American Rock N’ Roll
By Noah Brummer The sounds of the America in the 50’s and 60’s changed how music evolved throughout the world. a whole new genre of American music was born from a medley of music that ruled in the decades previous. The development of Rock ‘N Roll would continue and evolve with every new artist who tried their hand in the style. The genre of Rock ‘N Roll is still evolving to this day and continues to sprout new branches that pull in audiences of all kinds. The beginnings of American Rock ‘N Roll can be traced to the 1940’s and 50’s, where the roots of it can be found in many styles of music popular in the African American communities including blues, gospel, and a small amount of country western. The first use of the words “Rock ‘n Roll” can be found in Cleveland, Ohio, were disc jokey Alan Freed played rhythm and blues for an audience. Soon the influx of musicians who were playing and recording under the title of Rock n’ Roll grew and soon the juke boxes and record players were ringing with the sound of Rock music. Some icons of the early days of Rock are people like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Buddy Holly. Elvis’ presence in music created a whole new feeling. Not only did he bring iconic songs, but he also used his music to create movies that showed a different view to people. Films like Clambake, Viva Las Vegas, and Blue Hawaii showed an easy going, tropical lifestyle. The 1960’s were known as the “decline of rock n’ roll” due to the loss of many great rock musicians. Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens were all killed in tragic plane crash. Elvis was drafted into the army, signifying an end to one period and the beginning of the British Invasion. The Beatles were possibly the most iconic Rock N’ Roll group of all time. They grew to stardom in England and Europe, and soon their music was reaching America. In 1964 the Beatles “I Want to Hold Your Hand” rocketed to #1 on the Billboard Top 100 list. One moment that signaled the British Invasion was the Beatles appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show where their live television broadcast brought in nearly 73 million viewers, at that time an American TV record. Rock ‘N Roll music is ever changing and constantly giving birth to new styles of music. From its roots in blues and gospel, it has created genres like punk, surf rock, and even grunge. These modifications of rock can be attributed to the original artists who took a chance with the evolution of music in America. |
|
|
“The Roots of Rock & Roll.” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, www.rockhall.com/roots-rock-and-roll-blues-gospel-countryfolkbluegrass-and-rb.
Robbins, Ira A. “British Invasion.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 18 Aug. 2017, www.britannica.com/event/British-Invasion.