1

Ragtime - Scott Joplin

Image: Darius

The first entry on the list showcases the inventor of probably the most popular waiting-call tunes in history, Scott Joplin, the "King of Ragtime" himself. He composed over 40 ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. One of his first and most popular pieces, the "Maple Leaf Rag," became the genre's first and most influential hit, later recognized as the quintessential rag.

Joplin considered ragtime to be a form of classical music meant to be played in concert halls and largely disdained the performance of ragtime as honky-tonk music, most common in saloons.

2

Blues - W.C. Handy

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Blues music can’t be traced to a single individual, but William Christopher Handy can definitely be identified as a founding figure in the genre. He was an American composer and musician who referred to himself as the "Father of the Blues."

One of many musicians who played the blues, Handy did not create the blues genre but was one of the first to publish music in the blues form , thereby taking the blues from a regional music style (Delta blues) with a limited audience to a new level of popularity.

3

Jazz - Buddy Bolden

Image: Laura Rivera

Charles Joseph "Buddy" Bolden was an American cornetist who was regarded by contemporaries as a key figure in the development of a New Orleans style of "jass," which later came to be known as jazz. Bolden was known as "King" Bolden, and he was known for his loud sound and improvisational skills, and his style had an impact on younger musicians.

Many early jazz musicians credited Bolden and his bandmates with having originated what came to be known as jazz , although the term was not in common musical use until after Bolden was musically active. At least one writer has labeled Bolden as the father of jazz.

4

Country - Jimmie Rodgers

Image: Katherine Hanlon

Widely regarded as the "Father of Country Music," James Charles Rodgers was an American singer-songwriter and musician who rose to popularity in the late 1920s. He is best known for his distinctive yodeling , which is a singing style imported from the Alps.

He has been cited as an inspiration by many artists and he has been inducted into multiple halls of fame. By 1927, he stopped working for the railroad due to health issues and decided to focus on his music career.

5

Soul - Sam Cooke

Image: Mick Haupt

Considered one of the most influential soul artists of all time, Sam Cooke is commonly referred to as the "King of Soul" for his distinctive vocals, pioneering contributions to the genre, and significance in popular music.

During his brief eight-year career, Cooke released 29 singles that charted in the Top 40 of the Billboard Pop Singles chart, along with 20 singles in the Top Ten of Billboard's Black Singles chart.

6

Rhythm & Blues - Louis Jordan

Image: Austin Neill

Known as "the King of the Jukebox," Louis Thomas Jordan was an American saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and bandleader who was popular from the late 1930s to the early 1950s.

Jordan blueprinted the map of classic R&B, urban blues , and early rock-and-roll genres with a series of highly influential 78-rpm discs released by Decca Records. These recordings presaged many styles of Black popular music in the late 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s and exerted a strong influence on numerous leading performers in these genres.

7

Rock n Roll - Chuck Berry

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Best known as "Chuck," Charles Edward Anderson Berry was an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter who pioneered rock and roll music. Nicknamed the "Father of Rock and Roll," he refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive , writing lyrics that focused on teen life and consumerism and developing a musical style that included guitar solos and showmanship.

He recorded "Maybellene"—Berry's adaptation of the country song "Ida Red"—which sold over a million copies and reached number one on Billboard magazine's rhythm and blues chart.

8

Funk - James Brown

Image: iggii

"The Hardest-Working Man in Show Business," "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk," "Godfather of Soul," "Mr. Dynamite," and "Soul Brother No. 1," Mr. James Brown himself, was an American singer, dancer, and musician and the founder of funk music , as well as a major figure in 20th-century music.

In a career that lasted more than 50 years, he influenced the development of several music genres. Brown was one of the first ten inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 23, 1986. His music has been heavily sampled by hip-hop musicians and other artists.

9

Disco - Donna Summer

Image: Bas Peperzak

Disco music was becoming increasingly popular in the early 1970s, but according to many historians, it was Donna Summer’s "Love to Love You Baby" that became the first "official" disco release .

