Exploring the Enduring Past in Popular Music: A Look at Historical Consciousness and Musical Influence

In his new book, “Same Old Song: The Enduring Past in Popular Music,” John Paul Meyers explores the deep relationship between popular music and the past. As an ethnomusicologist and professor of African American studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Meyers delves into the concept of “historical consciousness in popular music” and how artists and listeners engage with the past in meaningful ways.

Meyers highlights the practice of invoking the past in various genres such as rock, hip hop, and jazz. He points to examples like Beyoncé’s recent country music album featuring a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and the use of 1960s and ’70s soul and funk tracks in hip hop. Technology has made it easier for listeners to access music from the past, contributing to a greater engagement with historical music.

The book also explores how different generations connect with the past through music. Baby boomers have kept rock music from the 1960s and ’70s popular, while contemporary Black artists draw inspiration from the music of the 1970s. Meyers discusses how musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis have recorded songs from the Great American Songbook, establishing musical credibility and claiming artistic depth.

Meyers concludes that historical consciousness is a prevalent characteristic in popular music culture, but the musical past referenced by musicians will vary based on their backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and documenting diverse musical pasts beyond those traditionally highlighted by white critics and historians.

Overall, “Same Old Song” sheds light on the enduring connection between popular music and the past, showcasing how artists continue to draw inspiration from and pay homage to musical traditions of previous decades.