The evolution of Rock and Roll is one of the greatest of all time when it comes to music. The genre came into light after World War II and started in America’s south, originated from African American music styles, such as: gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues (R&B); and continued to grow rapidly. In 1955, Chuck Berry – a pioneer of Rock and Roll – came about. He was known for his guitar riffs, energetic performances, blend of R&B and Country, as well as showmanship. This was the beginning of Rock and Roll rising as a genre. Not only did Chuck Berry help influence Rock and Roll, so did artists, such as: Little Richard and Jimmie Rodgers. In addition to the artists mentioned, Rock and Roll could not have come about at a better time, a time of …show more content…
One of these being “Rockabilly” which is commonly associated with artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Elvis Presley was one of the most successful artists in Rock music and is known as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King”. While it is said that Rock and Roll declined after Elvis’ military drafting, the death of Buddy and The Crickets, and more, another genre quickly arose associated with Rock and Roll to make a lifelong …show more content…
In addition, the genre also played a large impact on culture. The lyrics of Rock and Roll songs described events and conflicts that most listeners could relate to through personal experience. Topics such as sex, which was known to be taboo, began to make their way into Rock and Roll lyrics. This new music broke boundaries and seemed to express emotions that people were feeling but had not talked about, appealing to the youth of the generations.
In addition to addressing topics not widely talked about, Rock and Roll addressed race. The genre involved both black and white performers, breaking even more boundaries. Rock and Roll appeared when racial tensions in the United States were entering a new phase, with the beginnings of the civil rights movement for desegregation. The coming together of white youth audiences and black music in Rock and Roll inevitably provoked strong white racist reactions within the US, with many believing it helped with
The music industry during the 1940s was filled with many talented artists who impacted the music industry and the history of rock n’ roll forever. But one of the very well known and talented artists was Buddy Holly. Buddy Holly was the first to pioneer new music genres and progressive music. Charles Hardin Holley (1936-1959) was an American musician and artist whose creative career began in 1956. The family name is correctly spelled “Holley” but his first recording contract from Decca Records in 1956 spelled his last name “Holly” and he kept it that way for the rest of his career (Griggs 1). Holly took a very influential position in the music industry and built an audience for his Rock and Roll music very quickly due to his unique voice and advanced knowledge of music. Buddy Holly is a prime example of a musical pioneer who blended resources from various music genres including a variety of popular genres such as rhythm and blues (RNB), oriental, and African (Schinder and Schwartz 85).
The book depicts the story of culture conflicts of the music, which arose from the introduction of the foot-tapping, hip-swaying music now known as rock n' roll (Graarrq). The outcome of rock n’ roll coincided with tremendous uproar in the movement to grant civil rights to African American. Trapped in the racial politics of the 1950s, rock n’ roll was credited with and criticized for promoting integration and economic opportunity for blacks while bringing to “mainstream” cloture black styles and values (Altschuler). Black values were looked over and kind of not important to whites. Whites were very much so well treated then blacks were, however no one spoke out until the outcome of rock n’ roll.
This book provides a very detailed outline on how and where rock and roll originated. It places much emphasis on the transition from Black to White rock artists and how society reacted to this change. Szatmary also presents sufficient information on the many aspects of rock and roll, ranging from what the lyrics are about, to the beginnings of rock and roll and new age rock.
Not only did race relations play a big factor in the 1950s, it was a start to a lot of controversy in the beginning between African Americans and whites. Before they connected with each other because of the style of the music. This type of music deeply emphasized integration for African Americans and also during this time they were trying to gain civil rights. “At the center of that struggle, rock-n-roll unsettled a nation that had been “living in an ‘age of anxiety’” since 1945 (All Shook Up, 7). Most artists were criticized and punished for not supporting their own races and staying in their boundaries. For example, in Norfolk,
Music has continued to change throughout each decade, but the 1960s was the most influential decade in the history of music. Starting in the early 1950s, rock music was first introduced. Major record labels were releasing new “cover songs” which were originally made by black artist, but now by white artist (Rock and Roll). These cover songs changed a few lyrics from the original songs to avoid copyright issues and to also make the song more appropriate for the white listeners. The biggest star of the 1950s was Elvis Presley, who was known as the “King of rock n’ roll”.
Although he later denied that he ever said it, Sam Phillips-the man who discovered Elvis Presley-is reputed to have said, “if I could find a white man who had the Negro sound the Negro feel, I could make a billion dollars” (Decurtis 78). Certain radio stations would not play the work of black artists in the segregated America of the 1950s. But, nevertheless, rock ‘n’ roll was an art form created by African-Americans. Little Richard, whose songs “Tutti Fruitti” and “Long Tall Sally” became hits only after white-bread versions were made by Pat Boone, said, “It started out as rhythm and blues” (Decurtis 78).
