Photo credits: Jeffrey Zeldman

The Magic of 1950s Music

The music of the 1950s is captivating in many respects. In this article, we will explore some of the music styles that gained popularity during the ’50s in the United States. By examining these genres, it becomes evident how music from later generations has its roots in this era. As a passionate music enthusiast and history student, I find it fascinating to delve into the music of this period.

Top Music Genres of the 1950s

Here’s an overview of the prevalent music genres of the ’50s, along with a few notable examples for you to explore and appreciate the musical creations of this generation.

1. Classic Pop – This musical style had already existed for some time, but it gained more popularity during the 1950s as people increasingly listened to radios at home and in their cars.
2. R&B – Rhythm and blues had also been around for a while, but the 1950s saw significant innovations in this genre. It also went on to influence other musical styles.
3. Rock A Finnish music story - Musician Matti Mattila wrote his story for us, a Finnish music story! Please read also his Finnish blog and check his page at LinkedIn. I named this article "A Finnish music story" because through Matti words we can know an exclusive tale about late 70's and 80's of Finnish music. Of course the personal thoughts… and Roll – This genre truly took off in the 1950s, with artists like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley leading the way. By the end of the decade, it was clear that rock and roll would endure for years to come.
4. Blues – Major artists in 1950s blues music The Annals Of Blues Guitar - The blues is a genre of music that can be vocal, instrumental (blues guitar), or both. It primarily uses the 'blue' notes, which are based on a 'minor pentatonic' scale, also known as the blues scale. Blues music originated in African-American communities in the U.S., drawing from work songs, spirituals, field hollers, chants, shouts, and… included Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. Though its popularity waned slightly, blues remained an essential part of the music scene during this decade.
5. Country Music About Country Music - For a long time in the 21st century, country music played a minor role within the pop music scene.Shortly after World War II, many new radio stations in urban areas focused primarily on country music, often accompanied by local advertising. In the 1930s, country music's status was consolidated in the mainstream pop music landscape. The… – 1950s country music saw the rise of stars like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Bill Monroe. While the genre didn’t undergo significant changes during this time, the sheer volume of music produced more than compensated for this.
6. Jazz – Some prominent jazz musicians of the 1950s were Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk. Jazz was among the most popular music styles of the decade.
7. Folk Music – Artists like The Kingston Trio and Woody Guthrie were producing folk music in the ’50s, paving the way for the genre’s resurgence in the 1960s.

Upon examining the list above, it’s evident that the music of the 1950s underwent numerous transformations. These changes, however, were ultimately beneficial, as innovation often leads to the development of new musical styles and enhanced listening experiences. If you have any thoughts or opinions on the music of the ’50s, feel free to share them in the comments below.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME