Every recording in the National Jukebox is described by one or more Genre terms. The terms have been assigned from a pre-defined small group. Each term is described below. Genre terms describe a broad category or form of music, a type of spoken recording, or another feature of the content of the recording.
Indented terms below are sub-genres. Selection of one of the broad terms (for example, "Popular music") will return a list of all recordings to which Popular has been assigned, as well as all recordings to which a Popular sub-genre term has been assigned. The latter group includes blues, ethnic music, humorous songs, and other sub-genres listed below.
Note for keyboard users: To open the next menu item in this accordion style menu use the down arrow key then hit enter to open. Tab through the sub menu items then use the down arrow key and enter to move to the next item.
Classical music
Classical, or concert, music of any form or instrumentation. Popular pieces interpreted by musicians best known for performing classical music may also be found here.
- Opera
Selections assigned this sub-genre include excerpts from operas and similar works such as operettas and oratorios.
Ethnic characterizations
This heading is used for works that incorporate ethnic or regional groups as subject matter. Text and music may involve characters and/or musical elements that reflect attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs associated with ethnic and regional groups at the time the selections were written and performed. These characterizations may utilize outmoded and offensive stereotypes of nationalities, religions, or races.
Popular music
This heading encompasses popular music of any form or instrumentation. All selections assigned the sub-genres listed below (Blues through Yodeling) will also appear under this heading.
- Blues
Blues and blues-like works and performances.
- Ethnic music
Selections that incorporate traditional music associated with various ethnic groups, nationalities, and regional cultures.
- Humorous songs
Songs of a humorous or comic nature. Note that use of the term "humorous" indicates only the intention of the work at the time the recording was made.
- Musical theater
Works originally introduced in poplar musical theater productions.
- Ragtime, jazz, and more
Jazz and musical forms that are considered to be among the roots of jazz, including ragtime
- Traditional/Country
American folk music of various forms
- Whistling
Musical recordings that include whistling
- Yodeling
Musical recordings that include yodeling.
Religious
A musical or spoken word selection of a religious theme
Spoken word
This heading encompasses all spoken word selections, including works to which the sub-genres below have been assigned
- Comedies
Comedic spoken word selections. Use of the term indicates only the intention of the work at the time the recording was made.
- Descriptive specialties
Comedic skits that include musical accompaniment and sound effects
- Monologues, dialogues, and recitations
These include humorous monologues, dramatic scenes, and literary readings
- Speeches
Political addresses and readings of pre-existing texts
