Today’s adults aren’t what they used to be. Back in 1966, a Harris survey found that rock and roll was by far the most unpopular music in the country. In fact, 44% said they actively disliked rock music; just 4% said it was their favorite. Times have changed. Rock is now the most popular music among Americans. Two-thirds listen to rock often (35%) or sometimes (30%), placing it ahead of country, rhythm and blues, hip-hop, classical, jazz and salsa. One reason that rock has gained such prominence among music fans is that many of those who disliked it in the 1960s are no longer around. But another reason is that today’s young adults are fans of their parents’ tunes. The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix remain popular among those ages 16 to 29. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.