Everyday, people turn on the radio or turn on their iPod to listen to music and enjoy themselves. The Top 100 Billboard chart is filled with the popular genres of music that make up present teen culture, the most dominant genres being rap and alternative rock. Rarely do people consider the history behind the music, where it came from and how it was formed.
But, behind every hit single today is the music that came before it that inspired the modern artist to create his or her new song. Akon, the artist currently holding the spot at #1 of the Billboard singles, cites his influences as his father Mor Thiam and Senegal, the country in western Africa where his father was born. Akon's influence taken from African culture can actually be used to describe the source of almost all modern music.
African music took many years to evolve into what is on the radio today. After the Civil War, the freed slaves took their African culture and evolved it into Blues. Blues spread across the country, gaining popularity. Soon, it was known everywhere. From this, stars such as Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday were born. In New Orleans, their new music blended with all already existing forms, creating Jazz. Louis Armstrong popularized Jazz, creating his own style that soon became the normal way to play where musicians would play during breaks, creating the idea of individual solos.
But, behind every hit single today is the music that came before it that inspired the modern artist to create his or her new song. Akon, the artist currently holding the spot at #1 of the Billboard singles, cites his influences as his father Mor Thiam and Senegal, the country in western Africa where his father was born. Akon's influence taken from African culture can actually be used to describe the source of almost all modern music. African music took many years to evolve into what is on the radio today. After the Civil War, the freed slaves took their African culture and evolved it into Blues. Blues spread across the country, gaining popularity. Soon, it was known everywhere. From this, stars such as Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday were born. In New Orleans, their new music blended with all already existing forms, creating Jazz. Louis Armstrong popularized Jazz, creating his own style that soon became the normal way to play where musicians would play during breaks, creating the idea of individual solos.
mention a bit of country too? because that is quite a popular
style with lots of roots in it..so ya..but still a great article