Music and Its Influence on 20th Century American History Essay Example

Music and its Influence on 20th Century American History With the start of the 20th century music began to play a huge part in the rapidly maturing United States. Music of the 20th century was not only there to entertain the people but it was more. It was now used to influence and manipulate the listeners. Artists had a goal to entertain and to enlighten the listener so that they could get their messages heard. Music is one of the best ways to advertise and to expand ideas, and many artists knew this. Music rapidly influenced everyday American life. It was in their homes, cars, bars, theaters, movies, elevators and countless other places. Music was everywhere it defined what every American loved and worked for, it gave people hope and joy, as well as bringing out every other emotion there is in people. Music was around during the bad times as well as the good, when people were down, there were songs they could relate to, and when they were happy there were songs they could sing and dance to. Many people don’t think of how much music brightens and amplifies everyday things, such as movies; have you ever noticed how the directors always have a song or tune for every part of the movie bringing out just the right emotion in you. Radio too, what good would radio be today if music weren’t here. There were a few major turning points in music history during the century. A couple of decades after the turn of the century music started to work its way into the homes of people. The invention of the record player was a big advancement and it allowed people the luxury of listening to the music they loved no longer needing an entire orchestra. However, people still used pianos and various instruments to conduct their own music though. It was often a popular form of entertainment; people would gather around the musician playing the piano or any other instruments and sing along and dance. Music was becoming more and more popular. In the 1920s the big bands had already hit the