EVOLUTION & CULTURAL INFLUENCES OF MUSIC

by Joyce A. Anthony

From its humble beginnings as a way to pass the time in the Appalachian Mountains to international acclaim and one of the most popular genres of music today, country music has a long and varied history. It is the base of most of the music we listen to today. Country Music will take you on a journey through nearly a hundred years of this genre, showing how it touches the hearts of people everywhere. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

by Julie K. Godard

Electronic dance music (EDM) has grown from a small niche genre limited to small clubs to a billion-dollar industry popular worldwide. EDM artists use software and digital instruments to create the widely varied dance music that is popular today. This book provides information on the origins of EDM, the genre’s biggest stars and most elaborate international festivals, and the techniques and equipment that are commonly used to entrance audiences. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

by Christina Dearmont

Hip hop began as a form of expression for black Americans living in urban areas, but today has spread throughout the world. The genre has changed greatly throughout the years. Rappers, emcees, and disc jockeys create the music, but hip hop also encompasses other disciplines, such as dance and art. Today, hip hop is popular with people of all ages and backgrounds, both in the United States and internationally. People listen to it in their homes and dance to it in the clubs. This popularity means that hip hop has had a strong influence on everyday life, affecting everything from fashion to television shows and political campaigns. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

by Lara Stewart Manetta

Forged over hundreds of years, Latin and Caribbean musical styles are varied, unique, and an integral part of life in this region. Music from Latin America influences people all over the world. Some historical contributions include Cuban son, Argentinian tango, Jamaican reggae, and many other forms. This book explores the history of Caribbean and Latin music, from the original indigenous tribes through the development of Latin jazz to modern music from artists like Daddy Yankee, Rihanna, and many others. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

by Eric Benac

Pop music is a genre of music that expresses the values and beliefs of young people. It is the voice of trends in culture, from fashions to social attitudes. Pop songs are generally catchy, and often blend elements from other genres such as rock, hip-hop, country, and electronic dance music. This book will help you understand the history and origins of pop music, the key elements that make pop distinctive, and what to expect from pop music in the future. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

by Eric Benac

Over the years, R&B, soul, and gospel music have transformed the world and helped to make it a more integrated and accepting place. Artists in these genres have pushed at the boundaries of the form and integrated new styles. Modern pop music would certainly not exist in its present form without these innovations. In this detailed examination, you will learn how gospel influenced R&B and soul, the ways these genres have changed over the past century, and how these innovations shaped the modern music you hear today. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

by James Jordan

In the 1950s, a new style of music called “rock and roll” blended the rhythm and blues (R&B) music played by black American artists with the sounds of traditional country and western music, gospel, folk music, and other genres. Since its creation, rock music has presented the spirit of young people, often reflecting them at their best: working to improve society, and also to have fun. From Elvis, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan to U2, the Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, and Panic! At The Disco, rock music has evolved and changed, but remains as vibrant as ever. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

by Catrina Daniels

Have you ever watched a movie, stage show, or television program, and loved every aspect of the music you heard? Composers have a long history of producing powerful and moving musical scores for theater and film. This book provides information on the evolution of music for stage and screen, with information about the composers and shows that have made an impact on American society, producing songs that are loved and shared today. There’s much to learn about the world of music for stage and screen. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.