The song did not have an immediate American release; it started its life with moderate success in Europe before finally gaining traction and being launched in the U.S., where it became her first number-one hit on the Hot Dance Club Play Chart.

10

Rap - DJ Kool Herc

Image: Matthew Moloney

While this name might not be as instantly recognizable as those from the previous entries, it certainly deserves to appear and close the list, as it is often cited as responsible for the birth of an extremely popular music genre. Clive Campbell, better known by his stage name DJ Kool Herc , is a Jamaican American DJ credited with being one of the f ounders of rap music in New York City in 1973.

Nicknamed the "Father of Hip-Hop," Campbell began playing hard funk records typified by James Brown. He isolated the instrumental portions of the records, emphasizing the drum beat—the "break"—and transitioned from one break to another. Campbell's announcements helped lead to the syncopated, rhythmically spoken accompaniment now known as rapping.

1

Jello Molds

Jello molds were once a centerpiece of American entertaining, especially from the 1930s through the 1960s. They appeared at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners, often filled with fruit, marshmallows, or even vegetables and meat .

As tastes shifted away from gelatin-based dishes, these colorful creations slowly disappeared. Today, they’re more likely to spark nostalgia or even humor than appetite.

2

Chicken à la King

Chicken à la King was a creamy comfort dish found in homes, cafeterias, and hotel dining rooms across the country. Made with diced chicken, mushrooms, and peppers in a rich sauce , it was commonly served over toast or rice.

Once considered elegant yet approachable, it fell out of popularity as lighter, faster meals took over. Today, it’s rarely seen outside vintage cookbooks.

3

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak was once a standard American dinner, served in restaurants, school cafeterias, and home kitchens alike. Made from seasoned ground beef and smothered in gravy, it was filling, affordable, and easy to prepare.

As food culture moved away from processed and institutional meals, Salisbury steak lost its appeal. Today, it’s mostly associated with frozen dinners or nostalgic meals.

4

Chipped Beef ("SOS")

Chipped beef, thin slices of dried beef served in white gravy , was once ubiquitous. It appeared on breakfast tables and became especially associated with military dining during the early and mid-20th century.

Its strong, salty flavor eventually pushed it out of favor. While still remembered by many Americans, chipped beef is now rarely served outside a few traditional diners.

5

Porcupine Meatballs

Despite the name, no porcupines were involved in making this dish. The meatballs were made from ground beef mixed with rice , which poked out during cooking, giving the dish its nickname.

Popular during the Great Depression, porcupine meatballs stretched limited meat into hearty meals. As economic conditions improved and tastes changed, this clever and thrifty dish gradually faded from everyday cooking.

6

Olive Loaf

Olive loaf was once a common deli meat, recognizable by its pink color and green olive pieces . It was frequently sliced for sandwiches and served at lunches throughout the mid-20th century.

Changing tastes and the rise of fresher deli options pushed olive loaf into obscurity. Today, it’s remembered mostly by those who grew up seeing it behind deli counters.

7

Pickled Herring

Pickled herring was widely eaten by Americans of Northern European descent and was once a common item in grocery stores and home pantries. It was valued for its long shelf life and strong flavor .

As newer protein options became widely available, pickled fish fell out of favor. Today, it survives mainly in specialty stores and cultural traditions rather than on mainstream American menus.

8

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad combines fruit, coconut, marshmallows, and cream into a sweet side dish. It was especially popular at holidays and church gatherings.

Over time, its sugary profile and unusual texture made it feel outdated. While still remembered fondly, ambrosia salad is now far less common on modern tables.

9

Braunschweiger Sandwiches

Braunschweiger, a type of liver sausage, was once a standard sandwich filling in American households. Spread on bread with mustard or onions , it was inexpensive and widely available.

As Americans moved away from organ meats, Braunschweiger lost popularity. Today, it’s mostly limited to specialty markets and nostalgic diners.

10

Oyster sandwiches

Oyster sandwiches were once everyday food in coastal cities, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Oysters were cheap, abundant, and commonly fried or stewed .

