Pop Music Genre- Definition & History - (2023)

Introduction

Today we are talking about Pop music: It is the most mainstream musical genre. It's easy to define and recognize, as it's often associated with catchy melodies, repetitive beats and simple lyrics that are easy to understand

Table of Contents

Pop Music Genre- Definition & History - (1)

Pop music history - Origin

Who invented pop music? Even though pop music has been around for a long time—since the 1920s—it’s hard to pinpoint just what makes it so popular. Is it because pop artists are more attractive than other musicians? Or do they get special treatment by record labels? And why does so much of what we listen to today fall under this broad umbrella term? After reading this article, you’ll have all your questions answered!

What is pop music? Definition & Meaning

Pop music is a very broad term that describes music that is popular in the mainstream. The term “pop” refers to all kinds of genres, such as rock, country, rap, etc., but it generally has a catchy melody and lyrics. You might be thinking: What does this have to do with me?

Well, whether you like it or not, pop culture is everywhere. Pop songs are played on the radio every day and artists like Taylor Swift sell millions of albums each year!

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10 Pop music examples:

1. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyoncé

2. "Umbrella" by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z

4. "Toxic" by Britney Spears

5. "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele

6. "Firework" by Katy Perry

7. "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse

8. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen

9. "SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake

10. "Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira

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Who is considered a pop musician?

Pop artists are usually associated with the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200. While there are a few notable exceptions, pop artists tend to be from the mainstream of music culture. Pop artists are often associated with Top 40 radio stations due to their popularity and level of crossover into other genres of music, but this isn’t always true for all pop artists (some are considered alternative or rock).

Pop music - origin of the word "Pop"

The term “pop music” was first used in the 1950s to describe popular music that was not jazz or classical. The name received further attention when it was used by disc jockeys, who played songs on the radio that were not considered classical or jazz.

The first use of the phrase "pop music"

The first use of the phrase “pop music” was in the late 1940s, when it was used to describe popular music that was not jazz or classical. Previously, songs were classified as either pop or traditional. Pop songs were those written by professional songwriters; they often had simple melodies featuring a wide range of instruments and styles, but it wasn’t until the mid-to-late 1940s that this genre started being called “pop.”

Pop music has continued to evolve over time. Nowadays, pop artists are more likely to be solo singers than bands or groups—but even though you may recognize some names like Beyonce or Mariah Carey as icons from decades ago (or even just from their recent appearances on your local radio station), these ladies continue making hits today!

How did pop music become popular?

Pop music has evolved over the years, and one of the most popular pop songs today is “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys. It’s a combination of many different styles: R&B, classical music and country music.

Here’s how this song came about:

  • The Backstreet Boys were fans of N Sync and wanted to create a song like theirs—but even better! They created a catchy tune that could be easily sung by everyone.

  • They used electronic sounds in their voices when recording it so they would sound cool instead of just singing normally with no effects on their voices.

  • They made sure to add in as much country flavor as possible because that was what people liked at the time; plus it was easy for them since they were from Texas anyway!

Why is "pop" such a loaded term?

Some believe that the term “pop” is a shortening of popular, and that it was used as a derogatory term to describe the music of the working class. Others maintain that it’s an abbreviation for popular music. Still others argue that “popular” means “lowbrow,” or something less sophisticated than classical music (which may be why you’ve heard some people call pop songs “dumb”).

Because pop songs are usually short, catchy and easy to listen to (and because they tend to be written by professional songwriters), they’re often associated with commercialism: Pop acts like Taylor Swift sell millions of records worldwide every year.

Who all listens to pop music?

Pop is the most mainstream genre of music. It’s also the most popular, commercially successful and accessible genre. Pop songs are generally written to be sung by a wide range of voices, making them easier to sing along with than other genres that require specific vocal abilities such as opera or heavy metal.

Popular music is often created as an expression of one’s feelings and/or experiences. As such, it appeals to a teenage audience because teenagers are going through many changes in their lives at this time and therefore have many emotions they need to express. In addition, pop music tends not only to be catchy but also upbeat which makes it something that people can dance along with while having fun at parties or clubs!

