Old World And New World Influences On The Development Of The Music Of Southwestern Louisiana
Part One: Describe the cultural impact of Anglo Americans on Cajun Music of both the Accordion Period (mid 1920s to mid 1930s) and the String Band Period (mid 1930s to mid 1940s). In this part discuss 1) the reason(s) for the influx of Anglo Americans into the SW Louisiana Region, 2) the commercial impact of the Movie Industry, the Recording Industry, and the development of the Radio on SW Louisiana and on America in general, and 3) what styles of music from outside the area began to influence the development of Cajun music especially during the String Band Period.
Sample Solution
Cultural Impact of Anglo Americans on Cajun Music
Reason(s) for the influx of Anglo Americans into the SW Louisiana Region
The influx of Anglo Americans into southwestern Louisiana during the early 20th century was primarily driven by two factors: the discovery of oil and the expansion of the lumber industry.
-
Oil discovery: In 1901, the discovery of oil at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas, sparked a major oil boom in the region. This boom attracted a large number of Anglo American oil workers and their families to southwestern Louisiana.
Full Answer Section
- Lumber industry: The region's rich forests also attracted Anglo American lumber companies, which established logging operations in the area. This brought in a wave of Anglo American lumberjacks and their families.
- Movie Industry: The motion picture industry had a significant impact on American culture in the early 20th century. Movies provided a new form of entertainment and helped to shape popular culture. The Hollywood film industry, in particular, became a major force in American culture.
- Recording Industry: The recording industry also had a significant impact on American culture in the early 20th century. The invention of the phonograph in the late 19th century made it possible to record and reproduce music, and the development of the recording industry led to the mass production and distribution of music.
- Radio: The development of radio in the early 20th century also had a significant impact on American culture. Radio provided a new medium for the transmission of music, and it quickly became a popular form of entertainment. Radio stations began to broadcast Cajun music, which helped to expose it to a wider audience and popularize it outside of southwestern Louisiana.
- Country and western: Country and western music was a major influence on Cajun music during the String Band Period. Cajun musicians began to incorporate elements of country and western music into their songs, such as the use of fiddles, guitars, and banjos.
- Blues: Blues music also had an influence on Cajun music during the String Band Period. Cajun musicians began to incorporate elements of blues music into their songs, such as the use of blues scales and rhythms.
- Jazz: Jazz music also had an influence on Cajun music during the String Band Period. Cajun musicians began to incorporate elements of jazz music into their songs, such as the use of improvisation and syncopation.