1940s

The 1940 recording of "San Antonio Rose" made Bob Wills a national music figure.

South Carolina native Dizzy Gillespie began an innovative style of trumpet performance that would come to be called BeBop.

Rocky Mount, North Carolina native Thelonious Monk was a member of the adventurous musicians who liked to gather at Mintons in Harlem and contributed to the birth of Bebop.

Sonny Boy Williamson was one of the most influential harmonica players in blues history.  He was the blues first radio star on "The King Biscuit Time" in Helena, Arkansas.

Louis Jordan ,"Father of Rhythm and Blues," had his first million-seller in 1944 with "Is You Is or Is You Ain't Ma Baby?".

Nashville was beginning to emerge as a center for country recording. Chet Atkins played a major role in the development of the Nashville music industry.

The Louisiana Hayride began their Saturday
night broadcast from the Municipal Auditorium
in Shreveport, Louisiana on April 3, 1948.

On  June 11, 1949, Hank Williams made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most memorable in the Opry's history.

1900s  / 1910s  / 1920s  / 1930s / 1940s
1950s / 1960s / 1970s  / 1980s  / 1990s

Related 1940s

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MY MUSICAL LIFE
By Carl P. McConnell

Mabel McConnell talks about the Carter Family, Doc & Carl,
The Original Virginia Boys and the early days of radio.

Fowl Ball: An impressive flock of local and international showbirds gathered recently for an impromptu musical performance at the James D. Martin Wildlife Park in Gadsden, AL. You are cordially invited to watch.

Apple 16 GB iPod Touch