21 Questions
Match the following time periods with their musical influences:
1950s and 1960s = Era when country music gained national popularity Modern era = Where styles like reggae, techno, metal, pop, rap appeared Early 20th century = Time of revolution in jazz and introduction of scat singing Golden age of rock-n-roll = Era when Elvis Presley became the first king of this genre
Match the music style with its characteristics:
Rag-time = First 'black' music to gain popularity Blues = Lamenting songs with notes of resignation and humour Jazz = Characterized by improvisation Rock-n-roll = Known for breaking hearts of young people
Elvis Presley is known as the first king of jazz music.
False
Rag-time was the first 'white' music to gain popularity.
False
American music is solely based on European classical traditions.
False
Jazz music originated in Chicago in the 1920s.
False
The most central feature of jazz music is following a strict written score.
False
Duke Ellington referred to the performer mentioned in the text as an 'American Standard, an American original'.
True
Oklahoma and Carousel are examples of the first reggae musicals in America.
False
Elvis Presley is credited with popularizing rock-n-roll music in the 1950s.
True
In the 1950s and 1960s, techno music gained national popularity in the USA.
False
Every new generation in the USA tends to look back at past music and create yet another new music style.
True
Rag-time was the first 'black' music to gain ______
popularity
Blues developed from African folk songs and Christian religious ______
music
Elvis Presley is known as the first king of ______ music
rock-n-roll
Country music gained national popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as dance music and music played in the ______
car
'Oklahoma' and 'Carousel' are considered to be the first truly American ______
musicals
Who revolutionized jazz by bringing about a new rhythmic freedom for performers and inventing 'scat singing'?
Louis Armstrong
What style of music gained national popularity in the 1950s and 1960s as both dance music and music played in cars?
Country music
Which music style originated in the 1920s in the south, specifically in New Orleans?
Jazz
What is the most popular music style that developed from African folk songs and Christian religious music?
Blues
Study Notes
American Music Styles
- Many styles of music were born in America, including blues, jazz, rock-n-roll, country music, and pop.
- Teenagers associate American music with popular pop singers like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Britney Spears.
Blues Music
- Developed from African folk songs and Christian religious music.
- Characterized as very lamenting songs with notes of resignation and humour.
Jazz Music
- Originated in the 1920s in the south, specifically in New Orleans.
- Central feature of jazz music is improvisation, with only the basic structure written down and other parts created spontaneously by the band.
- Louis Armstrong, a pioneer in jazz music, revolutionized the genre by breaking with all traditions, introducing a new rhythmic freedom for the performer, and inventing "scat singing".
American Musical
- A unique form of music that combines songs, dance, comedy, and drama.
- Originated from the centre of the country.
- 'Oklahoma' and 'Carousel' are considered to be the first truly American musicals.
Rock-n-Roll Music
- The most famous style of American music known today across the world.
- Thanks to its first king, Elvis Presley, it had a great hit with the public.
- Later in the 1950s and 1960s, country music gained national popularity with many musicians, serving as dance music and music in the car.
Evolution of American Music
- Every new generation looks back at the music from the past and creates yet another style with their own creativity.
- Modern styles like reggae, techno, metal, pop, and rap have emerged alongside the classic styles.
Test your knowledge about the history of American music, including genres like blues, jazz, rock-n-roll, country music, and pop. Learn about iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Britney Spears.
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