That Year in Music 1900

Let's dive into the groovy world of Music in 1900!

The turn of the century brought a wave of innovation and creativity to the music scene, with genres like ragtime and early jazz gaining popularity. In Britain, music halls were the place to be, with vaudeville acts and catchy sing-alongs ruling the charts. Meanwhile, in America, blues and gospel music were taking the world by storm, setting the stage for the explosion of rock and roll in the decades to come.

One of the standout releases of 1900 was Scott Joplin's classic ragtime composition "Maple Leaf Rag," which showcased his masterful piano skills and introduced audiences to the infectious rhythms of ragtime. Another notable release was the influential gospel recording "Oh Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, which bridged the gap between traditional gospel music and contemporary soul.

In terms of quirky facts, 1900 saw the birth of legendary blues singer, Muddy Waters, whose soulful voice and electrifying guitar playing would go on to inspire countless musicians. In Britain, the iconic singer and actress, Marie Lloyd, was born, becoming one of the most popular music hall performers of her time.

On the cultural front, Britain was experiencing a golden age of literature, with authors like Oscar Wilde and H.G. Wells making waves in the literary world. Meanwhile, in America, the country was in the midst of the Progressive Era, with social reform movements advocating for change in areas like workers' rights and women's suffrage.

Overall, 1900 was a year of excitement and innovation in the music world, setting the stage for the revolutionary sounds and styles that would come to define the 20th century. So put on your dancing shoes and let the infectious rhythms of ragtime and gospel music transport you back to a simpler time.