Old World And New World Influences On The Development Of The Music Of Southwestern Louisiana

Sample Solution

The cultural impact of Anglo Americans on Cajun music during the Accordion Period (mid-1920s to mid-1930s) and the String Band Period (mid-1930s to mid-1940s) was significant and multifaceted. Anglo American influence was evident in both the music itself and the surrounding cultural context in which it was performed and consumed.

Reasons for the Influx of Anglo Americans

The influx of Anglo Americans into the southwestern Louisiana region during this period was driven by several factors, including:

• The discovery of oil in Jennings, Louisiana, in 1901: This led to an economic boom in the region, attracting oil companies, workers, and entrepreneurs.

Full Answer Section

• The expansion of the rice industry: Anglo Americans were heavily involved in the cultivation and processing of rice, which became a major crop in southwestern Louisiana.

• The development of transportation infrastructure: The construction of railroads and highways made it easier for Anglo Americans to travel to and settle in the region.

Commercial Impact of the Movie Industry, Recording Industry, and Radio

The commercialization of popular culture, particularly through the movie industry, recording industry, and radio, played a crucial role in exposing Cajun music to a wider audience and influencing its development.

• The movie industry: Cajun music was featured in several Hollywood films during this period, including "The Acadian" (1928) and "Louisiana" (1934). These films helped to romanticize Cajun culture and introduce its music to a national audience.

• The recording industry: The first commercial recordings of Cajun music were made in the early 1920s, and the industry continued to grow throughout the Accordion and String Band Periods. These recordings helped to disseminate Cajun music beyond its traditional geographic boundaries and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

• The radio: The development of radio broadcasting in the 1920s and 1930s provided another platform for the dissemination of Cajun music. Cajun radio stations began to appear in the region, and Cajun musicians were also featured on national radio broadcasts.

Styles of Music from Outside the Area

Cajun music during this period was also influenced by several styles of music from outside the region, including:

• Country music: Cajun musicians began to incorporate elements of country music, such as the use of guitars and the adoption of certain country songs into their repertoire.

• Jazz: Jazz musicians began to experiment with Cajun melodies and rhythms, leading to the development of a hybrid style of music known as "Cajun jazz."

• Blues: Blues music also had an influence on Cajun music, particularly in the development of vocal styles and the use of blues scales.

Part Two: Musical Perspectives of the European Tradition and the African Tradition

The musical perspectives of the European tradition and the African tradition are evident in Cajun music through the use of rhythm, pitch, and performance practices.

Rhythm

Cajun music typically features a strong, steady beat, often provided by an accordion or guitar. This rhythmic emphasis is characteristic of European folk music traditions.

Pitch

Cajun music often uses a diatonic scale, which is a seven-note scale that is common in both European and African music. However, Cajun music also incorporates elements of pentatonic scales, which are five-note scales that are more commonly associated with African music.

Performance Practices

Cajun music is typically performed live and is characterized by its improvisational nature. This emphasis on improvisation is a hallmark of African music traditions.

Part Three: Forms of American Popular Music Influencing Swamp Pop

Swamp pop is a genre of music that emerged in southwestern Louisiana in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is a blend of Cajun music, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. Swamp pop was influenced by several forms of American popular music, including:

• Rock and roll: The energy and exuberance of rock and roll had a significant impact on swamp pop.

• Rhythm and blues: Swamp pop borrowed elements of rhythm and blues, such as the use of blues scales and the incorporation of call-and-response vocals.

• Country music: Swamp pop also retained some of the influences of country music that had been adopted by Cajun musicians during the Accordion and String Band Periods.

Conclusion

The cultural impact of Anglo Americans on Cajun music during the Accordion Period and the String Band Periods was significant and multifaceted. Anglo American influence was evident in both the music itself and the surrounding cultural context in which it was performed and consumed. The commercialization of popular culture, particularly through the movie industry, recording industry, and radio, played a crucial role in exposing Cajun music to a wider audience and influencing its development. Cajun music was also influenced by several styles