Vocal » American Popular Song

American Popular Song is a classification of music that is familiar but gradually becoming more informed by diverse peoples in American cultural heritage. It may be safe to say that the majority of "American" popular tunes have an Anglo air about them (while in other cases it may be interesting to discover some of the influences that affected the composers of such songs). American popular music includes folk elements, parlor songs of the 19th century, and patriotic songs. Characteristics of these songs include memorable and or simple melodic lines, easy harmonies, and straightforward rhythms. American popular song includes standards like "Old Folks at Home," "Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair," "The Good Old Summertime," "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain," and marches like "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."