The beginnings and golden age of pop music at the Taipei City Archives
If you are a music lover, here is a story you might be interested in! A new exhibition in Taipei invites visitors to go back in time to explore Taiwanese pop music history from the 1950s to the 1990s. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us down memory lane!
In the early days of Taiwan’s pop music scene, riverside music venues played a key role in local entertainment. The organizers of the exhibition have recreated a riverside concert to honor the roots of Taipei’s pop music.
Hsiung Ju-hsien
Curator
Back in the 1950s, one of the earliest pop music scenes in Taipei emerged along the Tamsui River. It was the post-war era, and people had very little in the way of entertainment. So, by the riverside, open-air song stages began to appear. Business people would clear the grass near the riverbank, build stages, and invite performers to sing lyrics on stage.
In the 1960s, Western music became increasingly prominent in Taiwan, especially along Zhongshan North Road, due to the presence of American military bases.
Hsiung Ju-hsien
Curator
In the 1960s, due to the Vietnam War, Taiwan became a place for US military to rest. During that time, American soldiers brought Western music to Taiwan. Many Taiwanese people enjoyed these songs and even formed their own bands. On Zhongshan North Road, there was the American Club and the Grand Hotel. The area was full of pubs and clubs, and everyone was listening to Western music.
Then, in the 1980s, cabaret shows and restaurant performances became popular. By the 1990s, underground rock bands began to emerge. This exhibit explores the rich history of pop music in Taiwan, showcasing iconic vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs.
Visitor
Because we are music lovers also so basically, it is quite nostalgic because that is the music of our grandparents. Then, when we come here and visit, I think I can find some of the cassettes still in my house. We saw some score over there and then we learned a little bit. We know how to read the music score so we can sing along. It is quite fun for us.
Visitor
It is quite interesting that it shows so many histories about Taiwan’s music.
Hsiung Ju-hsien
Curator
Taiwan is a very important stepping stone in the development of pop music. We hope to showcase how deeply pop music has been rooted in the city of Taipei from the 1950s to the 1990s, from the songs people listened to, to the cityscape that was shaped by pop culture. This exhibition invites everyone into a space of shared memories — a journey through Taiwan’s pop music history. Here, you’ll see iconic albums that represent each era.
The exhibit is also holding a series of performances, documentary screenings, talks, and even a karaoke competition. The exhibit will be held at the Taipei City Archives until Oct. 19.
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2025-09-12
