Throughout history, music has defined or represented culture and social events in America. Music has consistently played an important role in shaping American culture, where people expressed themselves through music during both thriving and turbulent times. In the 1930s, Swing music created a platform for audiences to express their emotions amid the Great Depression and political unrest. Such a strong relationship between music and culture can be seen throughout history, particularly in the 1960s. The 1960s were the age of youth, while millions of children of the post -war became teenagers and rebelled against the conservative 1950s. The denial of civil rights to African Americans and adolescent liberation during previous decades and the Vietnam War created a vortex that led to a massive rebellion against the status qua. The music of the 1960s was characteristic of the revolution taking place during that decade. It was a time of rebellion and counterculture in which teenagers and students criticized government, business, religious institutions, and other aspects of life. An era marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the environment of drug addiction and sexual freedom formed new music such as: folk rock, soul and psychedelic rock. These genres contrast sharply with the music of the mainstream pop teen idols of the 1950s. Writes John Covach; “The world was exploding and rock musicians were listening more intently than ever. » (Covach, 152) Such a stark contrast in pop music is directly linked to the evolution of social culture in America, which echoes the relationship between music and culture. Among the issues that divided Americans, none was more important than the civil rights movement in the 1960s. With the new movement led by Black Ch...... middle of paper ... get them in. » (Warhol & Hackett) Throughout our history, music has constantly been influenced by the trends of its times, reflecting social, economic and political changes. On the other hand, music has defined culture and social events or led them to a social revolution. For example, guys like Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder contributed greatly to social events. Such musical leaders and revolutionaries have existed throughout history. Works Cited Cohn, Nik. Rock from the start. sdCovach, John. What is this sound? An introduction to rock and its history. New York: WW Norton & Company, 2009. Hackett, Andy Warhol and Pat. POPism: Warhol's 60s. New York: Mariner Books, 1980. Miller, James. Flowers in the trash. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999. Samuels, David. “Wood wood.” (2008): 29.Vincent, Ricky. “Funk: music, people and rhythm