Style of Music
The 1950's brought many different styles of music to the listeners ears. For example, The Chordettes used a style of music called acapella. This means that they sang with no instruments and simulated these sounds with their voice. In addition, Rock and Roll was started in the 50's. Rock and Roll was influenced by rhythm and blues, folk, classical and jazz music. The music usually included guitar solos. Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino were some of the first successful artists in the genre. Elvis Presley soon emerged and was a huge hit as :The King of Rock". The teens loved that the music was very easy to dance to with the up beat. When thinking of country artists during the 50's, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams were definitely two of the most famous singers who defined country music. Rhythm and Blues in someway took after jazz from the 1940s. Some of the most well-known rhythm and blues artists included Frankie Lymon and Ray Charles. Overall, the 50's was a very important decade because it formed a lot of the music that came later on.
Artists of the 50's
- Johnny Cash
- Little Richard
- Elvis Presley
- Andy Williams
- The Comets
- Chuck Berry
- The Chordettes
Hit Songs
- Bill Haley & the Comets- Rock Around the Clock, 1955
- Elvis Presley- Jailhouse Rock, 1957
- Chuck Berry- Johnny B Goode, 1958
- Elvis Presley- Hound Dog, 1956
- Little Richard- Tutti Frutti, 1955
Events of the 50's
There were many events of the 50's however one that influenced music a lot in the 50's was the Korean war (1950-53). People sang music about sending soldiers to battle. Often these song voiced the opinions of the artists. Also, in the 50's The Cold War became a true reality because both sides had the power and technology for a Nuclear holocaust. Lastly, in the 50's Chuck Cooper drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1950, becomes the first black player in the NBA.
Trends and Pop Culture
The 50's was a time to make a statement in culture. To start off, there were many popular dances. These dances included the Hand Jive, The Twist, The Stroll, and The Box-Step. Also, in the 50's womens clothing was very unique. Long skirts and soft shoulder dresses that enhanced a women's figure were in. Tailor suits combined with pencil skirts were very popular. Women also wore long gloves. The gloves were usually a color that matched a women's outfit to make the women look fashionable. "Swing dresses" were also in, these dresses were meant to look vintage. For shoes, women would often wear stiletto heels. Lastly, a common name termed for people born in the 50's are the baby boomers .
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