The Changing Face of Music

Fifty years ago the face of music as we know it changed forever with the onslaught of Rock'n'Roll. In 1954 thanks to Elvis Presley and Bill Haley music went in a totally new direction that has been changing ever since. Counter culture and politics have often played a roll in trying to steer rock music in one direction or another. But protest has always directed it. Early rock was a protest of sorts by the yournger generation against their parents' music.

In the 60's folk music came to the forefront with the protest of the war, drugs and peace loving hippies.

With the end of war came the end of the protest music and a mellower sound appeared. But the 70's had two styles of music competing for the airwaves. Young adults eager to hit he dance floor hit on a craze that spilled over into an entire way of life. Disco was born.

A younger generation eager to find a sound and a style of music that they could call their own led to an era of rock music that for the first time had several different names â€" punk, grunge, and alternative to name a few. Once again the drug scene seemed to penetrate the rock music scene.

In an attempt to be more tolerable of everyone politics ruled the way words and music were uttered. In the 90's politically correct language dominated. Drinking songs â€" an idea essential to country music â€" disappeared. As the decade moved on electronics wizards took over the music business. Music took a backseat to computers and digital manipulation. Suddenly music was not just for musicians anymore. Celebrity wannabes could produce an electronically manipulated CD very inexpensively. And to compensate for the lack of talent a lack of clothing was also essential. Sexuality was used to distract fans from the musical incompetence.