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Folk Music starts and develops
Music was created by immigrants coming to the United States, and travelling across the continent to the western parts of the United States. It is a storytelling genre of music, not professional, very simple, easy to sing along to, can be done with one person of a group, simple lyrics that can be remembered easily. -
Gold Rush Starts
When gold was discovered in a valley in California, thousands of people migrated across the United States. This discovery lead to the spreading of people, and cultures being blended and introduced as people of all makeups traveled in the hopes of getting rich. -
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Gospel Music starts and develops
Developed in both black and white Protestant Christian communities. Black Gospel music developed from their slave roots. Their masters would teach their slaves about God, to keep them hopeful of a better life after death. As a result of their new faith slaves, former slaves, and their descendants made gospel music to celebrate their coming joy in the afterlife. -
Civil War Starts
The war started when the Confederate forces fired on the Union, at the Union's Fort Sumter. -
Civil War Ends
General Robert E. Lee, commander of Confederate forces, surrenders to General Ulysses S.Grant, commander of the Union forces. -
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Blues Music Starts and Develops
Developed in the Southern United State, after the Civil War. Developed specifically in Memphis, Tennessee. Created by African Americans experiencing hardships after the Civil War. Music is slow, and somber. This is a one person style of music. This style is not upbeat, or celebratory. -
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Jazz Starts and Develops
Started in the deep south, specifically in the area of New Orleans. It was started by African slaves as they had Sundays off from work. So, after the slaves went to church in the morning, then they would dance, sing, and have a good time in the afternoon. -
Thomas Edison Creates the phonograph
The phonograph was created by Thomas Edison; The purpose of his invention was to record and playback sound; It was the first of its kind. The invention of the phonograph allowed people to listen to music when they want to in their homes. Helped to develop both jazz and blues as genres of music. -
Gramophone is Created
The gramophone was the next leap forward in music players after the gramophone. It was created by the German-American inventor Emil Berliner. Instead of being hand cranked it used electricity to work. Also used flat records of glass, which eventually replaced the phonographs wax cylinders. Helped to establish the the genres of jazz, and blues as genres of music. -
Louis Armstrong is Born
Louis Armstrong was one of the greatest musicians of all time. He was one of the greatest jazz singers of the the 1920s, redefining and revolutionizing the genre, but he also affected music as a whole. It was through him that today we have a large percentage of the sounds we use. -
Robert Johnson is Born
Robert Johnson, a little known blues man at the time, would prove to be an inspiration to many other artists including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. He is seen as on of the greatest guitarists of all time, but he died in relative obscurity. There is an old legend that he sold his soul to the devil to gain his guitar picking abilities. -
The ASCAP Is Founded
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) was founded by artists such as Irving Berlin, James Weldon Johnson, Jerome Kern, and John Philip Sousa. The ASCAP was founded to protect artists. They helped to establish the royalty system that we still use today. This royalty system allowed artists and musicians to make money on their work. -
WW1 Starts
World War 1 starts after the archduke of Austro-Hungary, Franz Ferdinand, is assassinated by the Serbian rebel Gavrilo Princip. Gavrilo and his comrades attempted to assassinate Franz, after Austro-Hungary threatened Serbia's sovereignty. This act sparked Austro-Hungary, and their ally Germany to declare war on Serbia, which resulted in Russia, and France declaring war on them, as well as Britain and America later in the war. -
WW1 Ends
After 4 years of fighting, Germany, the last of the Central Powers, surrenders to the Allies. The war ended at 11:11 am on the 11th day of the 11 month. -
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Roaring 20s
After WW1 America was experiencing a new era of prosperity and happiness. This was called the roaring 20s. Dance Bands, Jazz, and Blues were the most popular music in America. It was during the 20s that radio, Broadway, and the modern music industry began to grow and get bigger. -
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Jazz Age
From the 20s until the 30s Jazz was gaining rapid popularity, before quickly reaching the top. Jazz was unique in that it incorporated several different styles of music including African and European. Jazz also influenced the fashion, dances, accepted moral standards, and race relations. -
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Prohibition
Prohibition lasted a total of 13 years in America. During this time it was illegal to make, ship, or sell alcohol. Due to prohibition speakeasies began to appear and pop up. Speakeasies were illegal bars where people went and bough alcohol; however people could also listen to music, and dance, which helped to make big band and dancing more popular. -
