History:
Pop Music, also known as Popular Music, originated in its modern form in the 1950’s. Although the term ‘pop music’ was first recorded as being used in 1926. This form of music originated in Britain and the United States, and has had the special meaning of non-classical music. Pop music describes all music that is popular, and it includes many different other genres and styles. The way pop music begun, was all because of the electric guitar, which was invented in 1950. Next 4 years, Sony introduced the transistor radio. This was the roots of pop. In that year, Elvis Presley released ‘That’s All Right’. At that time, many people loved it, and he was the first teen idol that made pop music a youth culture. Another 6 years, ‘The Beatles’ dominated pop music from 61 to 70. During this time, popular music started to have a social message. And this was when outdoor music festivals began. Next came the 70’s. New genres of music appeared. For example, reggae, glam rock, punk, and heavy metal. This was also when Michael Jackson’s Thriller video captured everyone’s attention. The influence of this made it that the video became just as important as the song. Madonna fitted well with the scene, since her ability to adapt to every trend, was excellent. From the late 80’s, more styles and genres appeared. Grunge, RnB, rap, hip-hop, and much more. This time period showed everyone that pop music was always evolving.Until today, many music on the top charts are pop music, which shows the dominance in this genre.
Social and political issues:
On the 8th of December, 1980, John Lennon from the Beatles was murdered. Apparently the murderer, Mark Chapman, was a huge fan, and someone who craved celebrity himself. In 1988, gangsta rap was born. This record was so extreme it was banned by radio and MTV. All this kickstarted Dr Dre’s career, who is the most successful rap producer ever. Another political issue that took place, was when George Bush declared that Eminem was ‘The biggest threat to American youth since Polio.’ Polio being a very severe virus.
Musical features and elements that associate with Pop Music:
Pop music is usually always catchy, simple, melodic, and short. Most songs are around 2 minutes to 5 minutes, as they use a variety of different tunes, rhythms. All these are to help satisfy or to get the person to keep listening. Most of the instruments used in pop music today include the electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and sometimes the keyboard and piano. Unlike Folk music, popular music is usually written by known individuals, mostly professionals.
Ed Sheeran:
Edward Christopher Sheeran was born in February 17, 1991. He was born in Halifax, England, but grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk. His love for music began at an early age, as he was singing in the church choir at only 4 years old. It was around this time when he picked up the guitar. He attended the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford as an undergraduate when he was 18 years old. In September 2011, he released his first album, + (plus), after signing with Asylum Records. It was in the top charts in the UK and United States, reached number 5, and has since been certified seven times platinum in the United Kingdom. Sheeran has sold around 38 million albums and 100 million singles across the globe. Thus making him one of the world’s best-selling music artists.
Michael Jackson:
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on the 29th of August, 1958. He was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. People called him the ‘King of Pop’. As he was one of the most popular entertainers in the world and one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Michael was the eighth child in his family, and made his professional debut in 1964 with his elder brothers. He began his solo career in 1971 at Motown Records. In the 80’s, he became a dominant figure in popular music. Thriller is the best selling album of all time, with around 66 million copies worldwide. He is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Dance Hall of Fame as the only dancer from pop and rock music. Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, and was part of a working class African American family living in a two bedroom house.
Bruno Mars:
Peter Gene Hernandez was born October 8, 1985. He is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and dancer. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Bruno moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue a musical career. After being dropped by Motown Records, Mars signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records in 2009. He rose to fame in 2010 after the release of “Nothin on You” B.o.B and “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy, both of which featured his vocals. he also won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Bruno Mars has sold over 130 million records worldwide making him one of the best selling artists of all time.