Is it true that pop artists need to be more attractive than other musicians?

Yes, it’s true. Pop music is the most accessible genre to a wide audience (especially in terms of age), it’s also more commercial than any other type of music. Because of this, pop artists need to look and sound more attractive than musicians from other genres.

There are exceptions – for example, look at rappers like Jay-Z or Kanye West who do both rapping and singing well; they’re incredibly successful despite not being traditionally good looking. And while they do sing on occasion they don’t do it very often compared to other genres where singing is usually required

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Pop is short for popular and it's the most mainstream musical genre.

Pop is short for popular, and it’s the most mainstream musical genre. Pop music is the most accessible of all genres, with its songs being easy to listen to and sing along with. This is why it’s so popular among young people. It’s also the most commercial of all genres because record companies aim their marketing campaigns at teens and pre-teens–they’re trying to get kids and teenagers to buy their CDs!

Pop music is generally written and performed by solo artists or bands that are not as well known as other types of artists like rock bands or rappers; they’re what you’d call minor celebrities in comparison. Pop songs are disposable: they don’t last very long in your memory after listening once–in fact, some people may never even finish listening through an entire album before forgetting about it completely (or perhaps just deleting it from their phones).

Conclusion

So, what did we learn? Pop music is a genre that’s easy to understand and has been around for decades. The term was first used in the 1950s to describe the music that was popular at the time, which means it wasn’t really specific until later on when artists like Madonna became famous for making records with catchy beats and lyrics that anyone could dance along with. Although some people are still not sure what they think about pop music today because they think of it as shallow or too commercialized compared with other genres such as rock or alternative rock – there’s no denying its popularity among listeners around the world!

Pop Music Genre- Definition & History - (2)

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FAQs

What is the history from pop genre? ›

Origin of Pop Music

Pop music originated from the USA and the UK. The genre started as a mix of various music styles that were popular around the early 50's. Some of the music types that led to the genesis of pop included jazz, country, bebop, rap, and rock 'n' roll.

What is pop music and where did it originate? ›

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form during the mid-1950s in the United States and the United Kingdom. The terms popular music and pop music are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular and includes many disparate styles.

Who first started pop music? ›

The first stirrings of popular or pop music—any genre of music that appeals to a wide audience or subculture—began in the late 19th century, with discoveries by Thomas Edison and Emile Berliner.

When did pop music originate? ›

Pop music. A genre of popular music that originated in the West during the 1950s and 1960s. Pop music is eclectic, often borrowing elements from urban, dance, rock, Latin, country, and other styles. Songs are typically short to medium-length with repeated choruses, melodic tunes, and hooks.

What defines pop music? ›

Definition & Meaning. Pop music is a very broad term that describes music that is popular in the mainstream. The term “pop” refers to all kinds of genres, such as rock, country, rap, etc., but it generally has a catchy melody and lyrics.

Who is the father of pop music? ›

Stephen Foster fundamentally shaped the American music canon in the late 1800s and forward, penning songs that reached the masses.

Who was the first pop artist? ›

Around 1955, two remarkable artists emerged who would lay the foundations of a bridge between Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. They were Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg, the forerunners of American Pop Art.

What are the characteristics of pop music? ›

They have a good rhythm, a catchy melody, and are easy to remember and sing along to. They usually have a chorus that's repeated several times and two or more verses. Most pop songs are between two and five minutes long, and the lyrics are usually about the joys and problems of love and relationships.

Why is pop so famous? ›

It's catchy, upbeat, and easy to listen to. According to Statista, pop is the most popular music genre in the world, with 64% of surveyors listening to it.

What was the 1st pop song? ›

Milwaukee is home to the song 'After the Ball' by Charles Harris. Written in 1891, it's the first song to sell a million copies of sheet music.

How did pop music became popular? ›

But the true driving force of pop in the '60s came from across the Atlantic, with Beatlemania and the British Invasion into the American charts. The British Invasion brought rock and pop music and bands to the U.S., where they became wildly popular.

Who started the pop culture? ›

The news media often credited Professor Browne with having coined the term “popular culture,” but according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the expression goes back at least to 1854, when it appeared in print in The Defiance Democrat in Ohio.

