- Tin Pan Alley: This genre dominated popular music in the United States, characterized by sentimental ballads and novelty songs performed by vocalists and accompanied by piano or small ensembles.
- Ragtime: A lively syncopated style of piano music that emerged around the turn of the century, blending African-American musical elements with European forms like marches, cakewalks, and polkas.
- Vaudeville: A theatrical form featuring a variety of acts, including songs, dances, comedy, and acrobatics. Vaudeville played an important role in popularizing new songs and performers.
Notable Songs of 1912:
- "Alexander's Ragtime Band" by Irving Berlin: This spirited ragtime song became an instant hit and a signature tune for Berlin's career.
- "Till We Meet Again" by Richard A. Whiting and Ray Egan: A sentimental ballad that remained popular for decades and was recorded by numerous artists.
- "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" by Nat D. Ayer and Seymour Brown: A charming and nostalgic ballad that remains a classic to this day.
- "The Yama Yama Man" by Arthur Collins and Billy Baskette: A novelty song about a mystical fortune-teller, often performed in vaudeville acts and became a popular catchphrase.
- "The Preacher and the Bear" by Billy Golden and Harry Von Tilzer: A humorous novelty song that showcased the popular storytelling tradition in music.
These songs are just a few examples of the diverse and vibrant musical landscape of 1912, reflecting the evolving tastes and styles of the early 20th century.