Pop Music's First Black Stars
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Exploring Early 20th Century Music Industry and Rise of Black Recording Artists
This chapter delves into the music industry during the early 20th century, focusing on the competition among music publishers, the emergence of phonograph technology, and the role of black recording artists like George Washington Johnson and Ernest Hogan. It discusses the controversial trend of Coon songs derived from racist stereotypes and the commercialization of recordings during the Jim Crow era. The chapter highlights the impact of these artists in shaping musical trends and paving the way for the emergence of the blues.
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