What are some fun facts about pop music? ›

The term 'pop music' became commonly used in the 1950s when rock and roll music became a 'popular' hit with teenagers. Today there are hundreds of different types of pop music, also known as 'genres', including K-pop (Korean pop), hip hop, electric dance music (EDM) and rock music.

Why is pop music a genre? ›

Fundamentally speaking, pop music is music that sells. And although the taste of the masses differs from generation to generation, there are key similarities between the songs that make it big in the charts and are subsequently categorised as pop songs. Pop music is catchy, instantly likeable and easy on the ear.

What is pop music influenced by? ›

The rhythms and the sound of pop music have been heavily influenced by swing jazz, rock and roll, reggae, funk, disco, and more recently by hip hop. The songs are often about love, or about dancing. Many pop songs are also self-referential, talking about the performer and referencing their own performance of the song.

What is the primary goal of pop music? ›

popular music, any commercially oriented music principally intended to be received and appreciated by a wide audience, generally in literate, technologically advanced societies dominated by urban culture.

Who is the king of all pop? ›

King of Pop is a nickname most commonly associated with American singer Michael Jackson (1958–2009). King of Pop may also refer to: Several other musicians, see honorific nicknames in popular music. King of Pop (album), a 2008 compilation album by Michael Jackson.

Who is the King of Pop of all time? ›

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.

Who is known King of Pop? ›

10 Reasons Michael Jackson Became The King Of Pop.

Who made pop music famous? ›

It can be said that in the United States the most important artist of the time was Elvis Presley, and in the United Kingdom, the Beatles led the movement. In the 1970s, disco sounds began to permeate pop music, giving birth to artists like the Bee Gees.

What was the first King of Pop? ›

Frank Sinatra was the King of Pop in the mid-1940s; perhaps the first bearer of the crown. Elvis Presley was King of Pop from 1956, when he exploded like a supernova on to world consciousness, until 1960, when he emerged from the army and began his fade into a routine of bad Hollywood films.

How old is the oldest pop star? ›

The Oldest Living Musicians in 2021
  • Dolly Parton, 75. ...
  • Mick Jagger, 78. ...
  • Paul McCartney, 79. ...
  • Bob Dylan, 80. ...
  • Chubby Checker, 80. ...
  • Jerry Lee Lewis, 86. ...
  • Bobby Rush, 87. ...
  • Frankie Valli, 87.
4 Nov 2021

What are the three types of pop? ›

TYPES OF POINT OF PURCHASE (POP) DISPLAYS

The three main types of POP displays include: temporary, semi-permanent and permanent.

What is the basic structure of a pop song? ›

A typical song structure includes a verse, chorus, and bridge in the following arrangement: intro, verse — chorus — verse — chorus —bridge — chorus — outro. This is known as an ABABCB structure, where A is the verse, B is the chorus and C is the bridge.

What are the four main elements of a pop song? ›

The most important elements of a pop song are the lyrics, the melody, the chords and the structure.

How did pop get its name? ›

The word was originated by a British poet in 1812, who wrote, “A new manufacture of a nectar, between soda water and ginger beer, and called 'pop,' because 'pop goes the cork' when it is drawn.”

Which pop is the most famous? ›

Top 10 Most Popular Soft Drinks (Sodas)
  • Coca-Cola Classic. CAFFEINE. 34 mg. CALORIES. 140. PER SIZE. 12 fl oz. ...
  • Pepsi. CAFFEINE. 38 mg. CALORIES. 150. PER SIZE. 12 fl oz. ...
  • Diet Coke. CAFFEINE. 46 mg. CALORIES. PER SIZE. 12 fl oz. ...
  • Dr Pepper. CAFFEINE. 42 mg. CALORIES. 150. PER SIZE. ...
  • Mountain Dew. CAFFEINE. 54 mg. CALORIES. 170. PER SIZE.
20 Mar 2022

How pop music affects the brain? ›

Pop. Those who are fans of pop music are said to have high self-esteem and an outgoing attitude. This is because pop music is a stimulant that gets your blood pumping and emotions racing. When you listen to pop music, the auditory cortex relays the rhythmic beat to the brain, making you want to sing and dance.

