Social Influence Of Music In The 1920's

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As explicitly stated before, music during War-time reflected and portrayed opinions and concerns of the citizens. Music was used to vessel the thoughts of the citizens; to encourage and influence them as well. As explained as so, time had a massive influence on society, and was used for many purposes. These songs scoped the perspective of the experiences of those who had loved ones in the war or were not in compliance of the decisions their government had made. It reflected how people expressed their frustration, opposition, anger, and encouragement for the ongoing events.

Music and Social awareness:
Music has made people aware of the cultural norms in a society. Music is a necessary component in any kind of culture. Song lyrics can give
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In 1913 a series of problematic events depleted the cotton industry. Farmers relied on the government for relief and aid but never received any. In 1929, the song “Granny get your hair cut” spoke of unfortunate conditions about changes in women’s fashion and the decrease in cotton prices. The song also reveals women’s struggle with political and cultural freedom. In the 1920’s, many women became influenced by the “Flapper” fashion and bobbed their hair, wore revealing skirts, and politically involved. In the lyrics, Coleman reveals that he and many other men understood the political aspect of Flapper fashion. Coleman’s song reflects how rural farmers were aware of the urban phenomenon. During this time, African-American women were facing problems of identity and control over their lives, as a social group. In the 1920’s, African- American women were objectified and stereotyped in the genre of classic blues. This was portrayed during the popularity of classic blues in the early 20th century. However, this genre of music was also used to vessel a contrary message to the trending belief of African-American females. The song “Sam Jones Blues” by Bessie Smith attempts to assert the desired control of their image and careers. Bessie Smith gives a sense of empowerment and displays the struggle of African-American women through this …show more content…
In the mid-late 20th century, music artists created trends and defied convention by being rebellious to the norms. With the rise of a new style of music, artists began to grasp the attention of the youth culture. Elvis Presley was one of the most popular artists of all time, in music. Many people use Presley as one of the catalysts of a major transition in popular culture. Although Elvis was seen as a threat to the moral well-being of his youthful audience, his audience greatly depicted the culture of their society then. Young men and women had more free time, and women were being more open about their sexuality. In the 1960’s the genre of Psychedelic rock was not very straight forward for one to lyrically understand its meaning. However, this was because most of the songs were written under the influence of psychedelic drugs by artist that explained the impairment of reality because of the use of such drugs. Psychedelic rock in the 60’s created a counterculture as it reflected those ideals of the American youth. The 70’s were popular for the Disco genre. This was after things in the American society went downhill, as crime rates, and unemployment went up along with other economic problems. It created a very dull environment for those who lived in it which made it necessary for a coping mechanism in the lives of those who simply

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