The InterExchange Top Cultural Picks in the U.S. > Guide to Music in the U.S.

When you think of another country or culture, the famous cities of the country, or maybe even the food, probably pops up first in your mind. But, music is such an important and integral part of any people or culture, that we wanted to make sure you had a guide to the best music America has to offer. Now, we know that people are serious about their music and there are too many great bands and singers out there to list all of them. But, we can give you an overview of the music that is purely American, that has influenced today's musicians and musicians and cultures around the world. So, when you are in America, be sure to find a local show, go to a record store or listen to the radio to really get a sense of what American culture is today. Rock on!

Rock-and-Roll

Perhaps the music style that is most synonomous with American youth culture, everyone at this office - and out parents - love or has loved rock-and-roll at one time of their lives. Morphing out of the Big Band era of the 1940s, Rock-and-Roll became popular after World War II in the 1950s with the likes of Elvis Presely and Buddy Holly. 

Parents sure didn't like this new type of music that was closely associated with dancing and drinking, but it has obviously evolved to be the backbone of most bands today. 

 Some of our favorite classics (and they might be yours too):  

• The Eagles
• Grateful Dead
• Jimi Hendrix
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Bruce Springstein 
• Neil Young

Jazz and The Blues

Although you may think of Rock-and-Roll as a truly American music style, jazz and the Blues are the one types of music that was created in the U.S. Tracked back to the slae population in New Orleans, jazz and the blues evolved from African and Carribean folk songs. It was a purely African American art form, containing both sad and hopeful messages about slavery and freedom. Hollywood soon made jazz a part of movies and popular culture and singers like Etta James, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and John Lee Hooker became household names, even in a time of racial inequality and ignorance. Even if this isn't your favorite type of music, it is what popular music in the U.S. is based on. We wouldn't have hip-hop, rap or rock-and-roll without these masters who overcame predjudice in the music industry. So, take some time to listen and appreciate the start of what is today's music. And you never know - you may just start tapping your toes to some Muddy Waters without even realizing it!

Bluegrass, Folk and Country Music

Ok, so these are three separate genres of music, but they are all based on the same principles and all very American. Bluegrass and Folk music were the precursors to today's Country music, which is incredibly popular. All three genres have their roots in the South - both from the African American population and the music of Irish and Scotish immigrants that was passed down from generation to generation. You can hear both influences in both Bluegrass and especially Folk. Today, Country music is king and is one of the most popular genres in popular culture. It has changed from pure country music from musicians like Hank Williams, to the rock-country mix that is popular today. Most of us at InterExchange have a love it or hate it relationship with country music. But listen to some on your own and decide whether you become a fan or not!

Rap and Hip-Hop

Again, these are two completely different genres and both completely American. The direct descendants of the tortured, everyday lyrics of jazz and the blues, rap and hip-hop was born on the streets of African American neighborhoods in New York and L.A and really burst on the scene in the 1980's. You may have heard of places like Compton and Bed-Stuy, but probably have no idea that they were some of the hardest, most dangerous neighborhoods in the U.S. during the 1980s and 1990s, when hip-hop and rap lyrics mostly talked about the struggles of growing up and living in these places and dealing with gangs, drugs, violence and the cycle of social injustice that stems from poverty and racism. 

Rap and hip-hop is probably the most exported type of U.S. music to other countries and artists like Jay-Z, Kayne West, Tupac and Biggie Smalls are household names across the world. If you like this genre of music, there are some great underground groups and singers in U.S. cities and even differences in East and West coast artists. Ask your new friends and find local music blogs to discover new artists and go to shows!

Pop

Pop music is probably one of the United States' biggest cultural exports. No matter where you go in the world, you will find someone who like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga or the Black Eyed Peas. And with so much crossover of music genres, hip-hop and country stars are now collaborating with pop singers as well. But pop music in the U.S. isn't all about the well-known, top-40 groups and singers. There are many less-known pop singers (and even musicians) as well. If you are coming to the U.S. and like pop music, do a little digging and find some hidden gems!