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The History of Beach Music

Beach music is a style that was created during the '40s, '50s and '60s from various musical genres, including big band swing, R&B, jazz and blues. It was particularly popular in the North and South Carolina regions, but expanded through the United States from there. Though it is not always considered to be a major musical genre, it is still an important one.
  1. The Beginning

    • Beach music developed in the Southeast United States, particularly around Myrtle Beach, in the mid '40s to '50s. Along piers and beach bars, the music grew in popularity through resort workers and vacationing teenagers.

    After the Storm

    • After a devastating hurricane in 1954, beach music haunts were washed away in the city. Afterward, the music went to the beach itself, and a new wave of musicians was born, making the music more dancy than before.

    1960s

    • During the late '60s, beach music continued to grow in the Southeast as clubs in North and South Carolina began to cater to the music. Radio shows also popped up focusing on beach music.

    1970s

    • During the 1970s the popularity of the music declined greatly. Not as many songs were recorded and even fewer were hits.

    Resurgence

    • Beach music came back strong from 1980 to 1995. New clubs formed, the style of the music changed to incorporate a bit of the disco sound and a hall of fame was set up to commemorate important people to the genre.

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