1946: The Year Popular Culture Emerged from the Shadows of War

timpounder
Jun 4, 2024
9 min read

Updated: Aug 2, 2024

Introduction

As the world emerged from the shadows of the Second World War in 1946, a new era of popular culture began to take shape. The devastation of the conflict had left an indelible mark on society, but the yearning for entertainment, escapism, and cultural expression was stronger than ever. In this inaugural edition of our weekly blog, we'll explore how the year 1946 set the stage for a remarkable renaissance in music, film, literature, and the arts – a renaissance that would go on to define the decades that followed.

The Year That Rocked Before Rock: 1946's Seismic Musical Shift

As the world recovered from the devastation of World War II in 1946, the landscape of popular music was poised for a profound transformation. Although rock 'n' roll had yet to make its debut, the year marked the beginnings of a musical revolution that would soon captivate audiences across the globe. Let us delve into the musical diversity of 1946, which laid the groundwork for the dramatic changes in the years that followed.

The Resurgence of Big Band Music

In the years immediately following the war, the luminaries of swing from the 1930s and early '40s, such as Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey, continued to dominate the scene. The year 1946 featured iconic releases like Goodman's "Undecided" and Miller's posthumous hit "The Trolley Song." These tracks underscored the lasting appeal of the swing era with its sophisticated harmonies and virtuosic solos.

The Emergence of Jump Blues and R&B

Simultaneously, a new generation of African-American musicians was laying the foundation for what would become rhythm and blues (R&B). Artists like Louis Jordan, Erskine Hawkins, and Wynonie Harris blended the visceral energy of blues with the dynamic rhythms of jazz. Jordan's 1946 hit "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" typified this new style with its engaging shuffle beat and spirited vocals, while tracks like Hawkins' "Tippin' In" and Harris' "Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well" intensified the sound, setting the stage for the emotive power of R&B and its eventual evolution into rock 'n' roll.

The Endurance of Western Swing

In the rural heartlands, country and western swing remained popular. Artists like Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Spade Cooley, and Tex Ritter infused traditional country elements with jazz influences, creating a distinctive regional sound that resonated with working-class audiences. This genre's vitality was evident in Wills' "New Spanish Two-Step" and Ritter's "Pecos Bill," which both showcased the vibrant energy and intricate musicianship characteristic of western swing.

The Appeal of Crooners

On another front, a group of smooth vocalists, including Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Perry Como, captivated audiences with their suave, romantic performances. Sinatra's poignant "The House I Live In" and Crosby's "Swinging on a Star" exemplified the crooners' artistry, offering a polished and refined alternative to the burgeoning raw sounds.

Prelude to a Musical Revolution

Beneath the mainstream's surface, a musical revolution was brewing, particularly in cities like Memphis and Cleveland. Innovative DJs and artists were merging the gritty elements of blues with country twangs and the impactful beats of R&B. This explosive combination was setting the stage for the emergence of rock 'n' roll. Although the term "rock 'n' roll" was not yet in use, pioneers like Wynonie Harris and Roy Brown were captivating audiences with their dynamic and energetic performances.

As the world moved away from war's shadow, the desire for a new, youthful, and rebellious musical expression became increasingly evident. The year 1946 was critical in planting the seeds for this cultural and generational upheaval, setting the stage for the revolutionary spirit of rock music that would soon follow.

Film: The Golden Age of Hollywood Endures

Hollywood continued to captivate audiences in 1946 with the release of several iconic films that would go on to become beloved classics. One of the most notable was Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life," a heartwarming and poignant tale that resonated with audiences in the aftermath of the war. The film's exploration of themes like community, sacrifice, and the value of individual life struck a chord with viewers, reflecting the shifting social and political climate of the post-war era.Another standout release of the year was William Wyler's "The Best Years of Our Lives," a powerful drama that chronicled the struggles of three veterans as they reintegrated into civilian life. The film's nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by returning soldiers, from psychological trauma to the difficulties of finding employment, offered a raw and honest depiction of the realities of the post-war world. Its critical and commercial success cemented its status as a landmark of the era.Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious" also captivated audiences in 1946, showcasing the director's masterful command of suspense and psychological tension. The film's intricate plot, which centered on a woman recruited by the U.S. government to infiltrate a Nazi spy ring, not only entertained viewers but also explored themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities of the post-war landscape.These films, and many others released in 1946, demonstrated the enduring power and relevance of Hollywood's Golden Age. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the post-war era, the film industry continued to produce works that captivated audiences, reflected the zeitgeist of the times, and cemented the medium's status as a powerful cultural force.