Mamie Smith records "Crazy Blues"
Mamie Smith was the first African-American singer to record a blues song. Her recording and popularity of her song Crazy Blues in the African American community, made a market for 'race records' or records made specifically for the African-American audience. -
KDKA is Created
KDKA was the first commercial broadcasting network created in Pennsylvania; the network was created after the popularity of small local radios skyrocketed, prompting the need for larger commercial radio stations. Radios networks gave listeners a new way to listen to music in their homes. Radios also helped to bolster the music industry by giving a second way for artist´s music to be heard, which then gave them another way to make music. -
Jimmie Rodgers records "Blue Yodel #1"
Jimmie Rodgers recording of his single "Blue Yodel #1", was the first million-selling country music single. -
Duke Ellington Begins Touring
During the 20s and 30s Duke Ellington was one of the most popular Jazz artists. He played all over the country with his various bands. He became widely successful. He played his first performance at the Cotton Club, before moving on to other clubs, both around the United States, but also parts of Europe -
Victor Records signs Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family
The arguable point in which country music was born was when Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family were signed by Victor Records. These people were the first popular country music singers. Before country music was established, it predecessor known as "Hillbilly Music" was played on the radio. Country music may have had its start in the early 1900s, but it became popular in the 1940s, which it then became a mainstream music genre. -
Great Depression Starts
After the prosperous years of the roaring 20s, the greatest economic recession in the United States began, and would not end until the late 30s with the start of WW2. The depression was caused large in part to an over saturation of the stock market, which lead to risky stocks, and risky investments eventually leading to the Stock Market Crash on October 24, 1929, also known as "Black Thursday". -
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected as President
At the onset of the Great Depression the president of the United States was Herbert Hoover. Hoover's lack of response to the crisis at hand upset many Americans. As a result of their upset they elected FDR, or Franklin Delano Roosevelt. His ambitions programs as apart of his New Deal helped may people during the Great Depression. He was elected 4 times, the most of any president. -
Hank Williams formed the first of his Drifting Cowboys bands
Hank Williams was one of the most influential country music singers, he helped to expand the genre with his honky-tonk style of country music. -
Rogers adopts his screen name "Roy Rogers"
Roy Rogers was a "Singing Cowboy" film star, whose career was bolstered by rising popularity of country music. He was a western film star, he also became a popular country-western music singer. -
WW2 Starts
After repeated unchecked territory gains by Germany leading up to 1939, (gained both Austria, and Czechoslovakia) Britain, and France made an ultimatum that Germany could not invade Poland, or there would be war. After the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, was signed between Germany and the Soviet Union to divide Poland when conquered, Germany Invaded Poland. After Germany's invasion of Poland Britain and France declared war on Germany, sparking the 2nd world war. -
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Big Band Music is at it Peak in popularity
Big band music consisted of 4 sections of instruments, which was lead by a band leader. Each band consisted of 10 or more members. Sections included saxophones, trumpets, and rhythm. Each band leader very often worked on different arrangements of often the same songs. Big Bands signed both short and long term contracts with various club while they were touring to play at them. After WW2 ended, many clubs hired smaller cheaper bands, which lead to many larger band disbanding. -
The USO is founded
The USO was created to provide Service members with entertainment while they were on leave, or deployed. This gave service members a boost in moral, by giving them a sense of home, while they were deployed. Popular artist and comedians such as Bob Hope worked with the USO and performed for the troops, to boost their morale. The songs played at USO shows included both patriotic songs, songs about the home service members were away from, and made fun of the enemy. -
WW2 Ends
After 6 years of warfare between the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan), and the Allies (U.S.A., France, Britain, and the Soviet Union), the axis were defeated. The war officially came to an end when Japan surrendered to the United States, after 2 atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. Germany had surrendered in May, after the Allies invaded from both the East and West, eventually capturing the capital city of Berlin. -
USO is disbanded
After WW2 the USO was disbanded, until the start of the Korean War in 1950. After the end of the Korean the USO continued, where it eventually provided peace time services. During the Vietnam War, the USO would have facilities located sometimes in combat zones. -
Hank Williams begins performing in the Grand Ole Opry