As oyster populations declined and prices rose, the sandwich disappeared from daily menus. Today, oysters are considered a treat rather than a working-class staple.

11

Scrapple

Scrapple is a pork-based dish made from scraps, cornmeal, and spices . It was once common throughout the Mid-Atlantic, especially as a breakfast food.

While still eaten regionally, scrapple never regained national popularity. Many Americans now view it as unusual, despite its once-widespread presence.

12

Creamed Onions

Creamed onions were once a classic American dish, especially at holiday meals. Small onions were simmered and served in a thick, creamy sauce .

As side dishes became simpler and lighter, creamed onions fell out of favor. Now, they appear mainly in old family recipes or historical menus.

1

Corn Flakes

Image: Sten Ritterfeld

Who hasn't started their day with a bowl of Corn Flakes at least once? While Corn Flakes weren't exactly the first packaged cold cereal product sold in America, they are undoubtedly the most iconic. As early as 1902, William Keith Kellogg began mass production of his first cereal after proving its efficacy and popularity with patients at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, where he worked alongside his prestigious doctor brother.

The Kellogg brothers were focused on offering a healthier alternative to the traditional pork-and-beef heavy English-style breakfasts that most Americans were eating at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, they developed a process that allowed them to transform thin slices of cereal into small toasted flakes of wheat or corn. Since then, Corn Flakes, combined with fresh milk, have been one of the most popular breakfasts among Americans, young and old.

2

Cheerios

Image: Deena Englard

Did you know that a one-ounce serving of Cheerios contains nearly 250 individual "O's."? Crazy, right? Introduced in 1941 by the American company General Mills, Cheerios is one of the first oat-based ready-to-eat cereals and remains one of the most widely consumed in the United States.

Back in the 1930s, General Mills engineers tested more than 500 formulas and experimented with 10 different shapes and sizes before perfecting the now-iconic "O." They finally came up with the delicious cereal that offers the nutrients of 4 cereals: oats, corn, wheat, and rice. Today, there are about 20 different flavors of Cheerios available in the U.S., including Honey Nut, Chocolate, and Apple Cinnamon. Which one is your favorite?

3

Rice Krispies

Image: Lisa Fotios

Kellogg’s is one of the most influential breakfast cereal companies in the United States and the world, and we have them to thank not only for Corn Flakes but also for our beloved Rice Krispies. This breakfast cereal made from crispy rice first appeared on the shelves in 1928. It was revolutionary at the time because the company used a new patented process called "oven-popping" to manufacture them.

Rice Krispies’ success may have been due to its claim that the cereal would remain floating even after 2 hours in milk. The brand's classic slogan honoring this unique quality—"Snap! Crackle! Pop!"—was introduced around 1939 and is still used on packaging today. For decades, Rice Krispies has been one of the most popular cereals among consumers, so much so that even the Rolling Stones recorded a short song for a television commercial promoting the brand in 1964. Do you remember the catchy tune?

4

Cap'n Crunch

Image: Samantha Gades

Cap'n Crunch cereal, a combination of corn and oats, was developed in the early 1960s by Pamela Low, a flavorist who was inspired by a brown sugar and buttered rice recipe from her grandmother. Since its debut, additional flavors have been introduced, including Berries, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate.

But did you know that Cap'n Crunch’s full name is Horatio Magellan Crunch ? The iconic cartoon mascot was developed for the Quaker Oats Company by Allan Burns, a screenwriter and television producer who later co-created popular shows like The Munsters and The Mary Tyler Moore Show . Since its introduction in 1963, the late 18th-century naval captain, born on Crunch Island—a magical land in the Sea of Milk—has won the hearts (and bowls) of countless consumers across America.

5

Trix

Image: Sascha Bosshard

General Mills introduced Trix in 1954 as the first fruit-flavored cereal. Initially, it wasn’t marketed exclusively for kids, but because of the bright colors, it soon became a favorite among the little ones. When Trix was first launched, it featured round cereal balls in three flavors: "Raspberry Red," "Orange Orange," and "Lemony Yellow." It wasn't until 1991 that Trix became the first fruit-shaped breakfast cereal.

