The United States has been cited as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. U.S. culture is not a static, but rather a dynamic force, made up of uniquely talented peoples of all backgrounds. The vast array of gifted artists and musicians have used their art and music as extensions of their individual cultural and daily experiences, thus mirroring the cultural diversity that exists in the United States. Music in the United States, then, is reflective of the deep-seeded historical roots of its citizens.
The United States boasts one of the fastest growing music industries in the world. Legends such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King and Nat King Cole have established an important precedent in the music industry and have set the stage for music as we know it today. From the soft, smooth "Stardust" memories of Nat King Cole, to the "All Shook Up" rockin' tones of Elvis Presley, the musical traditions of the United States have continued to grow and influence the music of other nations and artists of different nationalities.
Contemporary musical genres in the United States encompass rap, hip-hop, dance, rhythm and blues, jazz, country, alternative, popular, gospel and contemporary Christian. Each genre boasts a unique sound and style, yet does not hamper the innovations of new artists. Below are selections from each of the previously mentioned genres, and each selection is coupled with a real audio music clip.
The unique sound of Blues Traveler comes from the strong distinct voice of John Popper. Popper also plays the harmonica which also adds to and compliments the band's complex lyrical melodies and energetic rhythm. This excerpt is from their hit single, Hook, off of their album Four, which quickly topped the charts and gave the band more exposure. For further information on the band, visit their Web site Blues Traveler Home Page
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In 1992, Robin Goodridge, Dave Parsons, Nigel Pulsford and Gavin Rossdale, formed the band Bush. They began their musical career in the UK but quickly realized that their alternative rock sound was more in tune to the music scene in the U.S. Within just a few short years, lead singer, Gavin Rossdale's scratchy voice and the band's alternative sound brought Bush to the top of the alternative charts and to musical stardom. This excerpt is from the song, Everything Zen off of their album, Sixteen Stone. For further information on the band, visit their Web site Bush Home Page
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Depeche Mode has been popular since the 1980s. but their music has evolved greatly since then. This excerpt is from the song, Policy of Truth from their album Violator.
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The Foo Fighters hit the music scene in 1995/96. Their debut album quickly went platinum and the band has been busy touring ever since. Their unique blending of harmony and melody make for a strong group dynamic and distinct sound. This excerpt is from the song, Monkey Wrench. For further information on the band, visit their Web site Foo Fighters Home Page
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Green Day is most known for their punk rock sound and their colorful lyrics. This excerpt is from the song, When I Come Around off of their album Dookie. For further information on the band, visit their Web site Green Day Home Page
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The band was formed by Billy Corgan and James Iha in 1988 in Chicago. The early 1990s signified an era of increasing recognition, major-label deals and the rising of the band to the alternative rock scene. Their album, Siamese Dream , released in 1993 sold more than 3 million copies. This excerpt is from the song, Tonight, Tonight off of their later album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. For further information on the band, visit their Web site Smashing Pumpkins Home Page
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The term country and western first appeared in the 1950's. It generally refers to any song or rendition that suggests a rural or Southern atmosphere. Yet, the style of 20th century American popular music that is familiar today has its roots in the English ballad tradition of the American South. It was not until the early 1920's that the traditional string-band music of the Southern mountain regions began to be recorded commercially. Such rural musicians like Fiddlin' John Carson, Riley Puckett and Gid Tanner were among the lucky few that were fortunate enough to have recordings. Their songs usually told tales of tragedies that pointed to a stern Calvinist moral. Today's country music has moved on to encompass lyrical themes like divorce, separation by traveling, and falling in and out of love.
Two of the first U.S. broadcast stations to play music for more rural audiences were the "National Barn Dance" of Chicago in 1924, and the most famous "Grand Ole Opry" from Nashville, Tennessee in 1925. Both programs became extremely popular, encouraging the production of more recordings and the emergence of more musicians from the rural regions. With this expansion in the music industry, stars like Gene Autry, the singing cowboy of the 1930's, became very popular and moved what was traditionally "mountain" music or rather "hillbilly" music more toward "western" music. Differences in styles began to emerge, and from the Deep South a western "honky-tonk" style evolved. Bob Willis, Ernest Tubb, and other artists used steel and amplified guitars coupled with a strong dance rythm to create a new sound.
It was not until after World War II that country and western music along with bluegrass music made their popular debut in all sections of the country. Following the war, large studios were built and dedicated to country music and the phenomenon spread worldwide. Many of the largest recording studios today are found in Nashville, the home of the "Grand Ole Opry". The more popular country music of the 1990's has bridged the gap between pop music and country; yet "country and western music has retained an unmistakable character of its own and remained one of the few truly indigenous American musical styles (Britanica,1995 v3)."
