What is Pop Music?
In light of the genre’s constant change, the definition of pop music is flexible. In application, pop music is a subgenre of mainstream music that receives the most airplay. Pop is essentially a type of modern music that sets itself apart from art, classical, and folk genres.
Repetitive structure, straightforward melodies, and danceable rhythm are a few of the factors that distinguish pop music from its subgenres. The instruments used in pop music have a strong influence on the genre as a whole.
The Origins of Pop Music
USA and UK are the two countries that created pop music. When the genre first emerged, it was a mash-up of several popular music genres from the early 1950s. Jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, rap, bebop, and country were a few of the musical genres that helped give rise to pop.
Sheet music, where musical sheets are used as a guide to play an instrument, was routine during the early years of pop.
Pianos entered the phonograph at the start of the 20th century, giving rise to new versions of pop music.
Pop Music During the 1950s
Traditional pop music began in the 1950s, marked with the dominant use of rock ‘n’ roll. Despite the many roadblocks faced by the pioneers of pop music the genre continued to gain traction.
The success of the genre during this decade can be attributed to labels like Columbia Records that produced pop music by combining all the popular genres of the time.
Leading pop singers of the 1950s included Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, and Carl Perkins.
Pop Music During the 1960s
During the 60s, it became easier for young musicians to diversify the pop genre. This is the key reason that pop music managed to create quite a large teen fan-base during this decade.
This was also the time during which the portable radio made its debut and allowed pop music to influence America and the Europe.
Also, the historical ‘Beatlemania’ and ‘British Invasion’ blanketed the American pop culture. This led to the production of pop sub-genres like Bubblegum pop and Baroque pop.
Pop Music During the 1970s
This decade saw the 1960s pop subgenres being replaced by more advanced versions such as punk rock, power pop, and country-pop.
However, perhaps the greatest pop revolution to have transpired during this period was the popularity of the pop-rock sound.
Artists like Queen, Jackson 5, and Elton John were the standout pop artists of the 1970s.
Pop Music During the 1980s
The 80s was when pop music went through a one-of-its-kind revolution.
Digital recording entered the playfield, allowing pop music to grow exponentially. A number of legendary pop artists cropped up during this decade, including the iconic Prince and Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson’s legendary pop performances would later fetch him the title of the ‘King of Pop’. The pop artists of this decade created the kind of influence that transcended generations.
Wrapping Up
Pop music is one of the most popular genres, and ever since finding its roots in the UK and US, has grown into a dynamic, independent form of music.
To learn more about different music genres and types, please feel free to check out some of the other blogs on our website.
