.
Identity Music: Identity music refers to musical expressions that reflect and shape the personal, cultural, and social identities of individuals or groups. This term highlights how music is intertwined with identity formation, offering a platform for self-expression and community belonging, while also serving as a means to convey cultural narratives and shared experiences.
Jazz: Jazz is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms, and improvisation. It has become a defining aspect of American music, reflecting the nation’s cultural diversity and historical influences while also shaping the evolution of various other genres.
Latin jazz: Latin jazz is a musical genre that combines elements of jazz with Latin American rhythms and styles, particularly Afro-Cuban music. This genre showcases vibrant percussion, syncopated rhythms, and improvisational elements that highlight the influence of both African and Latin music traditions, making it a distinctive part of the American music landscape.
Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong was a groundbreaking American jazz musician and singer, renowned for his virtuosic trumpet playing and distinctive gravelly voice. His contributions to jazz, particularly in the development of improvisation and solo performance, helped define the genre and elevate its status in American music. Armstrong's influence can be seen across various musical styles and has shaped the cultural landscape of the United States.
Marvin Gaye: Marvin Gaye was a prominent American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his deep, emotive voice and his significant contributions to the Motown sound and soul music genre. His work not only helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s and 1970s but also addressed social issues through his powerful lyrics, making him a key figure in defining the musical landscape of America during this period.
Minimalism movement: The minimalism movement in music refers to a style that emerged in the mid-20th century characterized by simplicity, repetitive patterns, and a focus on consonance. It reflects a broader aesthetic philosophy aiming to reduce artistic elements to their essence, emphasizing clarity and the experience of sound over complex structures. This movement has roots in various artistic disciplines, including visual art and literature, influencing how music is composed and perceived.
Motown Records: Motown Records is a legendary American record label founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr., known for its distinctive sound that blended rhythm and blues with pop music. This label not only defined the sound of a generation but also played a crucial role in the cultural and social changes during the 1960s, significantly impacting American music and paving the way for future soul artists.
Protest music: Protest music is a genre of music that expresses opposition to social, political, or environmental issues, often serving as a tool for activism and raising awareness. This type of music has been a powerful means of communication, conveying messages of dissent and solidarity while motivating listeners to engage with various causes. Its roots are deeply embedded in American culture, where it has influenced social movements and reflected the struggles of marginalized communities throughout history.
R&B: R&B, or Rhythm and Blues, is a music genre that originated in the African American community in the 1940s, blending elements of jazz, gospel, and blues. It has evolved over the decades to encompass various styles and has significantly influenced the development of modern popular music. R&B often features soulful vocals, strong rhythms, and themes that resonate with everyday life, reflecting cultural narratives and experiences.
Reggaeton: Reggaeton is a genre of music that originated in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s, combining elements of reggae, hip-hop, and Latin music. It is characterized by its infectious beats, catchy melodies, and often explicit lyrics, making it a popular choice in dance clubs and on radio stations. Reggaeton reflects the diverse musical influences and cultural exchanges that define American music, showcasing how different traditions can merge to create a vibrant and dynamic sound.
Regionalism: Regionalism is a cultural and artistic movement that emphasizes the distinct characteristics of a particular geographic area, often focusing on local traditions, dialects, and experiences. This term connects to the ways in which music reflects regional identities and influences genres, showcasing the diversity of American music through localized expressions and narratives that resonate with specific communities.
Rock and roll: Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s, characterized by a strong rhythm, simple melodies, and a blend of various musical styles, particularly rhythm and blues, country, and jazz. This genre played a pivotal role in shaping American music culture and has had a lasting impact on subsequent musical genres and social movements.
Salsa: Salsa is a lively and rhythmic dance music genre that originated in the Caribbean, primarily influenced by Afro-Cuban musical styles and Puerto Rican rhythms. It combines various musical elements, including jazz, rock, and funk, reflecting the multicultural influences of Latin America and the United States. Salsa is not just music but also embodies a vibrant dance culture that has spread globally, influencing other genres like Latin pop and reggaeton.
Spirituals: Spirituals are a genre of music that originated in the African American community, deeply rooted in the experiences of slavery and the struggle for freedom. These songs often express themes of hope, faith, and resilience, drawing from Christian hymns and African musical traditions, while serving as a powerful form of cultural expression and communication among enslaved people.
Syncopation: Syncopation is a musical rhythm that emphasizes beats or parts of beats that are typically not stressed, creating a surprising and unexpected rhythmic effect. It plays a crucial role in many genres, adding complexity and groove, and is often used to create a sense of forward momentum and excitement in music.
The Great Migration: The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This transformative shift not only altered the demographics of America but also had profound impacts on the development and evolution of various musical genres, social structures, and cultural expressions.
The harlem renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, primarily among African American communities. It marked a period of renewed interest in African American culture and identity, leading to significant advancements in literature, music, art, and politics. This movement not only defined a critical era in American culture but also laid the groundwork for future generations to explore and express their cultural heritage through various artistic forms.
The Supremes: The Supremes were an iconic female vocal group formed in 1959 under the Motown label, known for their significant influence on American music and culture. They played a pivotal role in shaping the Motown sound, blending pop and soul, and became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, with numerous hits that helped define the sound of the 1960s. Their style and success not only broke racial barriers but also set the standard for future female artists in the music industry.
Tin Pan Alley: Tin Pan Alley refers to the collection of music publishers and songwriters located in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which became a hub for American popular music production. It is characterized by its influence on the development of popular songwriting, the emergence of musical theater, and its role in shaping the soundtracks of early animated films. The term evokes a lively atmosphere where the sounds of pianos clashing together were said to resemble the noise of tin pans, representing the bustling creativity of American music during that era.
Trap: Trap is a subgenre of hip-hop music that originated in the Southern United States during the late 1990s and early 2000s, characterized by its use of heavy bass, hi-hats, and synthesizers. This genre often reflects themes related to street life, struggle, and the drug trade, merging gritty lyrics with catchy beats that engage listeners and evoke a sense of urgency.
Woodstock Festival: The Woodstock Festival was a pivotal music event held in August 1969 that celebrated peace, love, and rock 'n' roll, marking a significant cultural moment in American history. It brought together over 400,000 attendees and featured legendary performances from artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, embodying the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. The festival not only showcased the growing popularity of rock music but also reflected the social movements of the era, making it a defining moment in American music history.