50s and 60s Music: Why They’re Truly The Best

The music of the 1950s and 1960s remains some of the most beloved and iconic music of all time. These two decades gave birth to not only some of the most memorable songs, but also an entirely new way of listening to and creating music. Even today, it is not uncommon to hear people talking about how the songs of the 1950s and 60s truly sound different. But how so, exactly? How do the sounds of these two distinct eras compare? Read on to make the music of these 2 eras the soundtrack of your https://20bet.org experience.

The 1950s

The 1950s are often associated with a period of strong economic growth and rebuilding of infrastructure after the devastation of World War II. However, the 1950s was a period of more than just significant development in the economy; it was also a time known for its amazing music.  It was during this time period that the world was introduced to many different genres of music ranging from Rock n’ Roll to Doowop and everything in between. 

At the beginning of the decade, the musical scene was dominated by big-band swing or jazz music. During this period, Frank Sinatra and his band became wildly popular, with their song “Come Fly with Me” becoming one of the decade’s most famous and widely-known hits.  But as the years progressed, this genre of music—typified by the crooning voice of Sinatra—was gradually replaced by a new type of sound: rock-and-roll. 

One of the most influential figures of rock-and-roll was, of course, Elvis Presley. His iconic beats and revolutionary sound changed the music landscape forever. Having been influenced by blues and country music, Elvis’ distinct vocals and melodies earned him the title of the “King of Rock n’ Roll.” His biggest hits included “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog”. After his success, numerous other artists began to emerge, such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bill Haley and His Comets. 

In spite of the popularity and broad reach of rock and roll, the 1950s also had a number of other musical styles and genres that made their mark. People were heavily exposed to a genre called “Doowop,” which embodied song styles that had a collection of 4 to 6- part harmonies with little instrumentation. Doowop flourished mostly among African American communities and later white audiences paid more attention to it. Examples of Doowop songs from the 50s include The Five Satins’ “In The Still of The Night” and Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers’ famous song “Why Do Fools Fall in Love.”

The Sounds of Country Music were also a major force in 1950s America, with a slew of star performers, such as Lefty Frizzel and Hank Williams, who dominated the charts. With steel guitars, violins, banjos, and harmonicas, the genre had a distinctive sound that remained incredibly popular throughout the decade. Record sales and radio broadcasts of this genre kept country music as one of the most popular forms of music during the time.

1950s American music also saw significant success in the field of rhythm and blues thanks to some of the most legendary artists of all time, such as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke. The emergence of this prominent genre revolutionized popular music and was the predecessor of soul and later funk. 

Finally, it was in the 1950s that the world was introduced to what would come to be known as rockabilly. It was a blend of country, rock-and-roll, and boogie-woogie and was pioneered by Elvis Presley, Bill Haley & His Comets, and many other artists of the decade. This form of music also influenced later production of music styles such as surf rock, garage rock, and even punk rock. 

The 1960s

The 1960s is a special decade for music. This era of popular music drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including rock and roll, soul, gospel, jazz, and blues. It was a specific time period marked by social and political change, when a youth-driven revolution began to emerge in the US. From the Beatlemania of the mid-1960s to the Woodstock festival of 1969, the music of the 1960s was wildly popular, not just in the US, but all around the world. 

The music of the 1960s was heavily influenced by the British invasion of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and other rock bands. These bands had a huge influence on the American music scene, playing a major role in the development of new sounds and the genre of psychedelic rock. British bands, such as the Zombies and the Kinks, also had an impact on the US music scene.

In addition to the British invasion, numerous musical styles emerged in the US during the 1960s. Folk music experienced a revival in the early 1960s, inspired by singers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Soul music also began to become popular in the mid-1960s, when iconic artists like James Brown, The Supremes, and Aretha Franklin made music that was both influential and popular. Meanwhile, surf rock bands such as the Beach Boys and Jan and Dean added a sense of cool to the music of the 1960s. Finally, psychedelic rock, inspired by the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, reached the height of its popularity in the late 1960s.

The 1960s marked a major shift in popular music and culture. The music of this era is often characterized by its diversity and innovation. Many artists pushed the boundaries of what was possible and created new sounds that still influence today’s music. From folk to soul, psychedelic rock to surf rock, the music of the 1960s remains a major influence in popular music today.

The 1960s was also an era of social change. Music was an integral part of the civil rights movement and other social movements of the time. Whether it was Bob Dylan and Joan Baez singing protest songs or James Brown singing “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” the music of this decade was often used to express, challenge, and change society.

The music of the 1960s remains an important part of popular culture today. While there have been many different eras of music since then, the songs, styles, and artists of the 1960s remain some of the most popular in the world. The impact of the music of this era can still be felt today and it continues to influence the music that we listen to.