1969 was undoubtedly a big year for the music industry; from the first ever Woodstock and the Isle of Wight festivals hosting some of the biggest names in pop and rock, as well as the Beatle’s final album Abbey Road hitting the airwaves – not to mention France’s Eurovision win, it’s possible that this was the year that really launched popular music on a global scale.
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A World of Music
Fifty years on, and in a bid to uncover the origins of the population’s favourite music genres, Condor Airlines has commissioned a piece of research that looks further back than Medieval Europe to determine the birth place of every single category. While it’s no surprise that France’s beloved Pop music began in the USA in the 19th Century, it might surprise readers to learn that the common-day lullaby – the oldest genre by far – was derived in Babylon, in 3,000BC.
Genres from Europe
The research reveals that France has been creating new music genres since the late 1500s, and is responsible for classic categories such as the Gypsy Jazz, A cappella, and Polka – to name a few. While Europe is responsible for 27% of the world’s music genres, the majority originate in the USA, where a whopping 50% of all music types originate.
Genres from Africa
Africa is responsible for 14% (40 types) of all music genres, including Afro Punk and Cape Jazz.
Genres from North America
The USA were busiest discovering new genres in the 1900s, when 54 new types of music were established - in just 50 years. Possibly most surprisingly was the revelation that Salsa originated in the USA - born in Latin American neighbourhoods of New York City in the late 1960s, and not Cuba or Puerto Rico as first thought.
Genres from Asia
Asia is responsible for some of modern music's most beloved genres - K Pop, J Rock, and 8Bit to name just a few. Asia's contribution makes up 19% of the total 280 genres discovered.
Genres from Australia
Australia, however, only created three genres - Early Bush Music, Aussie Rock, and Contemporary Australian Country Rock Music.
Genres from The Caribbean
The Caribbean are responsible for some of the most recognizable genres - Reggae and Rumba, as well as Calypso, Ska, and Dance Hall music.
Genres from Central and South America
And let's not forget South America's contribution; The Samba, The Tango, and Mexico's Mariachi are some of the world's most beloved genres.
Breakdown of Genres per Region
Whatever your musical taste, there’s nothing like experiencing an iconic sound right where it all started – and Condor Airlines are encouraging their customers to explore their musical roots via an illustrated map that highlights the origin of each genre. You can find the complete map on-site now.