I am glad such an article has been attempted and would appreciate more being written about popular music (which, it could be argued, has been around since at least the mid 19th century) in general, and on its sub-branches such as Punk, Indie, Metal, Ragtime, Reggae, in particular.
It would be helpful if a little could be said about Rhythm and Blues (R&B), Jazz, Gospel, Rock 'n Roll, Country, and although the writer mentions Funk it can be added that this was a blending of what is called soul music, soul jazz, and R&B.
Although popular music, particularly its American and British lines, has been hugely influenced by the black Southern slaves and their African roots, there were also other influences, and of course popular music has its own history in other countries such as Iran and Mexico.
Although I was strongly influenced by traditional Gaelic and Indian classical music, nonetheless I have made an effort to keep myself open to all forms of music, particularly so as it helps to maintain contact with the ‘young at heart’, and in that regard I am grateful to that wonderful broadcaster, the late John Peel, and BBCs Radio 3 Late Junction presented by Fiona Talkington and Verity Sharp.
It would be beneficial for the magazine to receive articles on musicians such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison, Jackson Browne, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell and Bob Marley to mention but a few.
I can only encourage future articles on popular and other forms of music as it may provide an informative, enquiring listening bridge-way between older and younger generations.
Ted McNamara