Are blackness and Whiteness useful in the concepts in the study if popular music?

I believe that they are unimportant for several reasons;

In the 1920’s ‘The crazy’s blues’ sold 1 million copies and it was openly promoted by the fact it was a black artist. This was so unexpected and as a result of its success big record labels started to create subsidiary labels called ‘Race Records’ This shows that music was not considered just black or just white, A.Russel states that “It was undeniable that black musical forms had given birth to the biggest sales boom in the history of commercial recording, ... with images that evoked a world divided by stereotypes.”

Music is an un-pure form, has has inspiration from other types for genres, for example, Rock and Roll, got its inspiration form the Blues. Therefor we cannot class music is simply back or white. “ Pop music has always deepened upon the interaction between white and black tradition” (David Hatch).

can popular music genuine ach9ieve political change?

I believe popular music can inspire political change; but music is only an inspiration, and requires its audience to make the change.
The singer Sammy Davis JR who when performing in Las Vegas was told he was unwelcome to stay inside any hotel; instead he had to stay in the shantytown just outside the city. When Frank Sinatra heard of this he said ‘if Sammy was unwelcome in Las Vegas then he wouldn’t perform there either’ Sammy was allowed to stay; an example of inspiration! Although Sinatra’ music isn’t political it gave him power.
Some argue that singers are ‘hypocrites’ because they are helping an organization that they condemn. Bob Marley’s ‘Get up stand up’ is a song against capitalism, but, it creates an income for caplitists. So he’s indirectly helping the organizations he is condemning. I would argue that it is a small sacrifice in order to inspire people to action.

Does the emergence of the digital downloading signal the end for the music industry

Lawrence Lessig states 4 types of file sharing.

one download rather then buy

two sample music before buying

three obtain music that you cant buy anymore

four share non copyrighted material.

The music industry has always been worried about new mediums. When Cassettes were launched in the 60’s the industry launched an anti piracy campaign in the 80”s.

Does the emergence of the digital downloading signal the end for the music industry

The idea that digital downloading will be the end for the music industry is absurd, July 2000 saw Radio-Head's album leak to Napster 3 months before release, it was downloaded by millions. When it was released the music industry expect it to be a flop, however it went straight to number one. The Apple store sold its 10-billionth track earlier this year proving that people do pay for their downloads. As a consumer nation the vast majority of us download for 3 of the 4 reason Lawrence suggests.