First, let us look at the history of the first era of African American music, "Slave music (1600s -1860s)." ... Overall, the music know as slave music was used a means to "undermine their oppressors." ... The next era of African American music was called, "Classical African American Music (1860s -1950s)." ... Jazz was a more energetic and upbeat form of Ragtime music; it was a music that anyone and everyone danced to. ... In the 1950s there was a major shift form instrumental being the most popular music to vocal music becoming the most popular music. ...

• Word Count: 4223
• Approx Pages: 17
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Many kinds of music have come out on the American stage within the last 100 or so and have had a great impact on it. American music is extremely varied and diverse. ... Dvooak visited the United States for two years (1893-95) and he was the first to advise the American composers to look seriously at the music and cultures around them, especially the music and culture of the Negro. ... One of the greatest musical forms to come from and be influenced by Black Nationalism is hip-hop (rap) music. ... His vast repertoire of music induced hard-to-find reggae beats and his thundering speaker system, ...

• Word Count: 4261
• Approx Pages: 17
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Because of this societal segregation, R&B music remained "Black" music for many years. ... It was because of these deep cultural roots that R&B music was first termed "Race Music." "Race Music" began before World War II and was just what the title implies- race music: for black people. ... This was ultimately a turning point for R&B music and is the first example of the evolution from Afro-American music to mainstream, multicultural music. ... Soul music's roots lie deep in gospel music. ...

• Word Count: 2641
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School