History of Rock and Roll
“The rock ‘n’ roll revolution started out like a distant thunder, a blip on the radar screen that was surely no threat to the established order. ... Rock began in the United States, but it has been influenced and been shaped by a broad field of cultures (Encarta). Rock music refers to music styles after 1959 influenced by white musicians; however, black American musicians mainly influenced rock and roll. Rock and roll is a combination of R&B (rhythm and blues) style (jump blues), doo-wop, boogie-woogie, and honky tonk. ... Alan Freed became the father of rock and roll over night. It was he who renamed this popular R&B music, “Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Clark 20). Rock and roll developed very suddenly and became a lifestyle for millions of teenagers around the world. Rock and roll could not have come at a better time in the history of our nation. ... A rejection of older styles of popular culture propelled rock and roll to the mainstream. ... Some compare the evolution of rock during this time to a historical event such as slavery, radio communication technology and World War I (Townsend). Rock and roll turned the mindset of the nation from sadness and war to dancing and fun. Some say that the origin of rock and roll continues to be the biggest lie in history (Chappell). Many say that white rock and roll artists are credited with creating the rock music industry. Rock and roll only became popular when white teenagers took an interest in it and began to buy R&B records. However, rock and roll was born from black blues music and black artists in clubs from Memphis to Chicago. When rock and roll music hit the radio, it was not original. ... Even creators of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame say that the music of the black church and the music of the blues are the things that formed the foundation of rock and roll. ... The blues had a baby, and they named it rock ‘n’roll.