Literature: The Resurgence of Modernism

In the literary realm, 1946 witnessed a resurgence of modernist writing, as authors continued to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and explore the complexities of the post-war world.One of the most prominent figures of this literary movement was T.S. Eliot, whose 1946 publication of "Four Quartets" solidified his status as a leading voice in the modernist canon. The collection of poems, which grappled with themes of time, memory, and the human condition, showcased Eliot's mastery of language and his ability to craft intricate, multilayered works that defied conventional narrative structures.Ezra Pound, another key figure in the modernist movement, also continued to make his mark in 1946 with the publication of his epic poem "The Pisan Cantos." The work, which drew inspiration from classical literature and Eastern philosophy, further cemented Pound's reputation as a pioneering and often controversial literary innovator.Meanwhile, Ernest Hemingway, who had already established himself as a literary giant, published "The Sun Also Rises" in 1946, a novel that would go on to become a seminal work of the Lost Generation. The book's spare, understated prose and its exploration of the disillusionment and aimlessness of the post-war era resonated with readers, solidifying Hemingway's status as a master of modernist fiction.These works, and the authors who created them, represented a continued evolution of the modernist movement, which had taken root in the early 20th century. In the aftermath of the war, the modernists' experimental approaches to storytelling and their willingness to grapple with the complexities of the human experience offered a powerful counterpoint to the more traditional literary forms that had dominated the pre-war era.

The Arts: Embracing Abstraction

The visual arts scene in 1946 was marked by the growing popularity of abstract expressionism, a movement that challenged the conventions of traditional painting and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the realm of fine art.At the forefront of this artistic revolution were artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, whose bold, gestural canvases captivated audiences and critics alike. Pollock's "Autumn Rhythm (Number 30)," completed in 1950, exemplified the artist's unique approach, which involved dripping, pouring, and splattering paint onto the canvas in a spontaneous and highly expressive manner. The resulting works, with their lack of discernible subject matter and their emphasis on the physical act of painting, represented a radical departure from the representational art that had dominated the pre-war period.De Kooning, too, made significant strides in the abstract expressionist movement, with his 1946 painting "Excavation" showcasing his ability to create dynamic, multi-layered compositions that blurred the line between figuration and abstraction. The work's fragmented forms and bold, energetic brushstrokes reflected the artist's desire to capture the essence of the human experience, rather than simply reproduce it.The rise of abstract expressionism in 1946 marked a pivotal moment in the history of the visual arts, as artists sought to break free from the constraints of traditional representation and explore the expressive potential of the medium itself. This shift towards a more experimental and emotive style would have a lasting impact on the art world, paving the way for the emergence of other avant-garde movements in the decades to come.

Fashion: Elegance and Practicality

In the realm of fashion, 1946 saw a blend of elegance and practicality, as designers sought to cater to the needs of a post-war society that was eager to move beyond the austerity and rationing of the war years.One of the most significant developments of the year was the emergence of Christian Dior's "New Look" silhouette, which captivated the fashion world with its voluptuous, feminine aesthetic. Dior's designs, which featured cinched waists, full skirts, and an abundance of fabric, represented a stark contrast to the more utilitarian styles that had dominated during the war. The "New Look" became a symbol of the era's desire for a return to luxury and opulence, as the world sought to leave the hardships of the past behind.Alongside Dior's groundbreaking designs, the fashion industry also embraced a more practical and accessible approach, with designers creating garments that were both stylish and functional. The emergence of the "New Look" did not entirely eclipse the need for practical, everyday clothing, and many designers sought to strike a balance between elegance and practicality.The fashion trends of 1946 reflected the broader cultural shifts taking place in the post-war era. As the world grappled with the aftermath of the war, the desire for a return to a sense of normalcy and luxury was palpable, and the fashion industry responded by offering a range of styles that catered to this yearning. The "New Look" silhouette, with its cinched waists and full skirts, became a symbol of this cultural renaissance, capturing the public's imagination and setting the stage for the fashion trends that would define the decades to come.

NB. The House of Dior was established in December 1946 with the official launch of the range in 1947.

Popular Culture: The Rise of Television

The year 1946 marked a significant milestone in the world of popular culture, as the first commercially available television sets were introduced to the public. This technological advancement would soon revolutionize the way people consumed entertainment and information, ushering in a new era of mass media that would have a profound impact on the cultural landscape.Prior to the widespread adoption of television, the primary sources of entertainment and information were radio, film, and print media. However, the introduction of television sets in 1946 offered a new and more immersive way for people to engage with the world around them. Suddenly, audiences could not only hear the news and music they loved but also see it unfold before their eyes, creating a more intimate and engaging experience.The impact of television's rise was felt across various sectors of popular culture. In the entertainment industry, the new medium provided a platform for the development of new genres and formats, from sitcoms and dramas to variety shows and news programs. Advertisers, too, recognized the power of television as a tool for reaching a mass audience, leading to the emergence of a new era of commercial advertising that would shape consumer culture for decades to come.Beyond its entertainment and commercial applications, television also had a significant impact on the dissemination of information and the shaping of public opinion. The ability to broadcast live events and news coverage in real-time gave the medium a level of immediacy and relevance that had not been possible with previous forms of media. This, in turn, led to a greater awareness of global events and a more interconnected understanding of the world.The introduction of television in 1946 was a pivotal moment in the history of popular culture, marking the beginning of a technological revolution that would transform the way people consumed and engaged with media. As the world emerged from the shadows of the war, this new medium offered a window into a rapidly changing world, setting the stage for the cultural transformations that would unfold in the decades to come.