Rock and Roll

Rock and Roll started in the late 1940s- early 1950s, and led to dozens of different forms of contemporary rock music (which we will touch on later in the blog!). It took sounds from several genres, including jazz, country, blues, and gospel, and created a sound that is now legendary. Rock and Roll bands did not use a lot of instruments, just a couple of guitars (electric and base) and drums to keep the beat going. Rock and Roll had an interesting impact on society, influencing fashion, lifestyles, dancing (the "Jitterbug" and "Sock Hop" dances), and language. The name was first used as a way to integrate white and black audiences; it came from the African American communities slang term for dancing, "rocking and rolling." This was at the time the Civil Rights Movement was beginning, and this genre of music gave the two separate communities something to enjoy together. Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" was the first rock song to hit the billboards, opening the doors for this hip new genre, and the hits kept coming. Famous artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Brown, Little Richard, Etta James, and many more dominated music in the '50s. A great current movie to check out for more on this genre would be "Walk the Line," which is about Johnny Cash and June Carter, who were primarily country singers. But the movie introduces some great Rock and Roll legends and songs! (Click on the title to see a clip!)

Playlist: Songs 97-104