He also was in many movies and tv shows in his career. Elvis Presley was an extremely influential person, because of the history of Rock and Roll at the time, and how he came to be. From the age of 13 he began to get attention, for his music. He was very relatable because he did come from a poor southern family, much like many families in the world. He was poor and had no favors handed to him but he made his dream come true. He was discovered while recording birthday songs for his mother. Music in the 1940’s was mainly built around the jazz and big band styles that were popular during the day. Rock and Roll mostly developed in the late 1940’s early 1950’s, when Elvis was at his best. Rock and Roll got created from a combination of many musical styles. Before there was many similar styles including. blues, boogie woogie, jazz swing music, gospel, country, western, and traditional folk
The development of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the late 1940s and early 1950s by young African Americans coincided with a sensitive time in America. Civil rights movements were under way around the country as African Americans struggles to gain equal treatment and the same access to resources as their white neighbors. As courts began to vote in favor of integration, tensions between whites and blacks escalated. As the catchy rhythm of Rock ‘n’ Roll began to cross racial boundaries many whites began to feel threatened by the music, claiming its role in promoting integration. This became especially problematic as their youth became especially drawn to ...
Rock and Roll has the most incredible history. Before there was rock and roll, there was blues. Most people think rock music started with Elvis Presley, but he didn’t record his first single until 1953. The first recorded song described as “Genuine Rock-and-Roll” was “Rocket ’88” by pianist Ike Turner and singer Jackie Brenston in 1951. Rock-and-Roll music in the 1950’s was described as a mixture of jazz, blues, country, and has a strong guitar, bass, and drums.
Jerry Lee Lewis’ mother once said, “Well, you and Elvis are pretty good, but you're no Chuck Berry.” Chuck Berry is considered to be the true king of Rock and Roll. By using Boogie-Woogie piano patterns to change them into electric guitar, Berry invented a particular style with his electrifying guitar that has become the guide for rock and roll guitar and music as well. He was not only a good guitarist, but a memorable singer, that blended melodic hooks, distinctive patterns in his rhythm and used meaningful lyrics that have made many people call first great poet of rock. Berry’s influence on Rock and Roll not only impacted the way how it would sound, but also how it was perceived by all races.
Rock and Roll was the start of a new revolution in America. It introduced the world to many of the famous artists that continue to be a part of our lives today. "Artists who became popular in the 1950s such as Elvis, began to pave the way for others such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly" (The History of Rock 'n' Roll until 1960). With the introduction of rock 'n' roll, there came many new changes to the lives of many Americans. Rock and Roll was a major contributor for the change in teens' behavior in the 1950s because it encouraged new freedoms for teenagers, encouraged new fads among teenagers, and caused a generation gap.
It was no coincidence that rock ‘n’ roll and the civil rights movement started at the same time. The genre originated from African American music and was greatly discriminated against. Traditional white Americans would target anything bad about it. But as the teenager demographic of the 1950s started increasing the sales of the music, the genre started gaining more popularity. It was the style of Elvis Presley and his new voice that made girls weak in the knees and boys want to be him. Artists such as Presley had enough influence to change the view of their devoted fans on civil rights issues. Soon as protest songs and rock ‘n’ roll became more popular and influential, it began a gap between the young adult generation and their parents which led to the rebellion of the civil rights movement. Through these factors rock ‘n’ roll influenced a great deal over the civil rights movement.
Many people and many styles of music influenced Rock and Roll. The styles included Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Bluegrass, Boogie-Woogie, and Rockabilly. Each was a major factor into the introduction of a new style of music called Rock ‘N’ Roll.
Chuck Berry is known as one of the most influential artists of the rhythm and blues, rock and roll error of music from the 50’s through the 70’s. He is famous for a vast amount of hit records including the hit songs Maybellene My-Ding-A-Ling and Johnny B. Goode. Many music historians considered Berry’s song Maybellne the first true rock and roll song. While undergoing his musical career Berry faced numerous devastating obstacles that could have tragically ended his career. All of Berry’s songs were derived from his adept lyrics and peculiar sounds. Chuck Berry influenced a lot of artists with his amazing talent. A few would include The Beetles, John Doe, The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones. With all of his success Berry became a very essential figure in the history of Rock and Roll.
With his focus on African American music early in his career, he was able develop his performers into the rockabilly the superstars we know today. The rockabilly style has always been it’s own thing, which included the vocals being raspy and the ability to change tone quickly. Also with the upbeat and quick tempo, these songs were able to develop a new form of early rock and roll. The greatest reason this music was effective was due to the “slap back” tape delay which released an echo sound which had never been heard before.