What makes it Rock & Roll?
Rock & Roll originated in the 1950s. Its roots stemmed from gospel, blues, R&B, country, folk, and bluegrass. It was influenced by the 1930’s and 1940’s by the era of Big Band.
How did it get the name Rock ‘n’ Roll?
Alan Freed was a DJ who started his broadcasting journey on a Cleveland, Ohio radio station. He took on the nickname “Moondog”. He played music that was the foundation of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Freed used phrases like “rock ‘n’ roll” on the radio. Since Freed started his show in Cleveland, the city has since declared itself the birthplace of early rock music. It promotes this title by having the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum available for the public to learn about rock’s roots and famous rock & roll artists.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s core mission is to promote inclusivity of music and its rich history. It cherishes the history and foundation of Rock & Roll and honors the musicians that have connected us.
Rock & Roll artists and musicians have pathed the way for musicians to speak their minds, tell their stories, and share their passion with the world. Many of these artists helped bring people together during hardship and controversy and gave people an outlet to express their feelings.
What characterizes Rock & Roll?
Energy - unlike Big Band, rock music has a compelling and dynamic energy. It was different from a lot of music during that time so it easily captured young fans' attention.
Energetic Rhythms - the tempos in rock music are very encapsulating which grabs the listeners attention. Rock music uses rhythms derived from its roots in swing music which accentuates the want to move or dance.
Electric Instruments/Drums - a lot of rock music has the essential instruments of eclectic guitar, bass, drum kit, and sometimes a keyboard. Since rock stems from Blues, having these electric instruments emphasizes the beat, making it faster.
Variety of Lyrics - unlike its roots, rock does not have any topics that are considered “off topic”. Rock & Roll music created its own poetry of lyrics that spoke to its fans and created real meaning and hidden messages behind every song.
Each decade had its own twist to it that was influential.
1950’s: Rock & Roll, B-bop, Big Band, Country
1960’s: Motown, Rock & Roll, The British Invasion
1970’s: Disco, Motown, R&B
1980’s: Glam Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Country
1990’s: Grunge, Alternative, Rap, Country
Biggest artists of the decades who had an everlasting impact on the music industry:
50’s: Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline
60’s: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, The Mamas & The Papas
70’s: Earth Wind & Fire, ABBA, Queen, Elton John, The Bee Gees
80’s: The Go-Gos, The Bangles, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson
90’s: Britney Spears, Salt ‘n Peppa, Madonna, Faith Hill, Hootie & the Blowfish
How did Rock & Roll expand overseas?
Rock & Roll was founded in US cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and Memphis. This exciting new turn in music spread fast to young musicians. The British Invasion was titled where young musicians from Britain, like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, gained fans from across the Atlantic.
Comments
Post a Comment