Rock Evolution – The History of Rock ’n’ Roll - Pop pre-1960 (pg 38)

[Kirkstall Blue]

Elvis did a version of blue moon in 1954

 

[Saddleworth2]

In listening to the four playlists so far. American music dominates. I suppose I should have realised that but I did find it interesting. When did that pivot I wonder. My guess is around 1964.

 

[RobMCFC]

In listening to the four playlists so far. American music dominates. I suppose I should have realised that but I did find it interesting. When did that pivot I wonder. My guess is around 1964.

In all of the articles that I have read around the subject, reading up for the various write-ups I'm doing, it does seem that America led the way and much of what we had in the UK a pale imitation.

Obviously we have centuries of traditions of folk music in the UK and Europe in general, but by and large what we listen to today has American roots.

 

[GoatersLeftShin]

We're not there yet but the huge influence of American music in this period shows what a big deal the British Invasion is a few years later.

The contrast between the country, jazz and the "easy listening" genres to rock n roll is quite something at this point too. The raw, visceral, sexual energy of Little Richard, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis etc sounds almost "immoral" compared to the Alma Cogan etc. I can well imagine that many parents would've found this music very concerning at the time!

 

[threespires]

We're not there yet but the huge influence of American music in this period shows what a big deal the British Invasion is a few years later.

The contrast between the country, jazz and the "easy listening" genres to rock n roll is quite something at this point too. The raw, visceral, sexual energy of Little Richard, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis etc sounds almost "immoral" compared to the Alma Cogan etc. I can well imagine that many parents would've found this music very concerning at the time!

I considered doing the pop write up with sex as it's central theme but decided it was too narrow a perspective. I think for the likes of Alma Cogan the changing tides must have been a real blow. I think she was friends with The Beatles especially McCartney (?) but was yesterday's news as far as the industry was concerned. I included her because she seemed emblematic of the type of pop star that was 'left behind'.

In listening to the four playlists so far. American music dominates. I suppose I should have realised that but I did find it interesting. When did that pivot I wonder. My guess is around 1964.

In all of the articles that I have read around the subject, reading up for the various write-ups I'm doing, it does seem that America led the way and much of what we had in the UK a pale imitation.

Obviously we have centuries of traditions of folk music in the UK and Europe in general, but by and large what we listen to today has American roots.

Indeed. In looking at it in any depth it really does stand out. I think pale imitation is a little bit harsh but when you look at the wider nature of the US compared to the UK it makes total sense that the music and drivers we've looked at would emanate from there, not least of which being the African American population from which so much of what we've heard comes from.

Given we were playing catch up, that British and Irish musicians became the cultural force that they did is all the more impressive in some ways.

 

[Saddleworth2]

I considered doing the pop write up with sex as it's central theme but decided it was too narrow a perspective. I think for the likes of Alma Cogan the changing tides must have been a real blow. I think she was friends with The Beatles especially McCartney (?) but was yesterday's news as far as the industry was concerned. I included her because she seemed emblematic of the type of pop star that was 'left behind'.





Indeed. In looking at it in any depth it really does stand out. I think pale imitation is a little bit harsh but when you look at the wider nature of the US compared to the UK it makes total sense that the music and drivers we've looked at would emanate from there, not least of which being the African American population from which so much of what we've heard comes from.

It is a pale imitation across every genre. How much did things change in the 60's and who dominated through the decades we will get a feel for as this thread matures. Its an interesting topic. Luckily we have a view from the west. I wish Foggy was contributing though as well.

 

[Resurrection Joe...]

Im gonna nominate...'It's only make believe'...Conway Twitty...certainly of country extraction but def a pop song...think it was '59?

 

[threespires]

It is a pale imitation across every genre. How much did things change in the 60's and who dominated through the decades we will get a feel for as this thread matures. Its an interesting topic. Luckily we have a view from the west. I wish Foggy was contributing though as well.

I'm not having Humphrey Lyttleton as a pale imitation of anyone :-)

 

[Saddleworth2]

I'm not having Humphrey Lyttleton as a pale imitation of anyone :-)

My comment was really about weight of numbers and innovation rather than the individual quality of artists.
Was he the dude that did tijuana brass? ;-)

 

[BlueHammer85]

thank you @threespires , another enjoyable write up.

For me, 'pop' has always confused me as to whether it is a genre, the origins of which you nicely summarise, or a state of mind/audience/movement. I think Pop continues to confuse people to this day, the word reviles some as they instantly think of bubblegum offerings from Britney Spears or some such, but then is countered by the fact that many consider the Beach Boys to be classic Pop. (but arent they surf-rock?!)

I imagine music as a series of interconnected nodes, with weak & strong linkages between ever splintering genres, but the cross-genre-cum-philosophy of Pop will always act as a strange unknown force acting of its own free will, a dark matter of the music industry.

I've always considered Pop as more 'popular' - so basically singles that hit the top 10-20 in charts are Pop whether it's by a heavy metal band or Taylor Swift.