Popular Music in America Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts about popular music in America, focusing on Griot performers, minstrel shows, the Great American Songbook, jazz, and other influential elements of American music history.

Where are Griot performers from?

West Africa

What significance do minstrel shows play in American music history?

First exposure to African American culture in America.

What is the Great American Songbook?

A group of American standards that became the precursor of Jazz.

What does RPM stand for?

Revolutions Per Minute.

What is the defining characteristic of Jazz?

Improvisation.

Who was behind the best-selling jazz album of all time, Kind of Blue?

Miles Davis.

What was the Golden Age of American musicals?

The 30 years between Showboat (1927) and West Side Story (1957).

What is a concept album?

An album where the songs have a common theme.

What was Rhythm & Blues music originally known as?

Race Music.

What caused controversy after Elvis Presley’s performance on the Milton Berle show?

His dance moves.