Hank Williams was a very influential being in country music, who helped to develop the genre with his "Honkney Tonk" style of country music. He started playing at a performance hall, The Grand Ole Opry, which helped to put country music on the mainstream, as well as Nashville, Tennessee. -
Sun Records is created
Sun records helped to bolster rock and roll into the mainstream. Sun Records was created by Sam Phillips. Sam originally created the record company to help black artists record their music, and get it heard. Sun Records eventually recorded famous artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis. It was because of Sun Records that Elvis Presley got his start in the music career. -
Korean War Starts
The Korean war started when the North Korean communist army crossed the 38 parallel and invaded non-communist South Korea. The United States along with a contingent from the United Nations sent troops to help and protect South Korea. -
Roy Rogers created his popular how 'The Roy Rogers Show'
Roy Rogers created a popular television show 'The Roy Roger Show'. The show was about the main character, Roy Rogers, life as a ranch owner. The show ran to 1957, and made Roy Rogers a household name. -
Hank Williams is fired from the Grand Ole Opry
Hank Williams was fired from the Grand Ole Opry after missing a show due to being drunk. This was meant to be a warning, but he died before he was to be reinstated. -
Hank Williams Dies from a Heart Attack
Hank Williams dies of a heart attack due to his drug abuse, and alcoholism. He left behind 2 children. His son would go on to become a popular country music star in his own right. His daughter would go onto to become a singer in her own right. -
Korean War Ends
The Korean war ends when North Korea, South Korea, China, and the United States signed an armistice. They set up the 38th parallel as the demilitarization zone. -
Elvis Presley signs with RCA records
Elvis Presley was the first truly popular rock star. He was influenced by blues music, and gospel music. He was a very controversial figure at the time because of his new styles, specifically dances. He was criticized by churches for poising the mind of young people, and parents said rock and roll created disobedience and delinquency. He however helped to develop rock and roll music further. Elvis's greatest achievement was bringing together people of all races with the power of music. -
Elvis Presley plays on the "Ed Sullivan Show"
Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan show due to his insane popularity. His performance was however censored as his dance moves were deemed overly sexual by parents and churches. -
Motown is Founded
Motown was a Detroit based record label in the late 1950s, and 1960s. Motown records consisted mainly of African-American groups, singers, songwriters, and management. Motown’s musical and business success helped in breaking down the barriers of segregation. The “Motown Sound” and popular R&B music had a significant role in the Civil Rights movement and integration in American society in the 1960s. -
The Miracle’s first hit was released
Smokey Robinson and The Miracle’s first hit song was “Shop Around”, which reached number one on the R&B chart, and number 2 on the pop chart. The Miracles were the other most influential group to come out of the Motown sound movement. The Miracles and The Supremes were the two most influential groups from the Motown sound movement. -
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British Invasion
The “British Invasion” was the main name given to the period in the early to mid 60s in which many British Rock bands and pop artists found mainstream success in the United States and worldwide. Many British Invasion bands started by covering American songs, and showcasing an American Rock n’’Roll and RnB influence in their sounds. As these bands became more popular they started to venture into new music territory creating their own unique styles. -
The Supremes first recorded single is released
The Supremes first charted single was “Your Heart Belongs To Me”, it reach number 95 on the pop chart. The Supremes were one of the most influential groups that came out of the Motown sound unit. -
Bob Dylan releases "The Times They Are a'Changing"
Bob Dylan was one of the more popular artists in the Folk Rock. Bob Dylan's release of "The Times They Are a 'Changing" was his 3rd album that he released. This was his most well known album, it propelled him to the front of the protest movement; Bob Dylan became extremely involved in politics in 1963. -
The Animals release “The House of The Rising Sun”
The Animals were another popular band of the “British Invasion”. They were not as successful as The Beatles, but they did have success in their own rights. “The House of The Rising Sun”, was one of the groups first smash hit. -
United States enters the Vietnam War
After DRV torpedo boats attack two United States destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin, president Johnson order the bombing of military targets in North Vietnam. The Vietnam war first began in 1955, as the Viet Cong fought French colonial control of Vietnam. -
Beatles appear on “The Ed Sullivan Show”
The Beatles were the poster band of the “British Invasion”. The Beatle arrived in the U.S. in 1963, but they became really popular after appearing on “The Ed Sullivan Show”. The Beatles popularity became known as Beatlemania. Many other bands tried to capitalize on the Beatle’s “Liverpool Sound”. -
