Why the most popular music of the mid-century became the establishment's favorite soundtrack
In short: From the 1950s through the 1970s, easy listening dominated the airwaves, blending lush string arrangements with standards and pop vocals. While critics later dismissed it as diluted or smarmy, this genre was once a commercial powerhouse, frequently topping the Billboard charts and defining the sound of a generation.
Easy listening emerged as a distinct radio format and genre during the post-war era, characterized by its focus on music predating the rock and roll explosion. It was defined by its versatility, incorporating a mix of instrumentals, vocals, and varied tempos designed to suit different times of the broadcast day. Central to its identity was the heavy use of strings, a hallmark of Hollywood's Golden Age and sweet bands of the 1930s. Practitioners ranged from jazz-influenced vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Dinah Washington to accordionists like John Serry Sr., who sought to create soothing, low-pressure environments.
The genre’s commercial success was immense. Jackie Gleason, a prominent figure in the field, famously described his goal as creating 'musical wallpaper'—music that was conducive to a mood without being intrusive. This popularity was reflected in dedicated charts from publications like Billboard and Record World, which tracked airplay on major stations in cities like Los Angeles and New York. During the 1960s, it was common for instrumental easy listening singles to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, remaining there for weeks at a time.
Despite its profitability, the genre eventually faced a backlash. As the rock counterculture rose, easy listening became associated with the 'Establishment,' leading to its demonization. Critics like Robert Christgau dismissed the style as a systematic dilution of highbrow preferences, while lesser-known performers were often ridiculed as outdated 'lounge lizards.' However, the genre saw a resurgence in the 1990s. Bands like Stereolab and the Mike Flowers Pops embraced the sound, using it to both celebrate and parody the mid-century aesthetic, proving that the influence of this 'musical wallpaper' remained deeply embedded in the cultural consciousness long after its heyday.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Easy listening
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/music-easy-listening.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Music · More in Music · Latest · A–Z · All topics
