Early 20th-Century

Music went through drastic changes in the 20th century. The beginning of the century began with classical music, which lasted in popularity for the first decade. A more upbeat style of music then emerged and increased in popularity during the 1920's and 30's. This style could be classified as jazz or swing. Vocalists would sing their own stories while playing an instrument, or they would have a band play while they vocalized. Back up singers were also often used during musical performances. Broadway musicals increased in popularity during this time period, and women could also take part in musical performances.

By the 1950's, jazz had been greatly expanded on. All sorts of styles had been widely-accepted. Styles such as bebop jazz, the blues, swing, country, folk, and the boogie woogie blues were the most popular up until now. The electric guitar was born, and so was rock and roll. Many believe that Elvis Priestly was the one who began rock and roll, but in fact, Bill Haley & the Comets' were the ones who made this genre popular by the mid-50's, with their hit song,"Rock Around the Clock". Country music began to become much more popular too, and many country songs were combined with rock. Johnny Cash was one of the top country / rock singers ever. He helped Elvis Priestly, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins form a band called, "Million Dollar Quartet." This band is not too widely known, and didn't last very long.