The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #146595   Message #3678221
Posted By: GUEST,Phil
18-Nov-14 - 06:59 PM
Thread Name: Can a pop song become traditional?
Subject: RE: Can a pop song become traditional?
My own definitions have changed over the decades but at present I'd say yes.
Pop(ular) = Percent of market share. We keep charts. In America it's Billboard, Goldmine, etc.
Traditional = We have occasions. Happy Birthday; Land of Hope and Glory; The Bridal Chorus; Auld Lang Syne; For He's a Jolly Good Fellow. Going by sheer playcount and participation this probably the more 'popular' music.

In different days and times "Lay My Head Beneath a Rose" and "Danny Boy" were both pop sheet music hits and traditional funeral songs.