Music

Big Band

Big Band was very popular in the 1930’s and 40’s.  It was before the wildness of Rock and Roll exploded.  There were entire clubs created just for dancing to the music.  The groups like Glen Miller consisted of about 10 to 30 musicians and included many different instruments. 

Country Music

Country Music actually started before the 1940’s but was not called country.  It was originally called hillbilly music.  Pictured above is the Grand Ole Opry House that sits in Nashville Tennessee.  It is referred to as the Mother Church of Country Music.  Today there are still a few artists that stick to the traditional country music sound but most have changed to a more Contemporary Country.  The new Contemporary Country Music has some Rock and Roll mixed in.

Bluegrass

While it may have existed before the 1940’s, Bluegrass music was named in the mid 1940’s.  It is music that is played completely with acoustic instruments.  Bluegrass music also relies heavily on vocals. Singing normally with a gourp of others.  Pictured above is Bill Monroe he was considered the father of bluegrass.

The Swing Culture

Swing Music is similar to Big Band Music, but is more up-beat and is meant for a more involved kind of dancing.  The dancing is much more fast paced and includes, jumping, swinging, and flipping.  It took a lot of skill to be good at dancing to this music.  Even today some still swing dance.  

By: Adam Dagley