Exploring the Different Genres of 78rpm Music.

Introduction

Let’s dive into a remarkable chapter of music history: the era of 78rpm records. These shellac records, spinning at 78 revolutions per minute, were the heartbeat of the music industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was a time of great transformation, as we moved from acoustic to electrical recording, forever changing how we experienced music.

Particularly noteworthy are the 1920s, known as the “Roaring Twenties.” This wasn’t just a time of economic boom and technological leaps; it was a period of deep cultural change. Music mirrored this shift, with jazz, blues, and country music beginning to bloom. The widespread distribution of 78rpm records played a key role in spreading these genres across the U.S. and beyond, paving the way for the golden age of radio and a media explosion that brought these sounds into the mainstream.

US Culture in the 1920s

The 1920s in the United States were years of extraordinary change. After World War I, there was a sense of liberation and a surge in the economy, giving birth to a consumer culture fueled by new technologies and increased disposable income.

This decade was also a crucible for artistic and social revolutions. The Harlem Renaissance brought African American culture to the forefront, especially in music, literature, and art. Jazz, emerging from African American communities, became the soundtrack of the era, a symbol of freedom and a break from the old ways.

Despite Prohibition’s ban on alcohol, speakeasies and jazz clubs flourished, becoming melting pots of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Alongside jazz, blues and country music found their audiences, and Broadway musicals became more reflective of contemporary life. The 1920s also marked a significant stride in social change, with women gaining the right to vote and challenging traditional gender roles.

Popular Music Genres of the 1890s

Before phonographs became common, the 1890s were buzzing with various musical styles:

1. Ragtime: This piano-based music, with its unique syncopated rhythms, was a blend of African-American and European musical traditions. Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime,” became synonymous with this genre.
2. Early Jazz: The roots of jazz were being laid down, mixing African rhythms with European structures and blues, primarily in New Orleans.
3. Classical and Parlor Music: Upper-class Americans enjoyed classical music from composers like Brahms and Tchaikovsky, while parlor music, consisting of light classical pieces and sentimental ballads, was popular in homes.
4. Marching Band Music: John Philip Sousa, the “March King,” made this genre popular with pieces like “Stars and Stripes Forever,” played at various public events.
5. Vaudeville and Musical Theater: These forms of entertainment showcased a mix of musical styles, from comedic tunes to romantic ballads, influencing popular music.

Impact of the Phonograph on Popular Music Genres

The introduction of the phonograph in the late 19th century was a pivotal development in the history of music, bringing about significant changes that were deeply intertwined with the social and cultural fabric of the time.

1. Widening Access and Democratization of Music: The phonograph broke down barriers to music access. Previously, experiencing music was often restricted to live performances, accessible mainly to those who could afford it or lived near venues. The phonograph allowed people from various socio-economic backgrounds to enjoy music at home. This democratization of music access played a role in bridging social divides, making music a more universal part of everyday life.
2. Cultural Exchange and Diversity in Music: The phonograph facilitated a cultural exchange by exposing audiences to a wide array of musical genres. People were introduced to styles they might never have encountered, such as jazz from New Orleans, blues from the Delta, or country from the Appalachian region. This exposure not only broadened the musical tastes of the public but also fostered an appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of American music.
3. Commercialization and Evolution of the Music Industry: The phonograph changed the dynamics of music production and distribution. Record companies emerged, focusing on recording music that appealed to a broad audience. This commercialization played a significant role in the evolution of popular music genres. Record labels began to influence the types of music that were produced and popularized, leading to a more market-driven approach to music.
4. Preservation of Musical Heritage: Phonograph recordings played an essential role in preserving musical styles and performances. They captured the sounds of an era, allowing future generations to experience and understand the musical heritage of the past. This preservation was crucial for genres like jazz and blues, which were deeply rooted in oral and improvisational traditions.
5. Standardization of Musical Styles: As musicians began to produce recordings for a national audience, there emerged a standardization of songs and styles. This led to the creation of definitive versions of musical pieces, influencing how genres were perceived and evolved. It also fostered a sense of national identity in music, as certain styles or songs came to be recognized as quintessentially American.
6. Rise of Music Stars and Influence on Popular Culture: The phonograph era saw the emergence of the first music stars, whose fame and influence reached far beyond their immediate localities. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and Duke Ellington became national icons, with their music influencing broader popular culture, fashion, and social norms.
7. Interaction with Other Media Forms: The phonograph also interacted with other emerging forms of media, such as radio and film. This interaction led to a cross-pollination of ideas and styles, further enriching the musical landscape. The accessibility of phonograph recordings played a role in the synchronization of music with early films, broadening the reach of both mediums.