Steppenwolf release their first album
Steppenwolf was part of the hard rock genre. Hard rock was influenced by blues rock, garage rock, and R&B. Hard rock had more aggressive tones and delivery. Steppenwolf's first album was "Steppenwolf"; however the album did not take off until their 3rd single "Born to Be Wild". -
Tet Offensive Begins
The Tet Offensive a coordinated series of North Vietnamese attacks on more than 100 cities and outposts in South Vietnam. The offensive was an attempt to foment rebellion among the South Vietnamese population and encourage the United States to scale back its involvement in the Vietnam War. This attack by the NVA was seen by many Americans at the point in which Americans believed the United States could not win the Vietnam War. -
Creedence Clearwater Revival releases their first album
Creedence Clearwater Revival was one of the most popular roots rock bands of the era, and it what a lot of people associate roots rock music with. The bands first album was "Creedence Clearwater Revival". -
Led Zeppelin release their first album
Led Zeppelin was apart of "The British Invasion", as they are an English band; However the band was one of the most popular hard rock bands of the 60s and 70s. Their first album was titled "Led Zeppelin". -
Woodstock Begins
Woodstock was the largest concert of all time. Over 300,000, to 500,000 people attended the concert; the concert was so large that many could not hear the music being played. The concert lased 3 days. The concert was advertised as "An Aquarian Experience: 3 Days of Peace and Music", lots of hippies came to the concert, to escape the turmoil of everything surrounding the Vietnam War. Bands such as The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix performed. -
The United States Leaves Vietnam
The United States after being involved for 9 years in the Vietnam War signed a peace agreement with the North Vietnam, ending the United States involvement in Vietnam; however the North Vietnamese and South Vietnamese continued to fight. -
Bruce Springsteen releases their first album
Bruce Springsteen's first album was "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." . His first two albums were released in relative obscurity. It was not until his third album "Born to Run", that Bruce Springsteen gained his popularity as an artist. -
Vietnam War Ends
The NVA army rolled through the capital of South Vietnam, Saigon, capturing the capital and uniting the country of Vietnam. -
Electrified Funk music was created
The creation of electrified funk music was lead by Wild Cherry and their lead singer/guitarist, Robert Parissi. The bands single "Play That Funky Music" sold over a million copies. -
Punk Rock developed
Punk Rock was a loud fast-moving, and aggressive form of rock music which developed through bands such as Sex Pistols, and the Ramones. The bands crazy stage behavior and offbeat arrangements drew both praise and discouragement. -
Billy Joel sells 6 million albums
In 1978 Billy Joel was the most popular artist. Bill Joel sold over 6 million of his albums, "52 Street". He topped the charts that year. (Side Note, Billy Joel is one of my favorite artists) -
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Hip Hop Develops
The 80s mark the infancy and eventual growth of hip hop. Not many artist from that era are as know as today's artists, however artist like Slick Rick, Eric B. and Rakim, Public Enemy, LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys helped to develop the genre into what it is today. -
The Opening ceremonies of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games begin.
The Winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, New York. It was during these games that the Miracle of Ice occurred; The Miracle on Ice was when a team of amateur ice hockey players from the United States defeated the more experienced Soviet Union's hockey team, they then went on to beat Finland's ice hockey team. -
Ronald Reagan is elected president
Ronald Reagan the former senator of California is elected president, after beating out Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election. -
MTV is Created
MTV changed the music industry, as video was now incorporated. Bands would create music videos, which helped to catapult them into stardom if that music video was good. Artists such as Cyndi Lauper became an overnight sensation. -
Thriller is released
Michael Jackson was one of the most popular artist of the 80s. His music was played in record numbers. He was originally part of the Jackson 5, before doing a solo career. His album "Thriller" sold over 70 million copies worldwide, making it the best selling album of all time. -
Challenger Space Shuttle Explodes
The Challenger Space Shuttle was one of the greatest tragedies from our want to explore space. 7 people died on the Challenger Space Shuttle after lift off at Cape Canaveral Florida. One of the people killed was Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire school teacher. -
The Berlin Wall falls
After 38 yeas of the Berlin Wall, dividing East and West Germany, form one another, the wall began to crumble. The wall began to crumble after German citizens were allowed to travel freely between East and West Germany. These German citizens began to dismantle the wall as they travel between East and West. -
President George H.W. Bush signs treaty with Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev
