Blues- A style of music that evolved from southern African American work songs and secular (nonreligious) songs. Blues influenced the development of rock, rhythm-and-blues and country music. Some blues musicians include Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson.
CLASSICAL-Music that is usually more sophisticated and complex tan other styles of music, Many classical compositions are instrumentals, which means there are no words in the songs. Classical music has it roots in Europe. It includes symphonies, chamber music, sonatas and ballets. Some important classical-music composers are Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Johan Sebastian Bach.
COUNTRY-AND-WESTERN
A form of American music originated in the Southwest and the Southeast in the 1920s. Early country songs often told stories of poor people facing difficult lives. Recent country songs are often hard to tell apart from pop-music songs. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Faith Hill and Keith Urban are popular country music singers.
ELECTRONICA
Music created using electronic equipment, such as synthesizers, samplers, computers, keyboards and drum machines. Electronica is popular dance music. This style of sound became popular in early 1990s. Moby, Fatboy Slim and the Chemical Brothers are popular electronica artists.
FOLK-A style of music that has been passed down orally within cultures or regions. It is known for its simple melodies and the use of acoustic instruments. Modern folk music is based on traditional folk music and often contains political lyrics. Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez are folk performers.
JAZZ
American music born in the early part of the 20th century from African rhythms and slave chants. It has spread from its African-American roots to become a worldwide style. Jazz forms include improvisation (unrehearsed playing), swing, bebop and cool jazz. Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, Cassandra Wilson and Keith Jarrett are famous jazz musicians.
POP
Popular music is a genre that covers a wide range of music, is often softer than rock and is driven by melody. Pop usually appeals to a broad assortment of listeners. Some famous pop musicians include Frank Sinatra, John Mayer, Hillary Duff and Beyonce.
RAP
Urban typically African-American music that features lyrics-usually spoken over sampled sounds or drum loops-often about social or political issues. Hip hop, a style of music similar to rap, blends rock, jazz and soul with sampled sounds.
Jay-z, Run-D.M.C., Missy Elliot and Eminem are rappers.
ROCK
One of the most popular forms of 20th century music, rock combines African-American rhythms, urban blues, folk and country music. It developed in the early 1950s and has inspired by-many other styles, such as grunge, ska and heavy metal. Some important rock bands are Buddy Holly and the crickets, The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Niravana and U2.
