Ruby Cook

Rock and Roll

Summary

In the 1950s, Rock and Roll, as we know it today, came onto the scene. At the time it
only grabbed the attention of young teenagers, while their parents believed the music
was simply noise and that it was negatively influencing the impressionable teens. It was
popularised by Alan Freed (a DJ at the time) in 1951 and was named Rock and Roll
from African American slang. Its only platform was transistor radios and controversial
record stores. Despite opinions, this new style of music was here to stay, along with all
of the important social, political, and culture changes that came with its rise.

Origins

Though many music historians debate the origins of rock and roll, the one general
agreement is that it first became apparent in southern USA, where this cultural
collision was occurring. This all arose from the meeting of international influences
after the migration of former slaves and it combined African musical traditions (such as
storytelling through music, the frequent use of blue notes derived from blues, and call-
and-response vocals), with European instrumentation (for instance, the Spanish
guitar). When these communities were living in such close proximity, they came
together in unity over each others musical styles and fashion. As the general population
was going through these changes, radio stations started to follow suit and started
playing music for all groups.

The most obvious influences in terms of style are rhythm and blues and country music
of the 40s and 50s, as well as jazz, gospel, and folk. During and after World War Two,
when fuel was lesser widely available, as well as a lack of both audience and performers,
large Jazz bands of the 30s and 40s became smaller ensembles consisting of guitar,
bass, and drums. In this same time period, jump blues, with its shouting lyrics and
guitar riffs, was being heard and shared. This later was transposed directly from jump
blues style piano to electric guitar, creating the first prominent rock guitar sound.

Chuck Berry found inspiration from Electric Blues and introduced an aggressive guitar
sound to rock and roll and he also brought the blues band instrumentation of lead
guitar, bass, and drums to rock and roll.
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Cultural Impacts

In addition to influencing hairstyles, clothing, and attitudes, many people also name
Rock and Roll as a factor in the civil rights movements in the 50s, as both African-
American and white teens listened to this music and could relate to the lyrics. For
example, early Rock and Roll lyrics centred around cars, dating, and school, which is
what all teens can relate to through personal experience. As well as this, previously
taboo subjects, such as sex, began appearing in Rock and Roll lyrics, creating a break
in boundaries and a larger expression of genuine emotions and thoughts.

Though this crossover of African-American music into white culture, excited teens and
invited all races to enjoy it, for many people it sparked strong racist reactions from
whites. Despite this, many people recognised that Rock and Roll music celebrated
desegregation and encouraged the unity of both races, in fact, many authors argued
that this music aided both black and white teens in identifying themselves.

Rock and Roll music also sent teen culture in a whole new direction with many people
believing it to be the first music genre to define an age group. The difference between
the parents and the children of this time period due to the rise of Rock and Roll was a
genuine concern for older generations, for they worried about social rebellion and
delinquency as a whole, due to the fact that a lot of Rock and Roll culture was shared by
teens from all racial and social backgrounds. In Britain, Rock and Roll also represented
the transition between pre-war Teddy Boys to long standing rockers.

Significant Artists

When looking back at the early rock and roll days, its hard to specifically pinpoint the
most influential artists of this genre as it is mostly a matter of opinion. However, there
are a few truly stand out artists that everyone can agree on. Here is a condensed list:

Buddy Holly described by some as the single most influential creative force in
early rock and roll, his singing and guitar playing was inspired by gospel music,
country music, and rhythm and blues acts. He opened the show for Elvis Presley
numerous times in 1955, just 3 years after first appearing on local television in
his hometown of Lubbock, Texas. He led an extremely successful career before
his untimely death in a plane crash in 1959.
Chuck Berry an American guitarist-singer-songwriter who defines early rock
and roll. He adapted rhythm and blues and created the first distinctive rock and
roll sound. He was in and out of prison from 1944 to 1979, for various things,
but in between he was still releasing successful music, and is still active now.
Elvis Presley the King of Rock and Roll. He popularized the upbeat, fusion
of Country music and Rhythm & Blues that is Rockabilly, and caused
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controversy with his mix of influences from all colour lines during the civil rights
movement. However, he sadly died in 1977 after several years of prescription
drug abuse.

