A second origin of American popular music is the blues. It depicted mostly sad feelings reflecting the difficult lives of American blacks. It is usually played and sung by black musicians, but it is popular with all Americans.

Rock music is a newer form of music. This music style, featuring fast and repetitious rhythms, was influenced by the blues and country music. It was first known as rock-and-roll in the 1950's. Since then there have been many forms of rock music, hard rock, soft rock, punk rock, disco music and others. Many performers of popular rock music are young musicians.

American popular music is marketed to a demanding audience. New popular songs are heard on the radio several times a day. Some songs become popular all over the world.

People hear these songs sung in their original English or sometimes translated to other languages. The words may differ but the enjoyment of the music is universal.

现在请你回答三个问题. 回答之后老师会念出正确答案给你听.

第一个问题是:

M: What are some types of American popular music?

F: Country, blues and rock are some types of American popular music.

第二个问题是:

M: What is country music?

F: It features simple themes and melodies describing day to day situations and the feelings of country people.

第三个问题是:

M: Does American music have a wide audience?

F: Yes, it does.