Question

Given the extraordinary popularity and success that the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein has had, what sort of impact do you think the lyrics of these "advice songs" have had on American culture in the 1940s, 50s and 60s? Were their songs so popular strictly because of their very appealing melodies and harmonies, or did people really come to believe the advice they were being given? Or is it possible that the very appealing melodies and harmonies persuaded audiences to become more receptive to the advice?

Oscar Hammerstein II: Out Of My Dreams 2

Oscar Hammerstein II: Out Of My Dreams 3

Oscar Hammerstein II: Out Of My Dreams 4

Oscar Peterson Trio

Answer 1

Oscar Hammerstein II, born Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II, has been a screenwriter, US producer, and director of musicals for nearly 40 years. He was twice awarded the Oscar for Best Original Song. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Theater in 1950.

They were very popular because people really believed in these advice. But all of their songs were very appealing too, people liked to believe in the advice and the songs were very good for the people in that time when they thought that the advice were good for them.