History
Lounge music, also known as easy listening, is a genre of music that originated in the 1950s and became popular in the 1960s. It is characterized by its mellow and smooth sound and its use of jazz, pop, and other styles of music.
The term "lounge music" comes from the lounge areas in hotels, casinos, and other venues where it was often played. It was designed to be background music that would create a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere for patrons. Lounge music became particularly popular in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, and many famous artists of the era contributed to its development and popularity.
One of the earliest forms of lounge music was easy listening music, which was popularized by Lawrence Welk in the 1950s. Welk's music was characterized by its simple melodies and arrangements, and it was often played by small instrumental ensembles. Easy listening music was often played in restaurants, hotels, and other venues, and it quickly became popular with adults and seniors.
Another important figure in the development of lounge music was Henry Mancini. Mancini was a composer and arranger who wrote music for films, television, and other media. He was known for his use of jazz and orchestral music in his compositions, and his music was often used in lounge areas and other public spaces. Mancini's most famous work is likely the theme from "The Pink Panther," which has become a classic of lounge music.
Other important musicians who contributed to the development of lounge music include Burt Bacharach, Herb Alpert, and Frank Sinatra. Bacharach was known for his use of complex harmonies and varied rhythms in his compositions, which often had a romantic or melancholic feel. Alpert, a trumpet player, was known for his use of Latin rhythms and his catchy melodies, which were often played by a full orchestra. Sinatra, of course, was one of the most famous crooners of his time, and his smooth voice and romantic lyrics helped to popularize lounge music among a wider audience.
The 1960s was a particularly important decade for lounge music. The rise of the Jet Age and the spread of commercial air travel created new opportunities for lounges and bars in airports and other travel hubs. Lounge music became associated with the glamorous and sophisticated world of travel, and it quickly gained a global following. In addition, the rise of American pop music and rock and roll in the 1960s led to new fusions and interpretations of lounge music. Many rock and roll artists, including the Beatles, experimented with lounge music in their compositions, and this helped to introduce it to a younger audience.
Despite its popularity in the 1960s, lounge music began to decline in the 1970s and 1980s as tastes in music shifted toward more experimental and electronic styles. However, it has continued to have a devoted following, and many artists and musicians continue to create and perform lounge music today.
Lounge music has had a lasting impact on popular music. Its use of varied rhythms, complex harmonies, and smooth vocals has influenced genres as diverse as bossa nova, trip-hop, and indie pop. Moreover, its association with sophistication and luxury has helped to create an enduring image of lounge culture that remains influential today.
Notable artists
Frank Sinatra: The King of Lounge Music, Sinatra is known for his smooth vocals and effortless charm. Some of his notable hits include "Fly Me to the Moon," "New York, New York," and "My Way."
Nat King Cole: With his velvety-smooth voice, Nat King Cole was one of the most recognizable voices in music history. Hits like "Unforgettable" and "L-O-V-E" remain beloved by fans today.
Dean Martin: Nicknamed "The King of Cool," Dean Martin was known for his suave demeanor and smooth vocals. Some of his most famous songs include "Everybody Loves Somebody" and "Sway."
Peggy Lee: A true pioneer in lounge music, Peggy Lee had a gift for combining jazz sensibilities with pop melodies. She is perhaps best known for her hit song "Fever."
Louis Armstrong: A true legend in the world of jazz, Louis Armstrong's musical contributions have left an indelible mark on the genre. Songs like "What a Wonderful World" and "Hello, Dolly!" are beloved classics.
Tony Bennett: With a career spanning more than six decades, Tony Bennett has proven his staying power in the world of music. Hits like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "The Best is Yet to Come" remain popular with fans around the world.
Ella Fitzgerald: Often referred to as the "First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald was a masterful performer who could sing anything from swing to scat. Her iconic recordings include "Summertime" and "A-Tisket, A-Tasket."
Bobby Darin: Known for his signature voice and charismatic stage presence, Bobby Darin had a string of hits in the 1950s and '60s. Some of his most memorable songs include "Mack the Knife" and "Beyond the Sea."
Dianna Krall: A more recent addition to the world of lounge music, Dianna Krall has become a beloved performer for her unique blend of jazz and pop. Songs like "The Look of Love" and "Peel Me a Grape" continue to captivate audiences.
