Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the Western world during the 1950s and 1960s as a softer alternative to rock and roll. The terms "popular music" and "pop music" are often used interchangeably, although the former describes all music that is popular (and can include any style).
Although pop music is seen as just the singles charts, it is not the sum of all chart music. Pop music is eclectic, and often borrows elements from other styles such as urban, dance, rock, Latin, and country; nonetheless, there are core elements that define pop music. Identifying factors include generally short to medium-length songs written in a basic format (often the verse-chorus structure) as well as the common employment of repeated choruses, melodic tunes, and hooks.
In essence the characteristics of pop music include an aim of appealing to a general audience, rather than to a particular sub-culture or ideology, and an emphasis on craftsmanship rather than formal "artistic" qualities.
Adam and the Ants were an English new wave band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The group existed from 1977 to 1982.
After initial success with the The Tourists, she and David A. Stewart achieved major international success in the 1980s as Eurythmics.
The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960 and widely regarded as the most influential acts of the rock era.
Björk Guðmundsdóttir, (born 21 November 1965), known mononymously as Björk is an Icelandic singer-songwriter.
Blondie is a American rock band founded by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein that pioneered the New York new wave & punk scenes of the 1970s.
Blur are an English rock band, formed in London in 1988. The band helped establish the Britpop genre and achieved mass popularity in the UK.
Brian Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter & record producer best known for being the leader and co-founder of the Beach Boys.
Chic is an American band that was organized during 1976 by guitarist Nile Rodgers & bassist Bernard Edwards.
Not all of our prints reflect just one single artist so here are our rare and unqiue prints that celebrate more than one subject
The Cranberries are an Irish rock band who rose to international fame with their debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?
David Bowie was a leading figure in popular music for over five decades & regarded by critics & musicians as a true innovator.
Devo is an American rock band, formed in 1973 their music mingles science fiction themes, surrealist humor & satirical social commentary.
Ed Sheeran is the leading light in current popular music achieving unprecedeted success with his latest album 'Divide'
Elvis Presley was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century & the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music.
Eurythmics, duo Annie Lennox & Dave Stewart, were one of the defining bands of the 1980s with their New Wave synth-pop sound.
Fleetwood Mac are one of the world's greatest rock bands having sold over more than 100 million records over the last 50 years
Florence and the Machine's style is described as 'dark, robust & romantic', a mix of "classic soul & midnight-on-the-moors English art rock.
George Michael was one of the most influential and successful British pop musicians who sadly died on Christmas Day 2016
Grace Jones is a singer, songwriter, lyricist, supermodel & record producer, known for her unique look as much as she is for her music.
Johnny Marr is a renowned musician, songwriter and singer, best known as the guitarist and co-songwriter with The Smiths.
Joni Mitchell's songs drawing from folk, rock & jazz helped define a generation. She is regarded as one of the greatest ever songwriters
Catherine Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer, known for her eclectic and experimental music.
Keith Moon, The Who’s celebrated original drummer was noted for his unique style & eccentric, often self-destructive behaviour.
The Kinks, an English rock band formed by brothers Ray & Dave Davies are regarded as one of the most nfluential rock groups of their era.
The La's were an English rock band from Liverpool, active from 1983 until 1992 and ronted by singer, songwriter and guitarist Lee Mavers.
Lenny" Kravitz's 'retro' style of music incorporates elements of rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, hard rock, pop, folk & ballads.
Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
Madness are an English band from Camden Town, London & one of the most prominent bands of the late 70s & early 80s 2 Tone ska revival.
Madonna transcended the term 'pop star' into a global icon & is regarded as the most influential female recording artist of all time.
Manchester is inextricably linked to its musical heritage. A city whose music is deeply rooted in its fabric
Marc Bolan was an English singer-songwriter, musician, guitarist & poet. He was best known as the lead singer of the glam rock band T. Rex.
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor - often referred to as the 'King of Pop'.
Morrissey is an English singer, songwriter & author, he rose to prominence as the lead singer of the indie rock band The Smiths.
Noel Gallagher is regarded as one of the UK’s most respected musicians and the mastermind behind Britpop super group Oasis.
Shooting promotional films for the singles Rain & Paperback Writer at Chiswick Park Gardens in May 1966
This photo session was for No.1 Magazine (long since extinct) on a Eurythmics press day, they’d been doing interviews all day.
Early shot of The Fall at Central Station Car Park, Manchester in the summer of 1978
In the studio in Santa Monica, California in 1980, Bob Dylan is captured whilst leaning on his guitar case.
The Ramones' loud, fast, straightforward musical style was influenced by music that the band members grew up listening to in the 50s & 60s.
Lou Reed was one of music's most influential icons. His music defied all definitions of genre & left a legacy that has inspired generations
The Who are an English rock band that formed in 1964 & are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century.
Fleetwood Mac are one of the world's greatest rock bands having sold over more than 100 million records over the last 50 years
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
Check out our great range of authentic fine art photographic prints available for £250 or less.
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
