When Did Rock Begin?
The history of rock did not begin spontaneously but formed over time from many places. Rock and roll is a type of music that started in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It came from rhythm and blues music, which came from blues, jump blues, boogie woogie, up-tempo jazz, and swing music. Rock and Roll also got its roots from gospel, country and western, and traditional folk music.
Critical Thinking Questions
- What music genres influenced the development of rock and roll?
- What was considered to be the first rock and roll song?
- Why was rock and roll controversial?
- What are some music characteristics of rock and roll music?
Early Performers of Rock & Roll
- Jackie Brenston
- Elvis Presley
- Chuck Berry
- Buddy Holly
- Fats Domino
- Bill Haley and the Comets
What is the History of Rock and Roll?
One of the first rock and roll songs was “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats. The song was made in 1951. “Rocket 88” is known for starting some of the main characteristics of the rock and roll style, like a fast tempo, a strong beat, a distorted guitar, and a honking saxophone solo. Other early rock and roll singers included Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Bill Haley and the Comets, and Elvis Presley. These singers helped to make rock and roll music popular with people other than African Americans and helped to define the genre in its early years.
Rock and roll music was often seen as controversial in its early days. Many older people didn’t like the music because they thought it was too adult and because it appealed to young people. However, rock and roll quickly became an important part of popular culture. It continues to evolve and influence music around the world even now.
What Instruments Are Common in Rock and Roll?
- Voice
- Electric Guitar
- Electric bass or Upright Bass
- Piano
- Drumset
Some early rock and roll bands had a saxophone!
Key Events in the Early History of Rock and Roll:
- In 1949, Billboard magazine published its first rhythm and blues chart.
- In 1951, Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats made “Rocket 88,” which many people
think is the first rock and roll song. - In 1954, Alan Freed, a disc jockey in Cleveland, Ohio, started using the word “rock
and roll” to describe rhythm and blues music. - In 1954, Elvis Presley recorded “That’s All Right.”
- In 1956, Bill Haley and the Comets released “Rock Around the Clock,” which became
a worldwide hit. - In 1957, Chuck Berry made “Johnny B. Goode,” one of the most famous rock and roll
songs ever.
The early history of rock and roll was a time of great creativity and change. The music was raw and exciting, and it helped to define a new generation of young people. Rock and roll has continued to evolve over the years, but it still has the energy and excitement of its early days.
Rock and Roll Fun Facts
- Early rock and roll music had themes based on things that young people were interested in, including cars, infatuation, and fun things like surfing and going to the beach.
- During the 1960s, rock music became a political expression for the youth of that generation to speak about topics that were important to them and helped bring about cultural change.
- Technology in music was developed in the 1980s with the invention if MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital interface).