Can popular music ever really be unplugged?

Charles Wheatstone (1827), developed the microphone, but it was the emergence of radio in the early 20th Century, which made music more accessible and allowed new technological advances in the use of microphones and amplifiers to develop. A different style of singing became popular as seen in performances by singers like Bing Crosby. The rock and roll explosion of the 1950’s would not have happened without the use of amplification. Development of popular music relied heavily on the use of technology as this enabled the music to reach larger audiences and fill venues that without the use of microphones and amplification would be impossible to use. Distinctive types of music evolved from the use of amplified electric guitars and other instruments, which produced unique sounds. By the late 20th Century the digital revolution was taking place. Popular music can never be unplugged, as it won’t reach a wide enough audience.

What is popular music?

The Beatles are more popular than Jesus, according to John Lennon, and this might well have been true in certain circles during the Swinging 60’s, when the Beatles were at the height of their fame. The impact their music had on that generation demonstrates the power of popular music.

Ray Williams states Popular originates from the legal term popularis or belonging to the people. Each generation has a different genre of music which they identify with, make their own and by doing so ensure its popularity, for example: big band and rag time, jazz, rock and roll, reggae and hip hop. Popular music impacts on every area of our lives including, race, identity, fashion and culture and with today’s technology it is available to us 24/7 through iPods, MP3’s, TV and Radio. The power of popular music has never been so available and its impact on our lives so great.