Technological Developments

1. The Fender Telecaster & Stratocaster the launch of Fender in 1951 meant
anyone could play guitar. With their light, solid-bodied guitars, they were the
guitars of choice for teen artists the next generation.
2. Transistor Radios in the very early days, transistor radios were one of the few
platforms where rock and roll could be heard. After their invention in 1954, they
were in the pockets of on-the-go teens constantly.
3. Electric Bass Guitar as the stand-up bass fiddles were not practical for
travelling musicians, the creation of Fenders Precision Bass was extremely
important.
4. Vacuum Tube Amplifiers these gave rock and roll its volume. With their tone
usually described as warm, artists would poke holes in the cone and fill it with
paper to get the first distorted tone.

Associated Imagery and Fashion

50s Style 50s rock and roll fashion is

- iconic and recognisable by
almost everyone. It involves
long poodle skirts for the
women and, often, leather
jackets and jeans for the men.

60s Style While the biker look was still

- popular with its leather jackets and
jeans, fashion went very bohemian
in the 60s, as well as the 70s.
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70s Style - As punk came onto the scene, it

brought a whole new style as well.
This included fishnet tights, and
studded jackets, as well as tartan
trousers, chains as accessories,
and big boots such as Dr Martens.

80s Style In the 80s, glam rock was in. This

was an over the top look involving
big hair, a lot of leopard print, and
extremely tight trousers.

90s Style - Looking like a total mess was

fashion in the 90s. Band T shirts,
ripped jeans, plaid everything, and
messy hair all together make this
an iconic time period for fashion.

00s Style - While the 00s was mainly about

pop and hip hop, emo was a
popular subculture within music
and fashion. This look includes a
lot of black clothing, such as
skinny jeans and t shirts, as well as
wearing Vans.
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2010s Style - In recent years, grunge and 90s

fashion has become popular once
again and this is the look most
rockers go for.
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Significant Events

March 1951 - First Rock and Roll song recorded

Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats is released, but it was not considered the
first rock and roll song until the late 60s.

March 1952 Sun Records launches

The U.S independent label first opens in 1952 and goes on to launch the career of Elvis
Presley, as well as release the records of other influential artists such as Johnny Cash and
Roy Orbison.

July 1953 - Elvis Presley begins his career

At only 18 years old, Elvis records two songs at Sun Records as a birthday gift for his
mother.

March 1955 Bill Haley and his Comets #1 song

After the release of Blackboard Jungle, a film commentating on teenage anti-social

behaviour, the theme song for the film, Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley and his
Comets, stays at the top of the Billboard charts for 8 weeks.

February 1959 The Day the Music Died

Musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson die in a plane
crash near Iowa.

July 1965 Bob Dylan booed at Newport Folk Festival

Folk fans are upset about him going electric; this would be an important turning point for
the genre.

June 1967 - SGT. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band released

Credited as the most important and influential rock and roll album ever recorded.
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December 1974 The Beatles break up

Approximately 4 years after Paul McCartney leaves, the legal hold ups are abolished.

October 1977 The Sex Pistols Iconic Album is released

Never Mind the B*llocks, Heres the Sex Pistols is released, creating a whole new genre of
the punk revolution.

June 1970 - Chuck Berry performs at the White House

Requested by President Jimmy Carter.

July 1980 - AC/DC release Back In Black

The best-selling hard rock album ever released!

December 1980 John Lennon is assassinated

He was shot 4 times shortly after signing an autograph for the assassin himself.

August 1981 MTV launches

MTV launches with its first video being Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles.

August 1991 Smells Like Teen Spirit is released

Nivanas iconic single is released, creating a new wave of grunge music, and they take
over Kind of Pop, Michael Jackson, in the charts the following year.
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April 1994 Kurt Cobain found dead

Kurt Cobain commits suicide.

September 2004 American Idiot released

Green Days American Idiot is released, influencing a new era of political Pop-Punk.

August 2009 Oasis Break up

Oasis break up after a backstage fight between Liam and Noel Gallagher, this would be the
end of one of the first Britpop / Alt Rock sounds.