The ghost of the war. The 1940s marked a time of drastic change within the music industry. Instrumental innovation meant bands were exploring sound in ways they hadn't before. Big Band emerged, held together by musicians experimenting in harmony and counterpoint within their own improvisatory arrangements. This style dominated the 1940s with an inclination towards jazz albums that has not been seen since. Alongside this, the decade also brought Country, Blues, and R&B to prominence. All provided unique influences upon popular culture for generations to come following the era's conclusion. The generation of '40s shouldn't just be remembered for World War II, but also as a pivotal period for musical experimentation and development.