The time of colour television, Elvis Presley and rock’n’roll, the launch of the first nuclear submarine, the first black American to attend the University of Mississippi, the Vietnam War, the Woodstock Music and Art Fair and the rise of surf music and protest songs, was just some of the things that defined popular culture in the 1950s to the 1970s (United States Census Bureau, 2014). Popular culture is the entirety of ideas, perspectives, attitudes and cultural products like phenomena such as music, art, literature, fashion, dance, film and television, which are within the mainstream of a given culture (Wikipedia, 2015). The aspect of popular culture that will be focused on is music. It is important that historians study popular culture, as …show more content…
In this time teenagers emerged as a separate demographic due to their tendency to be attracted to new cultural trends. Before the 1950's, teenagers had listened to the music of their parents, but when rock’n’roll came, teenagers swarmed to it. This caused friction among society as teenagers were experiencing a newfound sense of independence and freedom that the older people never had (Cox, 2009). By the early 1960s the Motown movement began which was linked to the civil rights movement when America was facing increasing racial tensions, which often resulted in riots (Howitt. B, 2013). Around the same time, Surf music became popular due to the increased leisure time people had (Bridges, 2015). This music originated in California, where surfing was a very popular activity (Anderson. M, 2012). Protest song first became popular in the late 1960s. This music was in direct response to the Vietnam War and expressed people’s attitudes in America. An example of this music is Buffy Sainte-Marie’s single, Universal Soldier. The message of the song is that soldiers should take responsibility for the actions they make, instead of responding to orders and explores the idea that if there were no soldiers then the wars would cease. The video refers to a soldier who represents every warrior throughout history, at different ages and with different beliefs (Iredale, 2009). These elements of the music …show more content…
Australia’s economy was beginning to boom and people had time to spend listening to music, resulting in music becoming a central part of Australian culture in the 50s to 70s. (Cox, 2009). Bodgie and Widgies played a role in the success of music in popular culture. This group played a paramount role in the rise of music because of their attraction to new types of music (Cox, 2009). This allowed Rock’n’roll, which was seen as the vehicle for reflecting the changes in values, to emerged in Australia. This reflects American culture as this form of music first emerged in America. An image of Johnny O’Keefe a famous Australian Rock’n’roll artist from this time is displayed on this slide. O’Keefe was Australia’s response to America’s Elvis Presley (Maureen, A, et al.). In the 1960s, America culture was reflected in Australia through the rise of surf music. Having originated in California, Surf music became part of the culture in Australia with American surfing songs such as Pipeline, and Surfin' USA were all high in the Australian charts again showing American influence on Australia. The 1960s saw the rise of protest songs, which was Americas response to the Vietnam War (1962- 1975) and then spread to Australia (Howitt. B, 2013). This gave way to the Hippie movement who began music festivals. Australia’s reflection of the America can be seen through the image of a 1972 Sunbury Pop
what it is to be Australia were defined. Pearson Australia define popular culture as “a set of
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.
In Rock- The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Yorke provides a chronological approach to rock and roll from 1877- 1974. Although it is not extremely detailed, a general overview of each year’s music is presented. Throughout the book, many descriptive summaries of individual artists may be found along with classic pictures.
Although considered the day Rock ‘n’ Roll was born, many other events in American history have given foundation to this much loved idea. Rock ‘n’ Roll is much more than just music, rather it is the movement which underlines cultural imperialism. Rock had been promoting a culture of comfort and freedom from social constraints as well. Although the style of ‘Rock music’ is easily adaptable into many different sounds, it is still thoroughly identified by its definingly amplified rhythm. The sudden worldwide popularity of rock and roll resulted in an unparalleled social impact. Rock ‘n’ Roll influenced lifestyles, fashion, attitudes, and language in a way few other social developments have equaled. The social impact is so large that rock stars are worshipped worldwide. In its early years, many adults condemned the style of music, placing a stigma on its name, and forbid their children from listening and following its ways. Many considered Rock ‘n’ Roll culture as a bad influence to all people, but as the genre aged and the now not-so-young crowds had matured, Rock was respected and
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.
Throughout time, music has been an influential part of society. As a form of entertainment and expression, its impact has always been felt both economically and emotionally. During the Vietnam war, music evolved into more a form of expression rather than pure entertainment. Emotionally charged songs became a method to oppose the war, and vent frustrations. While many songs opposed the war, numerous others focused on peace and happiness. They provided a positive perspective in an otherwise depressing time. Along with incorporating passion into music, cultural diversity increased in music greatly. Black artists became progressively more popular and accepted in the musical scene. This respect carried over to society slowly but surely. During the Vietnam war, music played a crucial role in the societal evolution into a state where emotions fueled actions, more emphasis was put on equality, all opinions counted.
