American Music Milestones

A rapper spits rhymes into a microphone.A DJ scratches a record back and forth against a turntable needle.Fans' feet stomp along to a stiff beat.These are the sounds of hip-hop.Hip-hop music busted out of New York City in the 1970s. Many young African...

The crowd sways to the melodic strumming of a bossa nova guitarist.A vocalist belts out lyrics that blend English and Spanish.Couples dance to salsa's syncopated rhythms.These are the sounds of Latin music.Before Latin music exploded into the...

Throbbing disco beats boom at the club.Crowds move to the lively beat of dance pop hits.Fans scream and cheer for teen idols.These are the sounds of pop.After Elvis hit the scene in the 1950s, a distinct youth taste in popular music began to emerge....

A singer calls out to the crowd.An electric bass thumps out a beat.Horns blare and strings swirl.These are the sounds of R & B.Rhythm and blues music evolved from all sorts of sounds: swinging jazz, gritty blues, and African American spiritual songs....

A guitarist fires off riffs.A drummer pounds out primal rhythms.Fans scream along to a booming chorus.These are the sounds of rock.When rock 'n' roll first shook up young audiences, parents and politicians screamed in protest. But artists soon used...