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A Comparison Contrast Essay Between. Reggae and Bluegrass

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A Comparison Contrast Essay Between. Reggae and Bluegrass
Reggae and bluegrass are two unique musical genres with some very similar aspects. By tracing the origins of these two types of music, it is evident that there is a certain relationship between these two radically different and immensely popular types of music. Both styles of music originated by popular demand. They dealt with the everyday issues of ordinary people in the 1930’s. By examining certain key aspects in the history and style of reggae and bluegrass - the roots of these types of music, the pioneers of these musical genres, the content of the lyrics - one is able to understand how these two seemingly different types of music share many fundamental similarities such as paths from the origins. Similarities might also be found in the lyrical content; not necessarily the actual lyrics but in the reasons why they were written.

The foundations on which reggae and bluegrass are built may seem entirely unrelated. With further observation, however, one might see that this is far from the truth. Bluegrass music was said to have emerged as early as the seventeenth century by the colonists who began settling in America. “It is said that bluegrass can be traced all the way back to the Jamestown and the subsequent colonie

Clearly, religion plays an important role in the lives of most ordinary, common people. This is also very clear in the bluegrass and reggae lyrics. Much of reggae music is centered on Rastafarianism, which is essentially a religious doctrine. Marley’s lyrics to “Redemption Song” advocate a Rastafarian concept: fighting for what you believe in with the support of God. “But my aim was made strong by the hands of the almighty; we fought in this generation triumphantly” Other artists, like the lesser known, Bankie Banx, chose to write lyrics based on the earth, "Cherish the rock, on which we build our nation, Cherish the rock it is our true foundation." Showing reverence for the not only God, but for what God made. (). Likewise, the lyrics

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