Abstract
This research paper describes to the average internet user the possible abuse of copyright laws. The paper investigates the legality of companies such as Napster, which is organized downloading or file sharing services. It states the basic goals of copyright law and looks at new technologies, such as MP3 players.

From the Paper
"When an artist writes a song or a novelist writes a book, copyright laws protect his or her ideas. Copyright laws protect and secure a person's creativity, their originality and his or hers product so that others will not gain a profit from their work. Companies such as Napster, an Internet file sharing service, break these laws. However, downloading music off the Internet is not technically illegal."

Tags:kazaa, metallica, music, napster, sharing, web, wide, world

From the Paper
"Near the end of the 1960s jazz trumpeter Miles Davis (1926-91) began to experiment with electronic instruments (primarily bass and piano) played by members of his groups. Within a short time Davis released two recordings, In a Silent Way (1969) and Bitches Brew (1969), that started a storm of controversy--although the latter record sold better than any album in jazz history. The problem as Davis saw it was that people were simply unprepared to listen to his new style of group improvisation because, first, it involved electronic instruments and rock beats and, second, it was too complex and unusual. But critics and fans who deplored the new direction complained that the music simply was not jazz, that Davis had "sold out" in order to attract the large white audience for rock music with a "fusion" of jazz and rock, and, in some cases, that his new music was a..."

From the Paper
"He is widely recognized as one of the greatest composers in history and is also known for being a child genius in music. Who is this man? "Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His name can often be found in the same category as Beethoven or Haydn, other musical genius", but Mozart is even above and beyond these talents and in a category all his own; Through his musician father's strict teaching and touring Mozart was able to expand his talent in music. Mozart was the only composer in musical history to write in all the musical genres of his day and excel in every one. Mozart was able to contribute many magnificent compositions before his death in 1791. "

Tags:composer, music, musician, mozart, classical

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the Jazz Age during the twenties in America and how the music both reflected and inspired great social change. The author discusses the history of Jazz music, how it originated and spread and how it came to express the nature of society.

From the Paper
"The Twenties was a crazy time in America. There was crime and violence, illegal alcohol and drugs, and dancing and jazz music. Despite the depression and prohibition, jazz music was able to lift the spirits of Americans and get their knees knocking and their arms flailing. Jazz spread like wildfire through the nation, and taught Americans how to make the best of a "depressing" situation. Some jazz represents the spontaneity and confusion of the decade while the more serious jazz shows the underlying rhythm of the twenties. If one listens to jazz music from the 1920s one can sense the mood of the times, and feel the excitement that jazz brought to the nation."

Tags:20s, age, duke, ellington, jazz, music, fun, dance, express, mood, social

Abstract
This paper examines the effects of violent music as debated in Congress, the American Psychological Association, and parents, over why violent music encourages violence, especially rap and rock music.

From the Paper
"In the aftermath of the Columbine High School shootings, fingers quickly pointed at the violent media favored by the killers: violent video games, Quentin Tarantino films, Marilyn Manson music. For decades, violent lyrics and themes in popular music have been targeted for being responsible for almost every social ill- from school violence to teenagers increasing disrespect towards their parents."

Tags:kids, lyrics, music, violence, congress, american, psychological, association, apa, rap, rock

Abstract
This paper begins by describing the Reggae singer, Bob Marley and his origins and traces the beginnings of his musical career. The factors that influenced his music are explored, such as his early life and his conversion to the Rastafarian religion. The themes of his songs are dealt with, and his life in Jamaica is included in the study. The paper looks at Marley's contribution in introducing Rastafari, reggae, and Jamaica to the rest of the world.

From the Paper
"Bob Marley was born Robert Nesta Marley, O.M., on February 6, 1945, in a small Jamaican village called Nine Miles. He was the son of an English Army Captain, and a Jamaican woman named Cedella Malcolm. The Captain never married Malcolm, but he gave Marley his name. Eventually, he and his mother moved to Kingston, and lived in the slum called "Trench Town.""

Tags:music, Rastafarian, reggae, themes, songs, Jamaica, career, influence, religion, ideology

Abstract
This paper looks at rap music and its influence on today's youth, especially in the black community. It looks at the history of rap music, the lyrics and examines both its proponents and opponents. The lifestyles of the artists themselves are examined, as is the message they send, and the affect they have on their audience, whether intentional, or not.

From the Paper
"However, life often imitates art. Gangsta rap, a type of rap music made most popular by Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, glorifies violence such as murder, rape, and stealing. These two men in particular are role models to millions of young children who saw both of these icons die by way of gun violence. Despite their deaths, rap music continues to portray gang life and violence as something trendy and "cool". Drug use is also constantly glorified - west coast rappers such as Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre popularized the marijuana leaf in their lyrics; so much so that t-shirts, hats and bumper stickers with the bright green leaves were sold all over the country. I cannot fathom that the promotion of such illegal activities can bring about any positive results. Whether they desire to be or not, these entertainers are role models to young children and older teens. Their influence upon such impressionable minds is being used to desensitize their lives regarding violence, guns, gangs and drug use while glorifying life without a father, living on welfare and spending time in jail."

Tags:hip, hop, ganster, rap, entertainers, shakur, tupac, youth, black, conservative, liberal, lyrics, ganstar, records, society, african, american, nigger, violence, rape

From the Paper
"The musical elements of rap have had its share of changes with the advances in technology throughout the years. It's history states all the major components that made rap what it is today. The current trend of rap has it's history combined with new ways and enhanced sounds. "Rap has it's own social significance since the mid-1980s that deals with forms of expressions for many young people, both black and white"(0gg 178)."

Tags:80s, music, African, American, hip, hop

Abstract
This paper discusses how the musical styles of hip hop and rap create a powerful venue for African Americans to express their feelings regarding politics, racial discrimination and society in general. To compliment the main thesis, this paper includes an in-depth history of the origins of hip hop, analysis of politically significant songs and the effects of mass media on hip hop.

From the Paper
"In the United States of America we pride ourselves as being the freest nation in the world. Unfortunately, there are times in our history in which certain groups have been unrightfully deprived of their freedom. This can be said for African-Americans who endured 244 years of slavery and another century of institutionalized racism. As Ralph Ellison has suggested, "Afro-Americans have had rhythmic freedom in place of social freedom, linguistic wealth instead of pecuniary wealth" (West, 1999, p. 474). The late 1970s signaled a new era of rhythmic and linguistic wealth: rap music. Hip hop and in particular rap music gives African Americans on the margins of society a powerful voice to express political discontent, but these messages are being obscured by the violence and sexism in some rap music. While political discontent is expressed through all the elements of hip hop, rap music has become the most powerful, creating a link that transcends location, age, religion, and race."

Tags:expression, break, dance, political, politics

Abstract
An examination of the effect of Elvis Presley's career and life had on American society and culture. It discusses how his music transformed rock n' roll not only in how it sounded but also in his appearance and sexuality. It further looks at his movie career and how he influenced musicians and entertainers including Madonna.

From the Paper
"Elvis Presley openly acknowledged that black musicians and their unique blend of soul and blues were a major influence in his career. He grew up in a poor household in the rural South. He understood the problems faced by the poor in the South, many of whom were Black. He listened to their music, visited their clubs and bars, and brought their musical form to the attention of the world when he blended it with his country blues."

Tags:Music, Rock n' Roll, Elvis, culture