Explore musical genres, their history and origins including African, Blues, Classical/Orchestral, Country/Bluegrass, Cuban/Latin/Salsa, Gospel, Hymns and Spirituals, Gullah Music: Evolution of African Music, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Opera, Pop and Soul, Rhythm and Blues, and Rock and Roll. Be sure to view the individual assets that stand alone, just below the Topics, and have not been included in a specific topic or genre.
Also explore our Musical Instruments and Musicians and Music History sections. We also have a section on Holiday Music.
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Spirituals developed at the same time as work songs on the plantations. Although they were religious songs with a Christian message, spirituals were also heartfelt expressions of the slave experience...
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After slavery ended, some African American churches shifted from traditional spirituals to a new kind of religious music called gospel. This style of music brought together the elements of the “shout”...
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Rhythm and blues was an early form of rock and roll but it also contributed to a smoother sounding musical style called soul. In 1960, Berry Gordy, Jr. began a recording label in Detroit, Michigan...
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Music was an important tradition in Africa centuries before Africans were brought to America. Singing was a part of everyday life when people were at work, worship or play. The drum was the most...
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Derived from the jitterbug, the Shag is a legendary dance that grew up in the Carolinas. The Shagger's Hall of Fame is located in North Myrtle Beach. Thousands flock to the area every year to enjoy...
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The Waccamaw Intermediate School has a Steel Drum Band called The Calypso Gators. The band is made up of 4th, 5th and 6th grade students, and being a part of this band is teaching them more than just...
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Jazz king John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie was born in Cheraw in 1917. Dizzy was a founder of modern jazz, an innovative trumpeter known for his bent horn and bulging cheeks. The South Carolina Jazz...
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Juilliard in Aiken is a week-long event featuring public performances, concerts and outreach to area schools from students and faculty of Juilliard, America's premier music conservatory. The...
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Priscilla Smith from Juilliard discusses chamber music. She discusses pitch in the baroque era and states that she enjoys playing in a baroque ensemble because it is more intimate than playing in an...