President George H.W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev sign a treaty to eliminate the production of chemical weapon production and begin the destruction and dismantling of each nation's existing inventory. -
Iraq invades Kuwait
Iraq invades it's neighbor Kuwait, this sets in to motion the beginning of the United States involvement in the Middle East. 4 days after the invasion the United Nations begins a trade embargo, then on November 29, the United Nations state that Iraq must withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991 or face military intervention. -
Nirvana releases "Nevermind"
Nirvana was part of a new music movement called grunge rock. Grunge rock appeared as a response to the clean cut pop music of the decade. It was characterized by its not as clean sound, and more dirty. Many people consider Nirvana's "Neverminded" album to be their best. -
Tupac debuts with "I Get Around"
Rap and Hip Hop was one of the largest growing genres of the 90s. Tupac Shakur was one of the leading rap artists of the 90s. His debut song was "I Get Around". -
Tupac Shakur is accused of shooting 2 off duty cops
Rap and hip hop exploded in the 90s. During the 90s many rappers were getting in trouble with the law. Tupac was accused of shooting 2 off-duty police officers. -
Biggie debuts his first solo song
Biggie Smalls was another one of the most influential figures of rap music in the 90s. He was a New York Rapper. He and Tupac used to be friends, but Tupac accused Biggie of being involved in Tupac being shot and robbed in the lobby of Quad Recording Studios in Manhattan on November 30, 1994. Their beef helped fuel the famous west cost vs. East Coast beef. Biggie's first debut album was "Party and Bullshit". -
Waco Standoff Begins
The ATF begins a 51 day standoff with the Branch Davidians. The standoff was a complete failure on the government and media's part as, they lied and said they were fired upon first, yet there was no evidence of any round being fired by the Branch Davidians first. The government used very flammable tear gas to try and course the Davidians out; when the fire started the government prevented the members of the group from escaping, killing 75 members if the group including their leader. -
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The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur are assinated
Both rappers were killed at the height of their popularity. They were both killed in their cars in a drive by. These two individuals were some of the most influential artist of rap music. Both of their killers are yet to be found. -
Auto-Tune is created
Auto-Tune changed the way music is created. Auto-Tune cleans up the vocals of a recording by fixing and changing the pitch of the vocals to be accurate. This is why lots of 2000s vocals sound different than other decades music, because the vocals have been tuned to not have any problems. -
The United States Pass the Iraq Liberation Act
In September 29, 1998, the United States Congress passes legislation, the Iraq Liberation Act, that states the U.S. wants to remove Saddam Hussein from power and replace it with a democracy. -
iTunes is released
iTunes changed the way people bought music. iTunes was a digital store front that allowed people to buy music online at home instead of going to a store. Music companies liked iTunes, because they could protect their musical property with iTunes copyright. At one point iTunes had a majority share on music sold on the market. -
September 11, 2001 attacks of the World Trade Center
On September 11, 2001, 2 hijacked planes taken over by Al-Qaida terrorists. These 2 planes crashed into each of the World Trade Centers towers; another 2 planes were hijacked by the same group, one plane crashed into the Pentagon, and a second plane after being retaken over by the passengers crashed into a Pennsylvanian field. Nearly 3,000 people died in these attacks, the deadliest terrorist attacks in America's history. -
America invades Afghanistan
As a response to the September 11 attacks, the United States invaded Afghanistan to fight the Taliban regime. The Taliban helped to fund Osama Bin Laden, and Al-Qaeda's attacks on western countries. Other countries have joined in the United States effort to fight terrorism. The War on Terror began. -
iPod is released
The iPod changed the way we listen to music portable. People could now walk around with thousands of songs in their pockets, without needing to carry around cassettes or CDs. The iPod changed the music industry forever. -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina is the 6th strongest hurricane in Atlantic history, it was a category 3 hurricane. The Hurricane spread destruction from Texas to Florida. New Orleans suffered the worst as their levees designed to hold water broke, flooding 80% of the city with salt water. The Coast Guard lead rescue efforts. 1,836 people were killed because of the hurricane, and 705 people were categorized as missing. -
Obama is elected president
Barack Obama was elected president in 2008. Obama was a democratic nominee, but this election was historical in that President Obama was the first African American president. -
Spotify is released
Spotify and other music streaming services changed the way in which music is played. People shifted from buying music to paying a monthly fee to listen to a large variety. Music companies like streaming services because they get a monthly income. Streaming services signified the transition from buying to renting.