Post World War II there was a new generation known as the “baby boom” generation. The arrival of this new generation called for new entertainment (Rock and Roll). Music of the 1960s was the new entertainment for the baby boom generation and impacted America by: starting new trends in genres of music, opening diversity of artists, counterculture movements, and music festivals.
2. For example, the song “When Our Army And Our Navy Overtake the enemy” disseminated patriotism during the WWII, “Vietnam Blues” reflected that a majority of American opposed to the Vietnam War, and “Man In Black” protested racism in 1970s.
Music is an outlet to all aspects of life and culture is a significant way of forming people and the way they live. Although not always seen directly culture has an overbearing influence on the music that is produced and made popular. The political Climate of the early seventies was full of fire with issues such as Vietnam and constant protest throughout the county. Later in the 70’s the end of the Vietnamese conflict brought the rise of the Watergate scandal and Iran Contra. These issues swept headlines and ingrained people’s thoughts. Social issues also played a big role in the developing culture of the seventies. Protests and constant outbreaks about gay rights and women’s rights seemed to overtake the country in storm. Later in the Decade the social climate changed to a celebration of the Past and a can-do attitude. Political and Social climates had an overbearing influence on the attitude that was being developed throughout the seventies. This climate was also transparent in the music world of this decade. In the early 70’s music lyrics were being created that were representative of the popular method of protest and social change. Music is a common way of expression and during this time artist and groups took the most of their popular music by expressing viewpoints on present issues. In the mid to late seventies the birth of new styles that broke from the old seemed to dominate the music industry. These new types of music ranged from disco to television pop. The music of the decade represented the culture and was greatly influenced by events and beliefs of the 70’s. At this time in American history, music and life became closely nit. In the late 1970’s, national issues settl...
Throughout history, music have defined or depicted the culture and social events in America. Music has constantly played an important role in constituting American culture, where people have expressed themselves through music during flourishing and turbulent times. In the 1930’s, Swing music created a platform for audiences to vent their emotions in the midst of Great Depression and political unrest. Such strong relationship between music and culture can be seen throughout history, especially in the sixties.
African Americans were still facing discrimination even though segregation was outlawed, gender roles was still presently enforced, nuclear testing was becoming a reality and their friends and family were dying in a war halfway around the world (Freccia). The youth of Woodstock was over it and they were ready for a revolution, so began the “hippie movement… who not only were opposed to the vietnam war but also were engaged in illegal drug use and enjoyed rock and roll music” (Tauber). Since their parents rules were not a concern anymore, many hippies at Woodstock went very open and bare as “lyrics from Dylan’s The Times are A-Changin” say “Come mothers and fathers/.../and don’t criticize what you can’t understand/ your sons and daughters are beyond your command” (Hopkins). What the hippies did at Woodstock; standing for peace, love and equality they went against their parents morals, while singing to The Beatles lyrics Give Peace a Chance. Woodstock changed Aamericans into what we are today “it was supposed to be anti materialist” completely different from their parent’s generation (Seckler). In present time America what our parents say and think have some value however they no longer hold us bounded to what we do with our lives. Marijuana is currently legal in some states and gay marriage are? is ruled legal throughout the
The development of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the late 1940s and early 1950s by young African Americans coincided with a sensitive time in America. Civil rights movements were under way around the country as African Americans struggles to gain equal treatment and the same access to resources as their white neighbors. As courts began to vote in favor of integration, tensions between whites and blacks escalated. As the catchy rhythm of Rock ‘n’ Roll began to cross racial boundaries many whites began to feel threatened by the music, claiming its role in promoting integration. This became especially problematic as their youth became especially drawn to ...
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
The rise of rock and roll into the limelight is to a large extent attributed to the teenagers of the 1950’s. Early rock music listened to by teenagers during the 1950’s was formed by blending together Rhythm and blues with country music. This kind of ...
Rock 'n' roll came from a type of music called rhythm and blues (R&B), which consisted of doo-wop and gospel music. It was popular mostly in the south during the 40’s but it soon grew to urban cities. It was Les Paul’s invention of the electric guitar in 1952 that added a new sound and made rhythm and blues into the rock 'n' roll we all know and love today. Most of the artists from R&B were African American, and in their song they would reference sexual matters. So together it gave a bad connotation towards the music and their race, therefore both were never fully accepted in the north. The term “rock” was slang mostly used by African Americans meaning a form of music that was easily danced to. Meanwhile “roll” was usually a euphemism for sex, such as “a roll in the hay”. It was Alan Freed who first popularized the term “rock and roll” for this gen...