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.
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.
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.
O.A.R. is an American rock, jam band founded in 1996 in Rockville, Maryland by lead vocalist Marc Roberge and drummer Chris Culos.
Oasis were an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band have sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Early shot of The Fall at Central Station Car Park, Manchester in the summer of 1978
Angus Young from rock band AC/DC onstage during their 'Back in Black' UK Tour in 1980.
Terry Pastor's photograph of David Bowie from the 'Hunky Dory' album cover photo session.
Chrissie Hynde has one of the most distinctive voices in rock music and is best known as the founder of The Pretenders
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
Prince was a musical innovator known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress sense and unique vocal range.
Critics have called The Smiths the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
The Rolling Stones have been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Our collections share the best images spanning their career
Edition 100 was created to give fans & collectors a chance to own classic, historical pictures of their favorite bands.
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
