Music has long been a part of the culture and fashion of North American society. From Elvis Presley to Madonna, some of the most iconic artists have shaped not only music, but fashion, around the world. In this article, we’ll explore the fashion journeys taken by some of North America’s music stars, and the impact they have had on society. Join us as we dive into the lives of these iconic music stars and their fashion influence!
1. Exploring the Style Evolution of North American Music Stars
North America is the birthplace of some of the greatest musical artists and movements of the past 100 years. From jazz to rock and roll, funk, rap, and more, the musical landscape of the continent has changed drastically over time. To explore the transformation of musical styles, we’ll take a look at the North American music stars who have influenced the stateside scene.
Billy Holiday. One of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, Billy Holiday’s soaring vocal delivery and heartbreaking lyrics defined the style and attitude of jazz in its golden age. She has been a major influence for many big names in the industry, including Donny Hathaway and Beyonce. Holiday’s glittering career is a testament to the importance of innovation and evolution of style.
Elvis Presley. Known as the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ Elvis Presley is undeniably one of the most iconic figures in North American music. From his early country roots to his rocking style of the 50s and 60s, Elvis’s sound was heavily influential, bringing rock & roll to the masses. His adventurous approach changed the game, eventually leading to the emergence of psychedelic and glam rock.
Little Richard. Another cornerstone of 1950s rock & roll, Little Richard is renown for his outrageous on-stage persona and pioneering sound. His rhythm and blues inspired melodies, catchy hooks, and simple yet effective guitar solos had an unmistakeable impact on subsequent musicians as well as the rock & roll genre in general.
The Beatles. If any band is responsible for the emergence of psychedelic rock, it’s The Beatles. The Fab Four’s Lennon/McCartney songwriting tandem revolutionized the industry, propelling the band to incredible international success. Today, the influence of The Beatles is still evident in the modern rock, pop, and alternative rock scenes.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Pioneers of hip hop, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five have had a major impact on hip hop culture from its onset. Their seminal album The Message was important in both its socially conscious subject matter, innovative sampling techniques, and now iconic beats.
2. Bold Style Statements of Iconic Music Icons
It takes a certain kind of statement to be the voice of a generation, or to create an anthem — borrowing the words of a music icon can speak volumes without saying a thing. Here are some of the most memorable and bold style statements uttered by music icons throughout the years.
- David Bowie – “Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.”
- John Lennon – “Music is everybody’s possession. It’s only publishers who think that people own it.”
- Bob Dylan – “You either have to be busy living or busy dying.”
- Elvis Presley – “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away.”
Sometimes a single phrase from a reality superstar can be enough to encapsulate the era in which they lived. Here are a few iconic music star statements that bring to life another time and place.
- Jimi Hendrix – “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”
- Frank Sinatra – “The best revenge is massive success.”
- Michael Jackson – “Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul, and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation.”
- Beyoncé – “Power is not given to you. You have to take it.”
No matter the era, the music and the people creating it can provide timeless words of wisdom to live by. The music icon statements above ranges from dealing with personal power to living life authentically, and still inspire a generation to live peacefully and unapologetically.
3. Music-Inspired Fashion Trends from Across the Continent
If you look across the continent, from East to West and North to South, it’s obvious that music is one of the biggest influences in fashion. Music is a universal language, afterall, and fashion can be seen as both an expression and a communication of our identities. In combination, music and fashion can create powerful messages and trends. Here are a few of these musical trends from across the continent.
1. Urban Street Style
Urban street style is bustling with life and undeniably amplified by music. Subcultures, from hip-hop to punk rock, have always inspired fashion in urban cities. Loose tracksuit bottoms, oversized sweatshirts, distressed jeans, logo t-shirts, dad caps, and sporty bags are just a few of the clothing items that have been making its way around the urban streets. Commonly tied in with the music, it has become a go-to look for many who are looking for something more comfortable, while remaining trendy.
2. Music Festival Fashions
The ultimate embodiment of music and fashion are at music festivals. From headdresses to floral crowns, sunny sunglasses, kimonos, and boho dresses, there is an array of stylish pieces to be found. Whether the music is EDM, pop, or rock, attendees can be seen wearing styles spanning the range of emotions that the music tends to bring out. Neon, tie-dye, and lace are some of the most popular patterns. Stylish but practical shoes like wedges, boots, and sandals provide comfort.
3. Afro-Inspired
Africa is a continent with a rich history of musical and cultural heritage, and pieces of that can be seen in its sartorial decisions. From traditional garments to bright bold prints, no matter the type of music, African-inspired prints on dresses, skirts, and headwraps can be worn to express national pride. Embroidered fabrics, kente fabrics, and vibrant colors are all popular fabrics used and brought together to create a timeless look.
4. Day-to-Night
The perfect mix of both music and fashion is those in day-to-night looks. From the daytime of playing or leisurely listening to music, make the transition to the night by adding a few pieces of statement jewelry or a bold lip can bring any look from simple to stylish in an instant. Accessories can add just the right amount of bling to go from a concert to an evening out.
4. North American Music Icons’ Distinctive Fashion Footprints
One important aspect of music icons from North America is the unique fashion footsteps they have left behind. From the early days of jazz, and swing, to today’s hip-hop and pop stars, fashion is an ever-evolving part of the music scene.
Elvis Presley was often credited with turning the conventional wisdom of fashion on its head. Wearing high-collared bellbottom suits, his influence can be seen in music, film, and of course fashion. His iconic look was adopted by many of the era’s lower-class youth, and Elvis remains a style icon to this day.
Madonna, throughout her career, has embraced a unique style of fashion that emphasizes fearlessness and individuality. From the prim Dior suits of her ’90s phase to the cowboy-inspired ensembles of the ’00s, Madonna’s fashion has always been a reflection of her boundary-pushing musical pursuit.
Michael Jackson was an undeniable style icon throughout his career. He was most influential during the ’80s when he debuted his signature style of short black jackets, tight leather pants, and single-glove. His fashion was also influential in the world of dance, as he emerged as a trendsetter in stylish choreography.
Prince was a fashion trendsetter who embraced an androgynous look, embodying a Rock & Roll spirit with his iconic purple outfits. His fashion was all about expressing individual freedom and disregarding the boundaries of gender roles. He incorporated elements of pop culture with classic glamour, redefining and redefining traditional conceptions of what’s “normal” in fashion.
Without a doubt, fashionable style has been part of the music industry since its inception. North American music icons have left an indelible footprint in the industry, and in the world of fashion specifically, inspiring countless generations of fans to break the mold and express themselves through clothing.
The music styles of North American music stars continue to evolve, just as their fashion trends do. From major red carpet events to everyday everyday looks, North American artists have traveled the fashion journey, showing that the power of style has no bounds.