Who is the original queen of pop? ›

Queen of Pop is a nickname most commonly associated with American singer Madonna. Queen of Pop may also refer to: Several other musicians, see honorific nicknames in popular music. Queen of Pop (album), a 2000 album by Marcia Hines.

Who was the first female pop star? ›

She said, "[Connie Francis] isn't even in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and yet she was the first female pop star worldwide, and has recorded in nine languages.

What influenced pop culture? ›

Films, broadcast radio and television all had a profound influence on culture. So urbanization, industrialization, the mass media and the continuous growth in technology since the late 1700s, have all been significant factors in the formation of popular culture. These continue to be factors shaping pop culture today.

What are 5 examples of pop culture? ›

Popular culture in the 20th and early-21st centuries
  • popular music.
  • film.
  • television.
  • radio.
  • video games.
  • book publishing.
  • internet.
  • comics.

How did pop culture begin? ›

The origins of the rise of popular culture can be traced to the creation of the middle class in the Industrial Revolution. The working class moved away from farming life and into urban environments and began creating their own culture shared with their co-workers, as part of separating from their parents and bosses.

What instrument is most used in pop? ›

Guitar. The guitar is one of the most popular instruments used in pop music. It's versatile and can be used to create a variety of sounds, from soft and mellow melodies to upbeat and energetic riffs. Acoustic and electric guitars are both commonly used in pop music.

Why is pop music so short? ›

Most pop songs destined for singles were traditionally 3:30 and under. This was because of the physical limitation of the vinyl medium back in the 7 inch single days. If the song went too long, then it couldn't play as loud and would be noisier as a result.

How many pop songs exist? ›

As of 2022, there are approximately 82 million songs according to Spotify, 200 million songs according to Gracenote, and between 97 million to 230 million according to Google.

How was the pop genre created? ›

It has its origins in the ragtime sound of the early 20th century, jazz, big band, country, blues, and rock and roll. Pop music is also heavily influenced by African American music.

What does pop culture mean in history? ›

Popular culture is the set of practices, beliefs, and objects that embody the most broadly shared meanings of a social system. It includes media objects, entertainment and leisure, fashion and trends, and linguistic conventions, among other things.

What is the historical significance of pop culture? ›

People used pop culture as a sense of escape from government atrocities, protests, war and violence. Bands and musicians such The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley gained major popularity. Cinema in the 1960's reflected the decade of fun, fashion, and rock & roll, and social changes.

What is the history of pop dance? ›

The History Of Pop Dance

- Pop dance originated in America in 1980. Pop dance is one of the most popular types of dance ever since it was created. The word "Pop" comes from the word popular.

What was pop culture in the 1920s? ›

Pop culture during the 1920s was characterized by the flapper, automobiles, nightclubs, movies, and jazz. Life moved fast as a new sense of prosperity and freedom emerged at the end of World War I. Products were manufactured in mass-produced packaging. Billboards popped up all over the cities.

What are 3 examples of pop culture? ›

The most common forms of popular culture are movies, music, television, video games, sports, entertainment news, fashion, and various forms of technology.

How did pop impact society? ›

Pop culture affects society in many ways. The first and most rudimentary effect of pop culture is how it builds and strengthens interactions with people who are also into the same kind of things. Events to celebrate pop culture such as Comic-con help foster bonds among people of different background.

How did pop music influence society and culture? ›

Pop music has the power to inspire people to consider where they're heading in life, to inform their decisions, and to aid in the formation of identities. However, music has a unifying effect, even if it is absorbed in solitude, capturing imaginations as you listen in bedrooms and on headphones.

Why is popping called popping? ›

Popping is a street dance and one of the original funk styles that came from California during the 1960s-70s. It is based on the technique of quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerk in the dancer's body, referred to as a pop or a hit.

Who invented dance pop music? ›

Madonna has been credited for popularizing dance-pop music, since her debut in the early-1980s.

Who is the king of pop dance? ›

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.

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