Integrating US Culture and Music in the 1920s and 1930s

The 1920s in the United States, a period of rapid social and cultural change, had a profound impact on the music scene. This era, known for its spirit of innovation and liberation, saw the intersection of social revolutions with the evolution of popular music genres.

1. Jazz and the Social Revolution: Jazz, emerging from African American communities, became the soundtrack of the Roaring Twenties, symbolizing freedom and defiance of convention. The Harlem Renaissance, a remarkable flowering of African American culture, contributed significantly to the jazz movement. Artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington used jazz to express the era’s spirit, with its improvisational and vibrant nature reflecting the societal push for change and liberation.
2. Blues and the African American Experience: The Blues, deeply entwined with the African American experience, resonated with the broader themes of the Harlem Renaissance. Artists like Bessie Smith used the genre to express the struggles and emotions of African Americans. The Blues’ narrative style and emotional depth provided a musical reflection of the community’s experiences, contributing to the genre’s widespread appeal.
3. Country Music and Rural America: The 1920s also saw the rise of Country music, which mirrored the life and struggles of rural Americans. As the decade was a time of rapid urbanization and industrialization, Country music provided a voice to the rural experience, often overlooked in the fast-paced urban society. Artists like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family sang about everyday life, work, and love, connecting with audiences who yearned for a simpler, more grounded lifestyle.
4. Prohibition and the Speakeasy Culture: The introduction of Prohibition in 1920, which banned alcohol, ironically fostered a vibrant underground music scene. Speakeasies, illegal bars that operated covertly, became hotbeds for jazz and blues performances. These hidden venues provided a space where musicians could experiment and merge different styles, contributing to the evolution of these genres. The speakeasy culture also facilitated a unique social environment where people of different races and backgrounds mingled, breaking down social barriers and influencing the themes and styles of the music played.
5. Broadway and Tin Pan Alley: Broadway and Tin Pan Alley reflected and contributed to the cultural dynamism of the era. Broadway shows incorporated contemporary themes and the evolving music styles, while Tin Pan Alley songwriters captured the zeitgeist in their compositions. This era saw a blending of classical elements with popular genres, as exemplified by George Gershwin’s works, which mirrored the era’s eclectic cultural landscape.

Famous Artists in Each Genre

1. Jazz:

• Louis Armstrong: A monumental figure in jazz history, Armstrong’s trumpet virtuosity and distinctive vocal style made him a symbol of the genre. His influence extended beyond music, impacting the broader culture of the time.
• Duke Ellington: Renowned for his sophisticated compositions, Ellington’s work with his orchestra set a high bar for jazz musicianship. His ability to blend different musical elements made him a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz.
• Bix Beiderbecke: Another influential jazz musician, Beiderbecke’s lyrical cornet playing and innovative approach to improvisation were highly regarded. His style influenced many musicians and helped shape the sound of jazz in the 1920s.

1. Blues:

• Bessie Smith: Known for her powerful voice and emotive style, Smith was a dominant figure in the blues genre. Her recordings were commercially successful and influential in shaping the classic blues style.
• Blind Lemon Jefferson: As one of the most popular and influential blues musicians of the early 20th century, Jefferson’s distinctive singing and guitar playing set the standard for the Texas blues style.
• Ma Rainey: Often called the “Mother of the Blues,” Rainey’s deep, heartfelt performances and pioneering spirit made her a central figure in the development of the blues genre.

1. Country:

• Jimmie Rodgers: Known as the “Father of Country Music,” Rodgers’ blend of various musical elements, including yodeling, made him a key figure in early country music.
• The Carter Family: With their pure, straightforward songs, The Carter Family had a profound impact on the development of country music, influencing many later artists.
• Gene Autry: As a singing cowboy, Autry brought a new dimension to country music, combining it with elements of Western folklore and making it popular with a broader audience.

1. Broadway and Tin Pan Alley:

• Irving Berlin: One of the greatest songwriters in American history, Berlin’s contributions to both Broadway and popular music were significant, with a vast array of timeless songs.
• George Gershwin: Gershwin’s compositions bridged the gap between popular and classical music, leaving an indelible mark on both genres. His works like “Rhapsody in Blue” are considered American classics.
• Cole Porter: Known for his witty lyrics and sophisticated compositions, Porter’s work in musical theater contributed significantly to the evolution of American songwriting.

1. Classical Music and Opera:

• George Gershwin: Also prominent in the classical domain, Gershwin’s fusion of jazz with classical forms brought a unique American flavor to the concert hall.
• Aaron Copland: Another influential figure, Copland’s compositions, which often incorporated American folk themes, played a significant role in defining an American style of classical music.
• Sergei Rachmaninoff: Although Russian, Rachmaninoff’s career flourished in the United States during this period. His performances and compositions influenced the American classical music scene.