Julie London: With a sultry voice and a gift for interpretation, Julie London was one of the most memorable performers in the lounge music scene. Her hits include "Cry Me a River" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy."
Broader context
In the book The Lounge Music Book, author Jim Kaskie described the genre as "a musical soft focus that's as comfortable as a slipper." He highlights the fact that the genre is often associated with "stylish sophistication, an air of romantic optimism, and an effortless cool." To Kaskie, the golden era of lounge music existed between the 1950s and the 1970s. He argues that the genre served as a bridge between the jazz and pop music of those times. According to Kaskie, the music was "smooth, sensual, and upbeat, with a catchy melody that could stick in your head for days."
In the book Easy Listening: A Roadmap to Your Favorite Music, author Tim Gracyk reaffirms Kaskie's views on the genre, calling it "an atmosphere, a mood, an attitude." Gracyk argues that lounge music is the kind of music you put on to relax after a long day at work or on a lazy weekend afternoon. He claims that the music can be "intelligent and frivolous, nostalgic and up-to-date, and always easy to listen to." To Gracyk, lounge music is "an art form that celebrates the joys of life."
However, some critics have been less enthusiastic about lounge music. In the book Lounge Legends: The Glory Days of Good Music, author John Howard expressed concern that the genre had been trivialized and reduced to a caricature of what it was in its heyday. Howard lamented that "today's lounge music is often little more than a collection of cheesy cover versions of chart hits, played by anonymous session musicians." To him, new lounge music lacks the "sophistication, intelligence, and wit" that characterized the music of lounge legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Nat King Cole.
Despite the polarizing views on lounge music, notable quotes continue to emerge on the genre. Barry Adamson, an English musician, once said, "Lounge music is like the son of exotica and mood music." He posits that the genre can evoke a sense of otherness, something that makes you feel like you are somewhere else entirely.
Similarly, Rufus Wainwright, a Canadian-American vocalist, referred to lounge music as "the soundtrack of the apocalypse." He argued that there was something ominous about the genre, and that it could be the perfect accompaniment to the end of the world.
Socially, the 1950s and early 1960s were a time of relative stability and conformity in many countries, with a strong emphasis on family values, conformity, and the suburban lifestyle. Lounge music, with its soft and elegant sound, became the perfect soundtrack for dinner parties, cocktail hours, and social gatherings of all kinds. As many people began to settle into the suburban lifestyle, they sought out music that helped to create a sophisticated and urbane atmosphere in their homes.
Culturally, the rise of lounge music was tied to the changing tastes and attitudes of many people during the era. The postwar period saw a growing interest in foreign cultures, especially those associated with the tropics or the exotic. This created a market for music that featured exotic, often stereotypical, sounds and rhythms. Lounge music fit this bill perfectly, with its blend of Latin, jazz, and other world music styles. Many of the pioneers of lounge music, such as Les Baxter, Martin Denny, and Arthur Lyman, drew inspiration from the exotic sounds of Hawaii, Polynesia, and other far-flung locales.
Technologically, the birth of lounge music was marked by the rise of stereo sound and the LP record format. Many lounge classics, such as Deccas' "Music For Relaxation" and RCA Victor's "Lounge Bravado," were released in stereo in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This allowed for a more immersive listening experience and further contributed to the lush and sophisticated sound of the genre.
One of the most notable record labels associated with lounge music was RCA Victor, which released a number of groundbreaking lounge albums in the 1950s and early 1960s. These included "Exotica" by Martin Denny and "The Original Music From The Exotic People" by Les Baxter. Other notable labels included Capitol Records, which released the "Ultra-Lounge" series, and Dot Records, which was home to the "Space-Age Bachelor Pad Music" of Juan Garcia Esquivel.
Journalists and broadcasters were also instrumental in the rise of lounge music. Writers such as Stephen Holden and Robert Fink helped to create a critical framework for the genre, while broadcasters such as Robert Cove and Jack Wagner helped to popularize it on the airwaves. Other notable figures include Andy Williams, who had a hit with his cover of "Moon River", a song featured in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's", and Herb Alpert, who scored several instrumental hits with his band, the Tijuana Brass.