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Popular Music, Dance, and Urban Culture in Los Angeles, 1935-1968: Refiguring the City's Cultural Landscape

Roland Hayes

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Los Angeles has long been a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its vibrant and diverse popular music, dance, and urban culture scene. From the swing music of the 1930s to the rock and roll of the 1950s and 1960s, Los Angeles has been a major center for the production and consumption of popular culture. This article will explore the key moments and figures in the development of Los Angeles's popular culture scene from 1935 to 1968, and will examine how these cultural expressions shaped the city's identity and contributed to its emergence as a global cultural hub.

Mexican American Mojo: Popular Music, Dance, and Urban Culture in Los Angeles, 1935–1968 (Refiguring American Music)

by K.J. Doughton

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Swing Era (1935-1945)

The swing era was a time of great economic and social change in the United States, and this was reflected in the popular music of the day. Swing music was upbeat and danceable, and it provided a much-needed escape from the hardships of the Great Depression. Los Angeles was a major center for the swing music scene, and the city's dance clubs and ballrooms were packed with people every night. Some of the most popular swing bands of the era, such as Benny Goodman and the Dorsey Brothers, were based in Los Angeles.

A Swing Dance Band Playing In A Nightclub In Los Angeles In The 1930s Mexican American Mojo: Popular Music Dance And Urban Culture In Los Angeles 1935 1968 (Refiguring American Music)

The Post-War Years (1945-1955)

After World War II, Los Angeles experienced a period of rapid growth and expansion. The city's population boomed, and new suburbs were built to accommodate the influx of new residents. This growth led to a diversification of the city's popular culture scene. In addition to swing music, Los Angeles became a major center for the development of rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and rock and roll. Artists such as Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Little Richard all got their start in Los Angeles during this period.

A Group Of Teenagers Dancing To Rock And Roll Music In Los Angeles In The 1950s Mexican American Mojo: Popular Music Dance And Urban Culture In Los Angeles 1935 1968 (Refiguring American Music) — Rock and roll music became popular in Los Angeles after World War II.

The Rise of Rock and Roll (1955-1968)

In the mid-1950s, rock and roll emerged as the dominant form of popular music in the United States. Los Angeles was a major center for the development of rock and roll, and the city's music scene was home to some of the most iconic bands of the era, such as the Beach Boys, the Doors, and the Byrds. Rock and roll music had a profound impact on Los Angeles's culture, and it helped to shape the city's image as a youthful, vibrant, and exciting place to live.

The Beach Boys Performing In Los Angeles In The 1960s Mexican American Mojo: Popular Music Dance And Urban Culture In Los Angeles 1935 1968 (Refiguring American Music)

The Legacy of Los Angeles's Popular Music, Dance, and Urban Culture

The popular music, dance, and urban culture scene in Los Angeles has had a profound impact on the city's identity and development. These cultural expressions have helped to shape the city's image as a creative and innovative hub, and they have contributed to its emergence as a global cultural center. Today, Los Angeles is home to a thriving music and entertainment industry, and the city's cultural scene continues to evolve and grow.

The popular music, dance, and urban culture scene in Los Angeles from 1935 to 1968 was a vibrant and diverse expression of the city's unique cultural identity. These cultural expressions shaped the city's image and contributed to its emergence as a global cultural hub. Today, Los Angeles continues to be a major center for the production and consumption of popular culture, and the city's cultural scene continues to evolve and grow.

Mexican American Mojo: Popular Music, Dance, and Urban Culture in Los Angeles, 1935–1968 (Refiguring American Music)

by K.J. Doughton

4.7 out of 5