They got their music from classic, blues, blue grass, traditional music with classic time signatures and Melodie’s that appeal to the soul
New musicians would do well to go back.
Same as film and story telling. They want us to like villains and to not look for conflict.
Doesn’t work.
But really, what new ground is there to break?
Back in the 60s/70s literally the sound changed from month-to-month.
Yes, good music can be made, but it’s pretty much derivative of stuff that’s already out there.
And gospel music as well. I have a theory that we don't see anymore soulful singers is that less of them have grown up in the church than in previous years.