But as with other brands on this list, Trix is best remembered for its mascot rather than the cereal itself. In fact, the Trix Rabbit is one of the single longest-running ad campaigns in television history. Since the 1960s, the brand has kept the same character, the same slogan—"Trix are for kids!"—and the same storyline: the rabbit’s endlessly thwarted attempts to steal a box of cereal.

6

Frosted Flakes

Image: Engin Akyurt

If we talk about the sweetest cereals on the market, we cannot fail to mention Frosted Flakes. The concept and technology of a "frosted" cereal was developed in 1939 by Jim Rex, a salesman from Philadelphia who unfortunately didn’t have much success with his product Ranger Joe Wheat Honnies. The idea, though, was soon adopted by the breakfast cereal industry, and by 1952, Kellogg introduced Sugar Frosted Flakes to its lineup.

That same year, Kellogg launched a campaign featuring Tony the Tiger, Frosted Flakes’ famous mascot, who proudly declared, "Sugar Frosted Flakes are Grrr-reat! The slogan and the character became so popular in the United States that it's probably more quintessential than the cereal itself.

7

Lucky Charms

Image: Céline Druguet

The mini marshmallows found in Lucky Charms, whose technical and copyrighted name is Marbits , were invented, along with the cereal, by General Mills product developer John Holahan in 1963. One morning, he cut up a few orange marshmallow Circus Peanuts, mixed them into a bowl of Cheerios, and was delighted with the result. The rest, as they say, is history.

Lucky Charms is inspired by Irish culture. Its mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun debuted on St. Patrick's Day in 1964. The successful combination of this endearing character, delicious shaped oat pieces, and colorful little marshmallows was quickly embraced by children around the world. Tasty, crunchy, and fun, this cereal has undeniably revolutionized American breakfasts forever.

8

Froot Loops

Image: Yusuf Timur Çelik

Toucan Sam has been a part of our lives for more than 60 years now. Kellogg’s iconic mascot—a blue, anthropomorphic toucan with the ability to smell Froot Loops from great distances—was introduced alongside the O-shaped cereal in 1963.

Froot Loops were developed after Kellogg attempted to displace General Mills' Cheerios from the market. The idea of introducing fruity flavors proved to be a success, even though, years later, the company admitted that the different colors did not correspond to unique fruit flavors. In recent years, Froot Loops have faced criticism for their use of artificial colorings and high sugar content. Yet, they still have plenty of fans and they remain one of the best-selling cereal brands in America.

9

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Image: Francisco Jacquier

Another popular breakfast cereal created by General Mills is Cinnamon Toast Crunch. In fact, the company sells over 100 million boxes a year of this brand alone, putting it just behind Cheerios and Frosted Flakes in sales. How about you—do you have a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch waiting in your pantry?

These delicious little squares of whole wheat and rice, topped with cinnamon and sugar, were first launched in 1984 and were an instant hit. And it makes sense, given that, in a way, they were invented by a child. Cinnamon Toast Crunch was developed by General Mills scientists and product managers after an unnamed child suggested the idea of a cinnamon toast-flavored cereal during a radio contest. Since then, it has remained one of America's favorite cereals and we don't expect its popularity to wane any time soon.

10

Life

Image: Binyamin Mellish

More than 60 years after its creation, Life remains one of the top 10 best-selling cereal brands in the United States. Introduced on the market in 1961 by the Quaker Oats Company under the slogan "The most useful protein ever in a ready-to-eat cereal," Life is a multigrain cereal enjoyed by millions of family households across the country.

Like its competitor Trix, Life has also made history in marketing and advertising. A famous Life commercial featuring Little Mikey, a hard-to-please four-year-old boy, aired nationally from 1972 to 1984, making it the longest-running commercial in television history . Have you seen it? We bet you have!