Pre-World War II Era Music

Individuals generally compare pre and post World War II historically, looking at the facts and politics of the matter. However, during this era music was also growing dramatically. From pianos to banjos, music was changing. Music changed with pre and post World War II eras in order to cope with the idea of war. Or rather, the lack thereof. Without this change in music, U.S. citizens would have remained hopeless during World War II.

From 1789 until 1941, individuals were caught in an era known as the “Pre- WWII” era. Unknown to those at the time, this era was one to be historically recognised for years to come. During this time the economy in America was growing at an alarming rate. Change and opportunity was engulfing citizens daily. New
At a time where the United States claimed to be Isolationists, Theodore Roosevelt vowed to tread lightly when it came to foreign affairs. Unless the U.S. was being threatened directly, Roosevelt didn’t want to start or get into any arguments/wars.

Because of these reasons and more, the music of the era included a good mix from Jazz to ragtime. Individuals were content to stay to themselves and focus on personal growth. They believed in personal joy and peace. This was also a time where many different music genres were born and created. During 1789 works by Mozart and Beethoven became well known classical works. The piano and violin represented calm and peace. People were considered intelligent or rich if they could play such an instrument. Fast forward to 1824 and composers were writing enticing symphonies, creating emotion in the listener. (most of such emotions involving peace and joy) The discovery of instraments created songs rythyms, and rythums created songs. 1861 brought the civil war. This war was widely fought throughout the United States and affected individuals on a personal level. Robert E. Lee, a confederate in the army remarked: “ without music, there
On an album entitled Those Great World War II Songs, Crosby takes the listener through the most "American" collection of WWII songs there is. From Swinging on a Star to Yankee Doodle Dandyese songs all evoked smiles on faces and pride in the hearts of Americans.
This country in many senses was living "The Good Life," and the music was a good indication of that. Because the music was so positive, with the melodies in major keys and the climaxing in lyrics alluding to the message "America is great," this reassuring music was very easy for the public to love.
On the opposite side of the musical spectrum, folk musicians were saying both different and similar messages in their music. It is interesting that such a different genre of music emerged in this period. Unlike big band, with its elaborate orchestras of twenty-five pieces capped off by the handsome, well dressed front man, folk music primarily tended to include musicians who just had an acoustic guitar, three piece bands, and less that spectacular voices. It was just people, their guitars, and their messages. And yet their music gives us a good indication as well of how American society remembered World War II. None of the messages were implied or inferred, these singers just came out and said what what on their mind. Folk writers wrote how they felt about things going on in the world. In a sense, the songs are what made