POPULAR GENRES THROUGH TIME
Popular rock band Metallica
Undeniably, the United Kingdom has significantly impacted modern music since the 1960’s, producing some of the greatest musicians of all time. Its most influential contribution occurred during the 60’s in a historic event called the ‘British Invasion’, where legendary rock acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who among other greats emerged and dominated the American mainstream music scene. Even though rock and roll may be considered Britain’s best known musical export, other genres played important roles in the UK’s extensive musical history as well.
FOLK MUSIC - The United Kingdom has a rich and diverse folk music background. Each type corresponds with the country it originated from. In England, folk music varies across the regions. Northern Ireland has the most traditional and vivacious; Scotland incorporates varied types of songs such as ballads and laments; and Welsh folk music produced the famous Celtic music.
BROADSIDE BALLADS – Broadside ballads were the first genre of British popular music. Started in the 16th century and ended in the early 20th century, the lyrics were printed and then accompanied by popular tunes.
ROCK AND ROLL – The United Kingdom managed to successfully incorporate early American rock tradition and rockabilly into its own distinctive rock tradition that led to the now infamous British Invasion of the 60’s. Also during the 60’s, folk music emerged once again.
PROGRESSIVE ROCK, HEAVY METAL AND PUNK ROCK – During the 1970’s, British pop and folk music forcefully branched out into three dominating genres. Progressive rock was very popular among the mainstream British populace while heavy metal and punk rock endeared themselves to the British youth. Punk Rock exploded onto the music scene appealing to the rebellious youth but quickly died down when several punk artists became mainstream successes.