Pop, Folk, and the Roots of Rock and Roll: American Music from

Popular Music after Swing The major record companies, royalty agency (ASCAP), and radio networks focus on big band singers and ballads. Italian-American singers are often featured following the popularity of Frank Sinatra (first Teen Idol). Major record companies have their stars cover big hits from the Country and (to a lesser extent) the R&B charts. Songs: “Mona Lisa”-Nat King Cole “Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page “You Belong to Me” – Jo Stafford “Vaya Con Dios” – Les Paul & Mary Ford “Cold Cold Heart” – Tony Bennett

Changes After WWII Early television programs forced radio to move away from concerts and dramas to playing records. Inexpensive radio sets allow most families to own more than one. Changes instituted by the FCC allow rapid growth of new radio stations (AM stations increased from approximately 940 in December of 1945 to 2400 in 1952). Independent record labels record music the larger labels dropped during the Great Depression and War Years.

Honky Tonk Music A new form of country music that is still very popular today. It features guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, bass, and drums. Themes involve drinking and losing your woman. Songs: “Your Cheatin’ Heart” –Hank Williams “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time” – Lefty Frizzell

Another Renaissance? Just like with Jazz thirty years earlier, young Whites were attracted to the exciting and quickly expanding style of R&B music. American teenagers have more time and money to spend on leisure. Businesses (including record companies and radio stations) begin to target the new teen market.

Types of R&B: Chicago Blues Small group style (electric guitar, bass, drums, piano, harmonica). Closer to Delta Blues than other styles. Not as smooth, upbeat, or jazzy. Not as popular nationally as other styles (especially with American Teens) Songs: “Hoochie Coochie Man” –Muddy Waters “Smokestack Lightning” –Howlin’ Wolf

Types of R&B: Memphis Blues Features a horn section. Still close to Delta Blues, but incorporates a smoother, jazzier style than Chicago. One of the most popular straight blues styles of the Fifties. Song: “You Upset Me Baby” – B.B. King

New Orleans Blues and R&B Jazzier and more syncopated style Often the piano is featured rather than guitar; Horns are also featured One of the most popular styles nationally (R&B Charts) Songs: “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” – Lloyd Price “The Fat Man” – Fats Domino

Types of R&B: New Jump Blues Rhythm section (bass, drums) is emphasized more; more pronounced beat Smaller horn section rather than full band Similar vocal style Very Popular nationally (R&B charts) Songs: “Shake, Rattle, And Roll” – Big Joe Turner “Teardrops From My Eyes” - Ruth Brown

Types of R&B: Vocal Groups Different stylistically than Pop groups of the Forties (Mills Brothers, Ink Spots) Range from bluesy to more gospel influenced Amount of instrumental backing varies Songs: “Crying in The Chapel” – The Orioles “Money Honey” – Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters

Elvis, Sun Records & Rockablilly Sam Phillips a white Blues and R&B producer starts Sun Records in Memphis Realizes the potential for combining white and black musical styles (Country and R&B) The Legend of Elvis Presley Popular regionally (South), but not nationally Song: “That’s All Right” – Elvis Presley

Folk Music Vocal and Guitar Groups draw from songs of the Thirties and Forties (Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly) Simple, catchy melodies. Made for sing alongs. Very popular nationally (Pop Charts) Political Activism of the artists results in a backlash during this time Song: “Goodnight Irene” – The Weavers

Jazz Styles Reaction to BeBop leads to slower, more harmonic music Cool Jazz R&B influenced Jazz Jazz is Never Widely Popular Again; African-American Classical Music Songs: “Moon Dreams” – Miles Davis “Walkin’ Shoes” – Chet Baker “Doodlin” – Horace Silver