Dolly Parton has been hailed as one of country music's all time favorites with hits covering the last three decades. She has recorded with stars like Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, and many more of country music's biggest stars. This is an excerpt from her latest album entitled Eagle When She Flies which is also the title of the soundtrack which you will hear.
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Garth Brooks is perhaps the most well known country artist of his time. He was just recently honored by the Country Music Association and named "Entertainer of the Year", which is an honor he has come to know well. He is by far a very talented singer and songwriter which has earned him the right to be called a legend in his own time. The clip you will hear comes from the self titled album Garth Brooks and is one of his most popular songs entitled The Dance.
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Reba McIntyre is one of country music's most decorated female artists. She has topped the record charts with her country ballads and heart felt lyrics. The song you are about to hear comes from her album titled It's Your Call and the name of the song is The Heart Won't Lie.
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Leann Rimes is one of country music's youngest artists beginning her climb to number one at the early age of 14. She was one of the youngest artists to be named County Music's Best New Artist just a year ago. Since then she has produced several number one hits and her career is soaring. The hit you will hear was originally recorded by country music artist Trisha Yearwood and re-recorded by Leann, both of whom have made the song a huge success on today's country music charts. The single is entitled How Do I Live.
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Collin Raye is another one of country music's more established artists. With a soft toned voice, Collin, along with his colleagues Vince Gill and Bryan White, shares a voice quality that seems to melt the hearts of female listeners. His talent has landed him at the top of the Billboard charts. The song you will hear comes from the album titled In This Life and the excerpt is entitled Somebody Else's Moon.
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The roots of jazz in the United States date back to the swing era of the 1930s and the 1940s. It was first popularized by African Americans in cities such as New York and Chicago and it slowly but surely began to spread throughout the United States (Britannica, v.6).
Traces of African American musical traditions are an important foundation for jazz music and have been influential in the jazz of the past and the present. One such tradition is the "call and response" pattern when one musician plays a chorus and another musician echoes the same chorus. They typically go back and forth for several bars until another musician cuts in or begins another musical phrase.
This brings us to one of the most important elements of jazz music, which is improvisation. Few musicians read from a score since most of the artistry and music is in the improvisation itself. Each musician must be able to quickly respond and counter the other bandmembers' moves. This denotes the importance of dynamics within a band.
Another integral element of jazz music is the continual tension that exists between concordant and discordant notes. Jazz does not always have clean chord sequences and a blending of harmonious sounds. In fact, it is more often than not, the opposite. In light of this, jazz musicians often use their instruments as an extension of their voices and in doing so, push the notes to a different and unique level.
Early jazz musicians include legends such as saxophone player Charlie Parker, pianist Duke Ellington and vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. Contemporary jazz musicians who have carried out the jazz tradition include trumpet player Miles Davis, saxophone player John Coltrane, vocalist Louis Armstrong and drummer Wynton Marsalis, just to name a few.
Miles Davis is one of the most influential jazz musicians of the day. The cool sounds of his trumpet are soothing to the listener. This excerpt is from his album, Birth of the Cool
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The life and music of John Coltrane embodies all the adversity that the early jazz musician faced. He began as a relatively poor African American musician, plagued by the scene of drugs and alcohol that surrounded him and other early musicians. Playing in seedy downtown clubs reinforced such a lifestyle. However, the "Trane", as he has been affectionately called, triumphed and became one of the most reknown jazz musicians of the era. He is known for his contrasting of cool, smooth tones with more dynamic and forceful notes. The following music clip is from the song The Promise off of one of his best hits albums.
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The unique voice of Louis Armstrong is one that cannot be missed in jazz music today. His scratchy, throaty voice has a distinct quality. This excerpt is from the song, A Kiss to Build a Dream On off of the Sleepless in Seattle Soundtrack
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The smash hit "Do You Know (What It Takes)" has made Robyn a household name. Her debut album is a playful and flirtatious anecdote about relationships. As a young and talented artist, Robyn has distingusihed herself with her soulfulf melodies. Listen to an excerpt from her hit song "Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect)" in her album Robyn Is Here distributed by BMG Music 1997. For more information on Robyn, check out the Robyn Web Site
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Bursting onto the top of the charts, Backstreet Boys have taken the pop music world by surprise. Their hip-hop jams and smooth R&B lyrics have made them one of hottest groups of 1997. Funky and romantic, their self-titled album offers a variety of styles that would please anyone. Listen to an excerpt from their hit song "Get Down(You're The One For Me)" in their album Backstreet Boys distributed by Jive Records 1997. For more information on Backstreet Boys, check out the Backstreet Boys Web Site
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Climbing up to #1 with their catchy tune "MMMBop", Hanson is one of the newest bands to come onto the music scene. Made up of three brothers, ranging from age 11-16, Hanson has enjoyed tremendous success. Their album Middle of Nowhere offers a variety of styles, from the rock-style song "Where's The Love" to the smooth and slow lyrics of "Weird". Listen to an excerpt from their megahit "MMMBop" in their album Middle of Nowehere distributed by Mercury Records 1997. For more information on Hanson, check out the Hanson Web Site
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A prolific and innovative artist, Madonna has dominated the world of pop music for more than fifteen years. She has redefined the limits of artistic expression while selling millions of records throughout the world. Controversial as well as fun, her music has enriched the style and direction of popular music. Listen to an excerpt from one of her most famous hits "Vogue" in her compilation album The Immaculate Collection distributed by Warner Brothers Music Corporation 1990.
