Music Timeline

By: Tim, Jadia, and Tess

1910s- Ragtime

During the decade between 1910 and 1920, the seeds of jazz began to take
root. New Orleans, the vibrant and chromatic port city in which ragtime was
based, was home to a number of budding musicians and a new style.
A example of a musician that time was Scott Joplin. He was an African
American composer and pianist and achieved his fame for ragtime
compositions.

1920s- Blues

African american descent

Slaves
First blues recorded with a voice was by Mamie Smith in
1920
Named after getting the blues (being sad)
Personal connections

Selected Artist: Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith was a very well known blues who was known as
the Empress of the Blues. She was recognized as one of the
greatest singers in this time period and she influenced other
jazz and blues artists.

1930s- Swing

Strong rhythm section of drums and bass

Trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets, and occasional string
instruments
soloists taking the lead improvising on the melody
First electric guitar was made

Representative artist- Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington was a swing artist popular his amazing compositions and songs
that he played with his jazz orchestra. Duke Ellington shaped the way swing was
played and left a huge legacy for all jazz artists to come.

1940s-Jazz and Big Band Styles

Artists like Rosemary Clooney, Count Basie, and Artie Shaw helped to define
the musical era with their unique brand of entertaining crowds through their
music.
Also the era of World War II, and many musical acts strived to reflect the pain
that the country was going through while still remaining upbeat and positive
about the impending future.

Selected innovator: Dizzy Gillespie

He is known for being a prominent jazz trumpeter. He also helped to create some
music styles like bebop Afro-Cuban music trend that enjoyed popularity during the
following years.

1950s- Doo- Wop

Developed by African Americans

R&B style
Little to no instruments
Simple lyrics
Harmony
Nonsense syllables

Selected Artist: Bill Kenny

Bill Kenny is a Doo- Wop artist known as the godfather of doo- wop. He had a
range of four octaves and is a tenor singer. He was a member of the Ink Spots,
hosted a tv show called the Bill Kenny Show and was put in the rock&roll hall of
fame.

1960s- The British Invasion

Core instruments include vocals, electric bass, drum set, and bass guitar
Typically uses a 4/4 time signature and verse-chorus form
Address many different themes in lyrics
Ability to record albums

Representative Artist- The Beatles

The Beatles were a very popular band in the UK and the US. They were part of
the British Invasion of the US, along with bands like the Rolling Stones. According
to the RIAA, they are the highest selling band ever in America.

1970s- Different types of rock

During the 1970s there was a lot of rock music

Funk, Soul, R&B, Pop, Hard Rock, Soft Rock and Disco
The 70s were a golden era for vinyl records. They were affordable to
everyone also.

Selected Singer: The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 were made up of 5 people who were all siblings that were all boys.
They came out with a lot of music the most common one is ABC.

1980s- Dance/New Wave

Introduced digital recording

Rap and hip hop
Electro, techno, house, and freestyle
Electronic rock
Some punk rock
A take on disco

Selected Band: 808 State

808 State was a band in the 80s that made electronic dance music. They were
formed by Graham Massey, Martin Price, and Gerald Simpson. They were
successful when theyre music got popular on BBC radio. SOme of there songs
are Pacific State, Cubik, Freak, and Timebomb.

1990s- Alternative

Helped define many other later styles like indie rock and grunge
Typical instruments include vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar and drums
Media was becoming more readily available, shaped music recording
and releasing

Representative Artist- Nirvana

Their album Nevermind with the hit single Smells Like Teen Spirit brought
alternative into the public eye and allowed alternative to be heard by more people.

2000s- Nu-Gaze or The New Wave of Shoegaze

A form of alternative rock

Genre that takes ethereal
Heavily effected guitars of the British shoegaze scene of the early 90s
combines it with more modern influences from both sides of the Atlantic
The genre is very diverse as certain bands have synth/electronica influences and
others have heavier rock elements but all are united by layers of guitar textures (from
Last.fm).

Selected Band: The Deerhunter

Their band is made up of five people,Casey Crescenzo the vocals/guitar,Rob Parr guitar
player,Nick Sollecito the bass player,Max Tousseau playing the keys, and Nick Crescenzo
on the drums.

2010s- Electronic hip hop/dance

Synthpop, electronic, dance, alternative rock, and hip hop are popular
Pop performers of 2010 music:
Taylor Swift
Adele
Bruno Mars
Rihanna
Rock performers of 2010 music:
AC/DC
Green Day
David Bowie
Red Hot Chili Peppers

Selected Artist: Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor is a pop artist from our current 2010s era. She is a singer, songwriter, and a record
producer. Her style in music ranges from classic pop. hip hop and caribbean music. She has also won a
Grammy, Peoples Choice Award, Radio Disney Music Award, and more.