The musical style known as Rock and Roll began in the 1950's in America. It has it's roots deeply planted in African-American Blues, and Gospel music of the same era, as well as being influenced by Country, and Big Band Swing music.
The political climate of the day also played a major role in the development of Rock and Roll. Up until this point, the music that most black people listened to was different from what most white people listened to. Early Rock and Roll was created by and for people who wanted to combine elements of both "black" and "white" music.
Artists like Elvis Presley, (a white man with African American blues music influences), and Chuck Berry, (a black man with white Country music influences) went on to cross over styles to help create what was later dubbed "Rock and Roll".
Characterized by it's pulsating drums, repetitive chord progressions, stepped up tempos, and loud guitars, Rock and Roll provided American teens of the 1950's the perfect excuse to dance crazy new dances, and wear wild new hairstyles. Although it was thought by many parents to be "Devil Music", and only a fad, Rock and Roll continued on to become one of the world's most popular and recognizable music forms.
Eventually, Rock and Roll paved the way for other more modern forms of music. Often mistakenly referred to as Rock and Roll, these other styles include Rock, Hard Rock, Soft Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk, and Hardcore.
To learn more about Rock and Roll, visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.
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