Question

Given the extraordinary popularity and success that the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein has had, what sort of impact do you think the lyrics of these “advice songs” have had on American culture in the 1940s, 50s and 60s? Were their songs so popular strictly because of their very appealing melodies and harmonies, or did people really come to believe the advice they were being given? Or is it possible that the very appealing melodies and harmonies persuaded audiences to become more receptive to the advice?

Oscar Hammerstein II: Out Of My Dreams 2

Oscar Hammerstein II: Out Of My Dreams 3

Oscar Hammerstein II: Out Of My Dreams 4

Oscar Peterson Trio

Answer 1

Rodgers and Hammerstein with their music has been known to revolutionize the American culture during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Starting with their first show " Oklahoma", they had provided the Americans with the different genre of music which gave them advices through the appealing lyrics. Through their songs they made a huge impact on people as people all around the country were seen humming their songs and following the advices and fantasies in the lyrics. Rodgers and Hammerstein felt the agony of loneliness and through their songs asked people to whistle a happy tune so that they don't feel alone. They also sang about love at first sight and gave people hope about their love life as well as adviced them to get out of loneliness.

The music and lyrics were very appealing and that was the main reason why people were drawn to their concerts. It is a well known concept that appealing music makes us more attentive to it and thus, the audience due to the attractive nature of the songs got persuaded to attend to the suggestive lyrics and through repeatative exposure with the lyrics started believing in their thoughts. Thus, through this the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein revolutionized the American culture in 1940s, 50s and 1960s.