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.
Stunning shot taken in 1983 of Annie Lennox wearing a striking make-up style that was originally created by artist Sue Mann
Signed limited edition cassette print by Horace Panter of The B-52's
John Lennon in New York City in 1974, this was during the period when he recorded 'Walls and Bridges'.
John Lennon and Yoko Ono In the White Room in Ascot, 1971 where the classic video clip for ‘Imagine’ was shot
This iconic 'Umbrella' image of The Beatles was taken in Scotland in 1964 on the banks of Loch Earn.
John Lennon & Yoko Ono in the kitchen of their home in Tittenhurst Park Ascot, UK in 1971, taken after an on-site press interview.
The Beatles having fun at Cliveden House whilst taking a break from filming the comedy, Help in May 1965.
Iconic photo of John Lennon with a flower in his eye, fondly known as 'Adoration'.
A very relaxed looking John Lennon taken by photographer Robert Whitaker at his studio in London.
Photo shoot for Telegraph Sunday Magazine used on Parallel Lines picture disc, taken in New York in 1978.
Debbie Harry reclining on a chair in her New York apartment in 1988. Her portrait by Andy Warhol is resting on a radiator in the background.
All four members of Chic cannot help but groove to the same beat. Taken by Jill Furmanovsky at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1979.
David Bowie posing in Beckenham Palace Park in September 1969
Aladdin Sane is the one image that has defined David Bowie and is nicknamed the 'Mona Lisa of Pop' - Shot by Duffy in his London studio.
David Bowie in front of a Diego Rivera mural whilst visiting the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City in October 1997
Iconic Mick Rock photograph of David Bowie during the 'Saxophone' Session in London 1973
Terry Pastor's photograph of David Bowie from the 'Hunky Dory' album cover photo session.
David Bowie and photographer Geoff MacCormack backstage on the set of The Man Who Fell to earth.
Elton John performing 'Crocodile Rock' onstage at the Edmonton Sundown in London in March 1973
Limited edition screen print of Amy Winehouse by artist David Studwell.
Nick Cave relaxing in a Brazilian rooftop bar with Saõ Paolo as the backdrop. Taken in February 1994
Pete Townshend throws his guitar live whilst The Who perform at Madison Square Gardens in the US, 1979.
Nile Rodgers enjoying the crowd when Chic played the Glastonbury Festival in 2017
Foo Fighters is an American rock band founded in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the death of Kurt Cobain.
The Libertines are an English rock band, formed in London in 1997 by frontmen Carl Barât (vocals/guitar) and Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar).
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk.
Pulp are considered to be one of the most innovative and popular bands of the late 20th century and key figures of Britpop
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
Stunning collection of limited edition prints of David Bowie created by award-winning photographer Markus Klinko.
Discover our specially curated collection of limited edition prints from renowned music photographer Gered Mankowitz