Australian music industry

Settlers from Europe brought over many new types of instruments such as violins, flutes and pianos, some of which had been in use within European classical music since the 17th Century.

Convict and folk songs played an important role in expressing Australia's founding as a penal colony and the colonisation of the nation.

It also led to new opportunities and challenges for musicians and artists such as Peter Dawson, Harold Williams and Gladys Moncrieff would find large success in this era.

Radio stations began to play music primarily to attract and retain new audiences and helped to encourage people to tune in regularly.

The 78 RPM records featured a wide variety of musical genres from this era, most notably jazz, blues and ragtime[12][13] with Australian broadcasting using both local artists such as Frank Coughlan and worldwide artists such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman.

Various singers and bands would organise large gatherings and live performances for military personnel to boost morale.

[20][21] The growing popularity of the radio helped to popularise music in Australia significantly more, because it was much more easily accessible and affordable for people.

Post-war society brought about a period of economic prosperity in Australia, leading to an increased disposable income among the population.

Prominent Rock n' Roll artists like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bill Haley rapidly gained popularity in Australia through their recordings.