1950s: The 1950s saw the rise of rock and roll, with iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. This era is often considered the golden age of rock and roll, and many of the songs from this period are still widely recognized today.
1960s: The 1960s was a time of great experimentation and creativity in pop music. Motown Records emerged as a major force in the industry, with artists such as Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. The British Invasion also had a major impact on pop music, with bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones gaining immense popularity.
1970s: The 1970s saw the continued rise of singer-songwriters, as well as the emergence of disco and punk rock. Some notable artists from this era include Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and David Bowie. Disco was also a major force in the 1970s, with artists like Donna Summer and ABBA gaining significant success.
1980s: The 1980s saw the rise of MTV and the dominance of pop music on television. Michael Jackson became a global superstar, while pop bands like Madonna, Duran Duran, and Wham! also gained significant popularity. The 1980s also saw the rise of hip-hop, with artists like Run-DMC and Public Enemy gaining widespread attention.
1990s: The 1990s was a time of great diversity and innovation in pop music. Grunge, electronic music, and hip-hop all gained popularity, with artists such as Nirvana, Radiohead, and Tupac Shakur making a significant impact on the music scene. The 1990s also saw the rise of boy bands and girl groups, with groups like the Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and NSYNC gaining immense success.
2000s: The 2000s saw the continued growth of pop music, with new artists and genres emerging. Pop-punk bands like Blink-182 and Green Day gained popularity, while R&B artists like Destiny's Child and Mariah Carey continued to dominate the charts. The 2000s also saw the rise of digital music and the impact of social media on the music industry.
2010s: The 2010s saw the rise of streaming services and the continued globalization of pop music. Artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Justin Bieber gained immense popularity, while K-pop also became a global phenomenon. The 2010s also saw the emergence of new genres, such as alt-pop and electronic pop, with artists like Lorde and Dua Lipa gaining widespread recognition.
It's worth noting that these are just a few examples of notable eras for pop music. Depending on personal preferences, some individuals may have different opinions on when the best time for pop music was.