Pop music came to existence because of its ability to reach a wide range of people. It is a type of music that is easy to listen to and is greatly influenced by current events and culture.Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form during the mid-1950s in the United States and the United Kingdom. The terms popular music and pop music are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many disparate styles. During the 1950s and 1960s, pop music encompassed rock and roll and the youth-oriented styles it influenced. Rock and pop music remained roughly synonymous until the late 1960s, after which pop became associated with music that was more commercial, ephemeral, and accessible.
Although much of the music that appears on record charts is considered to be pop music, the genre is distinguished from chart music. Identifying factors usually include repeated choruses and hooks, short to medium-length songs written in a basic format (often the verse-chorus structure), and rhythms or tempos that can be easily danced to. Much pop music also borrows elements from other styles such as rock, urban, dance, Latin, and country.David Hatch and Stephen Millward describe pop music as “a body of music which is distinguishable from popular, jazz, and folk music”. According to Pete Seeger, pop music is “professional music which draws upon both folk music and fine arts music”.David Boyle, a music researcher, states pop music as any type of music that a person has been exposed to by the mass media. Most individuals think that pop music is just the singles charts and not the sum of all chart music. The music charts contain songs from a variety of sources, including classical, jazz, rock, and novelty songs. As a genre, pop music is seen to exist and develop separately. Therefore, the term “pop music” may be used to describe a distinct genre, designed to appeal to all, often characterized as “instant singles-based music aimed at teenagers” in contrast to rock music as “album-based music for adults”. Pop music continuously evolves along with the term’s definition. According to music writer Bill Lamb, popular music is defined as “the music since industrialization in the 1800s that is most in line with the tastes and interests of the urban middle class.” The term “pop song” was first used in 1926, in the sense of a piece of music “having popular appeal”. Hatch and Millward indicate that many events in the history of recording in the 1920s can be seen as the birth of the modern pop music industry, including in country, blues, and hillbilly music.
Pop music has also been embraced by a wide audience
The origins of pop music are hard to trace, as the term itself is rather vague. Generally, though, pop music is seen as a genre that incorporates various elements of rock, soul, and R&B, among other styles. It’s often characterized by its upbeat nature and commercial appeal.
So how did pop music come to be? There’s no one answer to that question, as it’s a result of various cultural and technological developments over the years. But some of the key factors that have helped it to thrive include the popularity of the radio, the invention of the electric guitar, and the rise of MTV.
Pop music has also been embraced by a wide audience, thanks in part to its simplistic and easily-accessible melodies. In the age of the Internet, it’s also been able to spread rapidly and reach new fans around the world.
Ultimately, pop music’s popularity can be attributed to its ability to combine diverse elements into a cohesive and entertaining whole. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering it for the first time, there’s something for everyone in pop music.
Conclusion
As pop music continues to evolve, it is interesting to look back at its origins and how it came to be. Pop music is typically understood as a commercial genre that is designed to achieve mass appeal, but its definition is actually quite fluid. Pop music can be traced back to the early 19th century when popular songs were released as sheet music and could be enjoyed by anyone who could read music. In the 20th century, the advent of radio and recordings allowed pop music to become more mainstream and paved the way for the rock and roll revolution. Today, pop music is enjoyed by billions of people around the world and is a powerful force in the music industry. While its origins are complex and varied, there is no doubt that pop music is here to stay.
Rhonda Melendez is an accomplished writer and entrepreneur from Maryland. She has been featured on many of the east coast’s major news outlets for her work studying human behavior. Rhonda has an unique perspective and understanding of the challenges professionals across industries encounter in the course of their work. She is committed to helping professionals reach their full potential and provides practical advice to help them succeed both domestically and abroad.
