Modern Popular Music UNIT 2

Louis Armstrong

Jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader known for his powerful tone, improvisation, and gravelly voice; helped shape early jazz and popularize swing.

Paul Whiteman

Bandleader known as the “King of Jazz” in the 1920s; blended orchestral music with jazz elements, helping bring jazz into mainstream popularity.

Duke Ellington

Influential jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader; expanded jazz into a sophisticated art form through big band arrangements.

Justo “Don” Azpiazú

Cuban bandleader who popularized Latin music in the U.S. during the 1930s with hits like “El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor)”.

International Sweethearts of Rhythm

All-female, racially integrated jazz band formed in the 1930s; broke racial and gender barriers while touring during World War II.

Woody Guthrie

Folk singer-songwriter known for politically charged songs about working-class life, including “This Land Is Your Land.”

Hank Williams

Country music pioneer; blended honky-tonk with heartfelt lyrics in hits like “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”

Damaso Perez Prado

Cuban bandleader and pianist dubbed the “King of the Mambo”; popularized Latin dance music in the 1950s.

Frank Sinatra

Iconic pop and jazz vocalist known for his smooth phrasing and emotional delivery; one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Nat “King” Cole

Jazz pianist and smooth-voiced singer famous for hits like “Unforgettable”; one of the first Black artists to host a national TV show.

Alan Freed

Radio DJ who popularized the term “rock and roll” and helped introduce rhythm and blues to white audiences in the 1950s.

Paula Watson

R&B singer and pianist active in the 1940s; known for lively boogie-woogie and jump blues style.

Evelyn Knight

Pop singer of the 1940s–50s known for sweet, light vocals and hits like “A Little Bird Told Me.”

Les Paul

Guitarist and inventor who pioneered the solid-body electric guitar and multitrack recording, revolutionizing modern music production.

Chuck Berry

Rock and roll pioneer whose guitar riffs, songwriting, and stage presence shaped the genre; famous for “Johnny B. Goode.”

Little Richard

Explosive performer and early rock and roll icon known for energetic piano playing and hits like “Tutti Frutti.”

Ritchie Valens

Mexican-American rock and roll singer and guitarist; known for “La Bamba”; one of the first Latin rock stars.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Gospel singer and electric guitarist who blended spiritual lyrics with rock-influencing guitar riffs; called the “Godmother of Rock and Roll.”

Big Mama Thornton

Blues singer with a powerful voice; first to record “Hound Dog,” later made famous by Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley

“The King of Rock and Roll”; fused country, blues, and gospel into a revolutionary new sound that defined 1950s youth culture.

Buddy Holly

Singer-songwriter and early rock innovator known for his clean sound, use of studio overdubbing, and hits like “Peggy Sue.”

Wanda Jackson

One of the first female rockabilly singers; known for blending country and rock in songs like “Let’s Have a Party.”

Phil Spector

Record producer famous for his “Wall of Sound” technique, which layered instruments to create a dense, dramatic effect.

Brian Wilson

Leader and songwriter for The Beach Boys; known for innovative harmonies and production on albums like Pet Sounds.

The Beach Boys

American rock band known for rich vocal harmonies and surf-themed songs; pioneers of studio experimentation.

The Rolling Stones

British rock band formed in the 1960s; known for blues-inspired rock, rebellious image, and longevity.

The Kinks

British Invasion rock band known for catchy riffs and social commentary in hits like “You Really Got Me.”

The Who

British rock band famous for energetic performances, rock operas like Tommy, and instrument-smashing shows.

Berry Gordy

Founder of Motown Records; developed the “Motown Sound” and launched careers of artists like Stevie Wonder and The Supremes.

James Brown

“The Godfather of Soul”; known for dynamic performances and innovations that led to funk and influenced hip-hop.

Patsy Cline

Country singer known for emotional ballads and crossover hits like “Crazy.”

Bob Dylan

Folk and rock singer-songwriter celebrated for poetic, socially conscious lyrics; pivotal figure in 1960s protest music.

Janis Joplin

Powerful blues-rock singer known for raw emotion and performances of songs like “Piece of My Heart.”

Frank Zappa

Experimental rock composer and guitarist; known for satirical lyrics and genre-blending compositions.

Jimi Hendrix

Legendary guitarist and singer; revolutionized rock with innovative electric guitar effects and expressive performances.

David Bowie

Innovative British rock artist known for theatrical personas like Ziggy Stardust and constant musical reinvention.

Marvin Gaye

Motown singer-songwriter whose soulful music explored love and social issues; known for “What’s Going On.”

Pink Floyd

British progressive rock band known for concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and elaborate live shows.

Elton John

British singer-songwriter and pianist; known for flamboyant style and classics like “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer.”

Gloria Gaynor

Disco singer best known for the empowering anthem “I Will Survive.”

DJ Kool Herc

Jamaican-born DJ credited with creating hip-hop in the Bronx by isolating “breakbeats” at parties.

Carole King

Singer-songwriter known for heartfelt 1970s hits like “It’s Too Late” and her influential album Tapestry.

Dolly Parton

Country music legend, songwriter, and businesswoman known for storytelling songs like “Jolene.”

Grand Master Flash

Pioneering hip-hop DJ and innovator of scratching and mixing techniques; fronted Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

Waylon Jennings

Outlaw country singer who rejected Nashville’s polished style; known for gritty hits like “Luckenbach, Texas.”

Willie Nelson

Country icon and outlaw movement leader; known for “On the Road Again” and distinctive voice and phrasing.

Black Sabbath

British band that defined heavy metal with dark themes and heavy guitar riffs; fronted by Ozzy Osbourne.