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Barber Shop Quartets
During this time span barbershop quartets were at their peak in popularity. Before barbershop quartets, customers getting their hair done at the barber would sing folk and gospel songs with other people at the barber. This is how the style of barbershop quartets came to be. -
Poverty in the early 1900's
Poverty is a huge problem during this time. Many African Americans in the South are poor and work tireless hours. -
The Blues: Early 1900's
The blues genre reflects the poverty, sharecropping, and struggles off this time. Blues music was a way for people in the South to express their struggle. -
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Sharecropping
Yet another struggle African Americans had to face. When it came to paying the landowner they rented the land from, sharecroppers often owed more than they could afford. -
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Gospel
Religious and cultural music evolves into church gospel. This type of music is popular with African Americans especially in church. -
Rock makes it first appearance
Artists begin to create music in the genre of rock. It gradually became more popular as time went on. -
Muddy Waters
This is the year Muddy Waters begins to produce and record blues music using his electric guitar. His new kind of music triggered music like rock and roll to be produced by other artists. -
New Genre's in the early 1950's
In the early 1950’s new genre of music that will later evolve to rock become more popular with white teens. Swing, blues, boogie-woogie, and jazz records are purchased and played. -
Doo Wop Becomes Popular: The 1950's
Doo Wop was originally a kind of African American music. When singing the artist(s) imitate the sounds of musical instruments in their singing. This genre began to be played on the radio during this time. -
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Banning Rock n' Roll
During this time period, many parents thought it was not good for their children to listen to rock n’ roll. Thinking that their children were exposed to “black lifestyles” they attempted to ban the music. Of course this did not work. -
Segregation overturned
Now blacks and whites may sell their music in the same stores since there is more freedom. -
Elvis Presley: That's All Right Remake
Elvis Presley releases a remake of Arthur Crudup's song That's All Right. Everyoneis in awe because Elvis is white and he sounds liek an African American singing. -
Chuck Berry's Maybellene
Chuck Berry released the first true rock and roll song. This is a major breakthrough because he is an African American. -
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The Montgoomery Bus Boycott
Led by Martin Luther King Junior this boycott lasted two years in Alabama. Segregated facilities were being protested here. -
The Beatles & The Rolling Stones: 1960's
Rock n’ Roll popularity skyrocketed when British groups such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles began to release music of this genre. These British groups have a different version of rock n’ roll to the U.S. and everyone loved it.