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Janet Jackson's resume points to someone much older. Through her music, Janet has shown the maturity and determination of a woman who became an influential force in pop music. Her soulful voice echoes not only confidence but sweetness, which makes her one of the most unique artist of our time. Listen to an excerpt from her hit song "Nasty" from her compilation album, Design of a Decade 1986/1996 distributed by A&M Records., Inc. 1995. For more information on Janet Jackon, check out
friends of janet Web Site.
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Gospel music has been a part of the U.S. culture since the early foundings of the country. It evolved from the early religious practices of the English settlers and really began to form its roots during the horrible time of slavery. Slaves were usually not allowed to talk to one another during the work day, so in order to communicate between each other while working in the fields they would sing spirituals. Often at the close of a very long day, they would gather together and sing these spiritual songs sometimes for entertainment, but mostly as an expression of their hope for a better day when the Lord would come and save them from their terrible slave owners. These spirituals have been passed from generation to generation and are still a part of our culture today; yet, it has evolved into what we call gospel music which is just as moving, more upbeat, and more powerful than ever.
Contemporary Christian music represents a move away from the more traditional forms of religious music to more recent forms of music, hence the term contemporary. Many musicians felt the need to branch out from the more traditional hymns and express their devotion to the Lord through new forms of music. Now there are Christian songs that sound just like the more secular forms of music such as alternative and popular. Some Christians do not accept the newer forms of Christian music, but a majority of young Christians say that it has become one of the greatest ways to witness and share their own beliefs.
Point of Grace is becoming one of the most popular female quartets in contemporary Christian music. Their stunning harmonies coupled with passionate lyrics of praise are inspiring for all Christians. Although their music is absolutely wonderful their message is never obscured and their sole desire is to spread the Gospel through song. The excerpt you will hear comes from their album titled Life, Love & other Mysteries and the clip is entitled Any Road, Any Cost. If you would like to know more about the group please contact Sony Records.
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4HIM is another one of contemporary Christian music's great quartets. Since 1977, the group has dedicated the last 20 years to serving the Lord through praise and song. The excerpt you are about ot hear comes from one of their latest albums titled Back to the Basics and the song clip is titled Through His Eyes which has a beautiful melody with exellent four part harmony. These gentlemen truly have the gift of dedication and song.
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Witness is a ministry of the Evangelism Division of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The group consists of eight members who are currently enrolled in a college of university that want to serve the Lord through song during the summer. Each year the group changes, and auditions are held every winter/spring for new members. Thus, the best young musicians comprise this group and they combine to create a rich full sound. The excerpt you are about to hear comes from the album titled A Line in the Sand and the song is entitled Cry of My Heart . For more information on this group contact: Larry R.
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This excerpt is a perfect example of the evolution of traditional Gospel music. It is performed by Whitney Houston and the Georgia Mass Choir, and the single somes from the movie soundtrack The Preacher's Wife . The song is titled Hold on Help is on the Way. Whitney Houston has one of the most beautiful, powerful voices of any female artist. She began her singing career singing gospel music as a child in her church, and those who have heard her music know that she truly has been blessed. The Georgia Mass Choir gives an awesome performance with Witney as they raise their voices to Heaven. For more information pertaining to Whitney Houston see Whitney Houston Platinum Club.
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Steven Curtis Chapman has set the world contemporary Christian music to a new pace. Along with his long time accomplished colleague Michael W. Smith,he has amassed a huge following of fans taking contemporary Christian music to a new level. His music is fun, yet moving and always embodies the true Christian spirit. The clip you are about to hear is from his CD entitled The Live Adventurewhich was recorded while on tour in Seattle, Washington. The music clip is titled I Will Be Here which is one of his all time favorites that he wrote for his wife.
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