Music Styles of the 50s

Music saw a huge change in style during the 50s. Most of which had roots in African-American culture. These types of music combined existing styles with the African-American style to create something new and exciting. Some of the music through the 50s was the result of long lasting genres such as folk music.

• Rock and Roll- Rock and roll music became very distinguished during the 50s. Much of the types of instruments that were being played during the rock and roll of the 50s have stuck with the genre throughout the decades. Bass guitars, drums, and electric guitars were all a huge element. 50s Rock and roll had a huge effect on youth culture as well as dance styles and other entertainment, like movies.


• Bluegrass- Bluegrass music emerged after years of isolation. Traditionally, it was music played in the mountain hills; however, this time around it brought on a funky sound that included fiddles, guitars and banjos that many people began to like. Some people that helped to make this music popular everywhere include; Jimmy Martin and Bill Monroe.


• Doo-Wop- Doo-Wop music relied heavily on the sound of the group members voices as it was often unaccompanied by music. The genre doo-wop got its name from the sound that was most commonly crooned by its singers. Popular doo-wop artists included The Drifters and The Platters.


• Gospel- During the 50s gospel music was very popular. Brought about from the African-American church songs, gospel music made it big into everyday life. Often times, churches would host tours where other gospel choirs would come and hold performances for the neighborhood community. Subgenres of gospel started to emerge and still thrive today.