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The Confederates and the Union
During the war, music was used for recreation, motivation, and to march along to. Sometimes, the two sides would copy their rival's song because they enjoyed it too. It helped them relax after a stressful day. With instruments like the drums, fifes, and bugles, music was a staple for the troops. -
Slave Music
During the time of slavery, slaves used music for a number of reasons. For worshiping, secret meetings (where they met with one another to share their joys and pains), and to spread word about the underground railroad. If it was to help motivate them during work, to express themselves at worship, or to help others escape, slaves in the south used music frequently. -
Orchestras and Carnige Hall
One of the first American symphonies, the New York Symphony, was founded. A couple years later, the Boston Symphony, then the Metropolitan Orchestra were established. Then, in May 5, 1891, Carnegie Hall opens its doors. -
Billboard Magazine Begins Publishing
The first edition of the "Billboard" magizine was made in 1894. The purpose of the magizine is about the music industry and music in general. It also created the Billboard Top 100 and is one of the oldest magizine in history. -
Ragtime Musoc
With its "ragged" rhythem, ragtime music was a hit. For a few years, it was used for dancing. Soon though, its popularity died down due to the popularity of jazz. -
Blues Era
The official origin of blues is not know, mostly due how the style changed over the times. We do know that the first publication of blues music was in 1912, by Hart Wand. It did start with the African-American communities in the bible belt. -
National Anthem
President Woodrow Wilson issued the order to make "The Star Spangle Bangled Banner" America's national anthem. The song was written by Francis Scott Key. It is still our anthem today. -
Jazz Age
From the 1920's to the 1930's, Jazz was all the rage. Their roots could be traced all the way back to slave songs, Jazz is a combination of many diferent types of music. It is often pointed to African-Americans as the creators of this type of genre. -
Country and Western Music
Beging in the rural areas of the south, country and western music began to sprung. With dark tones, songs sre usually based of off baleds. Originally, it was called hillbilly music. -
Music in the Radio
Along with radio entertainment stories preformed by actors, music on the radio was a huge hit. With live bands playing and classical musical concerts, music could be heard on radio stations like NBC, ABC and CBS. It also showed the listener new music to listen to as well. -
Cajun Music
French music had been seeping into the music of Southwest Louisiana, and cajun music was born. The first Cajun song that was recorded was in 1928 with Joe Falcon and Cléoma Breaux. Some instruments included the cajun accordian, cajun fiddle, bass, piano, and more. -
Swing
With big bands and the danacble style, swing played a part in America's music history. Swing uses a strong rhythm section of double bass and drums as the anchor. Brass played a huge part in these bands with instruments such as trumpets and trombones. Rounding ou the band had the woodwinds, with saxophones and clarinets. Along with these insruments, stringed instruments such as violin and guitar msy be added. -
Modern Black Gospel
An important style in the 30s to the 60s, black gospel has inspired many artists, music genres, and songs as well. It was soon embraced by record companies to capitilized on this gold mine. It help start the origin of rock n roll. -
Boogie-woogie
This type of music is a piano based blues. It also originated from the African American group, and was popular in the late 30's and early 40's. This type of music also inspired many genres. -
Rock n Roll
Like most music origins, rock n roll came from the south. Borrowing styles of blues, boogie woogie, jazz, and swing, with some influences in gospel, country and folk, rock n roll is a huge staple in the music industry. It is widely believed it also started with the African Americans. Great rockers like Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and more, paved the way for more and more different types of music and musicians to be created.
