Pop standards

The term pop standards

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refers to an American songwriting, arranging, and singing style that is widely considered as the high point of Western vocal popular music. The terms standards or American standards are also sometimes used.

Related Topics:
American - Songwriting - Arranging - Singing - Popular music

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This style embodies the era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, and Rosemary Clooney. Popular artists sang with known bands and orchestras led by such luminaries as Guy Lombardo or Nelson Riddle, and performed classic pop songs penned by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and others from the "Great American Songbook".

Related Topics:
Frank Sinatra - Dean Martin - Bing Crosby - Rosemary Clooney - Guy Lombardo - Nelson Riddle - George Gershwin - Cole Porter - Great American Songbook

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In its heyday, roughly the 1930s through the 1950s, this was the most popular form of music. Singers packed houses across the country, and the advent and subsequent widespread popularity of radio and movies enabled their music, personalities and distinctive vocal styles to catapult them to superstar status.

Related Topics:
1930s - 1950s

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At the beginning of this period, popular music was generally defined as music with both melody and lyrics that were easy to remember. Within this, there was a gradation:

Related Topics:
Melody - Lyrics

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• "Pops" were songs that became popular quickly but faded out rapidly
• "Hits" were songs with great popularity
• "Standards" were a few special songs that retained their popularity year after year.

Over time, these distinctions have become less clear, but the term "traditional pop music" is used to include all three of the above classes, whereas "pop standards" is only the last.

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Today, many popular artists, such as Harry Connick Jr. and Natalie Cole, have covered the work of classic pop songwriters. Standards also persist in nightclub and lounge acts around the world.

Related Topics:
Harry Connick Jr. - Natalie Cole - Classic pop - Nightclub - Lounge

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Pop standards: See also ►