Are blackness and whiteness useful concepts in the study of popular music?

I think that blackness and whiteness are useful concepts when studying popular music. However, these concepts are hard to use in relation to music, as there are clear stereotypes of what ‘black’ music is and what ‘white’ music is. Yet, when looking back at some songs, John Lennon and Paul McCartney sung the song ‘yesterday’, but it was originally sung by Marvin Gaye. Therefore, the stereotypes of ‘black’ music being genres such as rap, R’n’B, rhythm and blues and jazz, and ‘white’ music being pop, folk and rock and roll is surely wrong? As David Hatch and Stephen Milward state, “pop music has always depended upon the interaction between white and black traditions.” (1987: p120) I think in this case class and location are more relevant. Race is not so much a major factor nowadays, but class and location can be a useful concept to the influence of types of music made and why. Obviously many years ago, race was a major influencing factor. Therefore blackness and whiteness are useful concepts in the study of popular music, however other factors such as class and location do need to be taken into account.

Can popular music achieve genuine political change?

According to Roy Shuker popular music can be “a means of raising both consciousness about, and funds for, political causes.” (1994: p235) In this case I would have to agree. Artists such as Bob Marley performed songs, which supported and advocated the counter capitalist politics of the Rastafari movement. In doing so his album sales were over 10 million. However, this is an example of hegemony of the recording industry, as it is apparent that it is only acceptable for Bob Marley to give voice to counter capitalist movement, as it’s making a profit. Additionally, events such as Band Aid have helped to raise money for third world countries. Therefore popular music can help to achieve political change, yet it is not solely the reason. Can popular music be taken seriously enough to make a genuine political change? In my opinion, I think that popular music merely plays a part in political change, as there are many other factors that can cause political change.