Use the Lecture Notes found under the Modules tab on the Canvas Home Page for this Course, MUSC 2310 G01, to answer the following multipart question:
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.
The information needed to answer Part One can be found under the Modules Tab in Lecture Two: Cajun Music and It's Development - Part Two, Cajun Music.
Part Two: Describe the differences between the Musical Perspectives of the European Tradition and the African Tradition with regards to the musical elements of Rhythm, Pitch, and Performance as discussed in Lecture Three: Creole and Zydeco Music and It's Development - Part One, the African Influence, Jure, and Creole Music.
The information needed to answer Part Two can be found under the Modules Tab in Lecture Three: Creole and Zydeco Music and It's Development - Part One, the African Influence, Jure, and Creole Music.
Part Three: List at least three forms of American Popular Music that influenced the creation of Swamp Pop.
The information needed to answer Part Three can be found under the Modules Tab in Lecture Four: Swamp Pop and It's Development.
Full Answer Section
The Influx of Anglo Americans into SW Louisiana Region
There are several reasons for the influx of Anglo Americans into southwestern Louisiana during the early 20th century. One reason was the oil boom of the 1920s, which attracted many Anglo Americans to the region to work in the oil fields. Another reason was the expansion of the rice industry, which also created new jobs for Anglo Americans.
As Anglo Americans settled in southwestern Louisiana, they began to interact with the Cajun population. This interaction led to a cultural exchange that had a significant impact on Cajun music.
The Commercial Impact of the Movie Industry, the Recording Industry, and the Development of the Radio
The commercialization of the entertainment industry in the early 20th century had a profound impact on Cajun music. The movie industry, in particular, played a major role in popularizing Cajun music. Several Hollywood films featured Cajun music, which helped to introduce the genre to a wider audience.
The recording industry also had a significant impact on Cajun music. The first Cajun recordings were made in the 1920s, and by the 1930s, Cajun music was being recorded and distributed by major record labels. This widespread exposure helped to make Cajun music even more popular.
The development of the radio also had a major impact on Cajun music. Radio stations began to broadcast Cajun music in the 1930s, which helped to expose the genre to a new generation of listeners.
Styles of Music from Outside the Area That Influenced Cajun Music
Anglo Americans brought several new styles of music to southwestern Louisiana, which had a significant impact on the development of Cajun music. These styles included country music, blues, and jazz.
Country music, in particular, had a major influence on Cajun music. Many Cajun musicians began to incorporate elements of country music into their own music. This led to the development of a new style of Cajun music known as "swamp pop."
Blues and jazz also had a significant influence on Cajun music. Cajun musicians began to experiment with these styles, which led to the development of some of the most innovative and experimental Cajun music of the era.
Conclusion
Anglo Americans played a significant role in shaping the sound of Cajun music during the Accordion Period and the String Band Period. They brought new styles of music to southwestern Louisiana, which had a major influence on Cajun musicians. They also helped to commercialize Cajun music, which helped to make the genre more popular and accessible to a wider audience.
The cultural exchange between Anglo Americans and Cajuns during this period was a rich and complex one. It led to the development of a new and unique form of Cajun music that is still enjoyed today.
Sample Answer
Cajun music is a rich and vibrant genre with a long and complex history. It is a product of the unique cultural melting pot of southwestern Louisiana, where French Acadians, Creole people, and Anglo Americans have all contributed to its development.
The Accordion Period (mid 1920s to mid 1930s) and the String Band Period (mid 1930s to mid 1940s) were two important periods in the history of Cajun music. During these periods, Anglo Americans played a significant role in shaping the sound of Cajun music, both through direct influence and through the introduction of new styles of music.