When did the "standard drumkit" become popular in music

The Rise of the Standard Drum Kit in Music

The standard drum kit, as we know it today, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. In this article, we will explore the development and popularity of the drum kit in various genres of music. Drawing from credible sources such as Quora, Music Fans Stack Exchange, and the Audiobus Forum, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors that contributed to the drum kit’s rise to prominence.

Development in the Vaudeville Era

The modern drum kit was developed during the vaudeville era in the 1920s, primarily in New Orleans. According to Quora, this period saw significant advancements in drum technology and the integration of various percussion instruments into a single setup. Drummers began incorporating bass drums, snare drums, cymbals, and other percussion elements into their performances, laying the foundation for the standard drum kit we know today.

Influence of Jazz

Jazz played a crucial role in popularizing the drum kit. As Music Fans Stack Exchange mentions, “The Original Dixieland Jazz Band” from New Orleans recorded jazz tunes in 1917 that became hits across the country. This exposure to jazz music introduced audiences to the unique sounds and rhythmic capabilities of the drum kit.

Drum Kit in Early Rock and Country Music

In the early days of rock and roll and country music, drums faced resistance in many venues. According to the Audiobus Forum, drums were not widely accepted on stage due to various reasons, including a perception that drums were associated with “black” culture, leading to segregation issues. This limited the presence of drums in live performances during that time.

Percussion Techniques

To work around the challenges of incorporating drums, “white” bands in the early days of rock and country music employed various techniques to create a percussion sound. As Music Fans Stack Exchange explains, one common technique involved playing the guitar with a piece of brown paper sack or a dollar bill wrapped around the strings, creating a rhythmic effect. These alternative percussion techniques allowed musicians to infuse their music with rhythmic elements, even in the absence of a traditional drum kit.

Integration into Mainstream Music

Over time, as blues, bluegrass, jazz, and traditional pop and country genres began to blend, the percussion sound of rock and modern country music gained popularity. Musicians like Johnny Cash, who was signed to Sun Records, incorporated percussion sounds into their music, contributing to the mainstream acceptance of drums. This integration into mainstream music led to the widespread adoption and popularity of the drum kit in various genres.

In conclusion, the standard drum kit became popular in music through a combination of historical developments and cultural influences. Its evolution during the vaudeville era, the influence of jazz, the challenges faced in early rock and country music, and the integration into mainstream music all played vital roles in establishing the drum kit as an essential component of modern music.

Sources:

1. Quora. “When did the ‘standard drumkit’ become popular in music?” Accessed from https://www.quora.com/When-did-the-standard-drumkit-become-popular-in-music.
2. Music Fans Stack Exchange. “When did the ‘standard drumkit’ become popular in music?” Accessed from https://musicfans.stackexchange.com/questions/447/when-did-the-standard-drumkit-become-popular-in-music.
3. Audiobus Forum. “Best GM standard Drumkit app.” Accessed from https://forum.audiob.us/discussion/36628/best-gm-standard-drumkit-app.

FAQs

When and where was the modern drum kit developed?

The modern drum kit was developed in the vaudeville era during the 1920s, primarily in New Orleans.

How did jazz contribute to the popularity of the drum kit?

Jazz played a significant role in popularizing the drum kit. The recording of jazz tunes by “The Original Dixieland Jazz Band” from New Orleans in 1917 helped introduce audiences to the unique sounds and rhythmic capabilities of the drum kit.

Were drums widely accepted on stage in the early days of rock and country music?

No, drums were not widely accepted on stage in the early days of rock and country music. Many venues did not allow drums, and there was a perception that drums were associated with “black” culture, leading to segregation issues.

How did musicians create percussion sounds in the absence of a traditional drum kit?

To work around the challenges of incorporating drums, “white” bands in the early days of rock and country music used various techniques to create a percussion sound. One common technique involved playing the guitar with a piece of brown paper sack or a dollar bill wrapped around the strings, creating a rhythmic effect.

When did the drum kit gain mainstream acceptance in music?

The drum kit started gaining mainstream acceptance as blues, bluegrass, jazz, and traditional pop and country genres began to mix. Musicians like Johnny Cash, who incorporated percussion sounds into their music, contributed to the mainstream acceptance of drums.

Did the development of drum kits vary across different musical genres?

Yes, the development and acceptance of drum kits varied across different musical genres. While jazz played a significant role in popularizing the drum kit, early rock and country music faced challenges in incorporating drums due to cultural perceptions and venue restrictions.

How did the drum kit evolve over time?

The drum kit evolved over time through advancements in drum technology and the integration of various percussion instruments. As different genres blended and musicians experimented, the drum kit’s sound and setup continued to develop and diversify.

What impact did the drum kit’s popularity have on music?

The popularity of the drum kit revolutionized music by providing a versatile and rhythmic foundation. It allowed musicians to explore new musical possibilities and genres, contributing to the diverse range of music we enjoy today.