Fifties Rock and Roll
Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1950s
The 1950s marked a revolution in music and culture, and rock and roll was at the center of this change.
Rock and roll has its roots in American rhythm and blues (R&B), country, gospel, and blues. Many of the early rock and roll songs were reworkings of old blues and R&B songs, giving a more driving rhythm.
Artists like Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Fats Domino were pioneers who took the energy and rhythm of African-American music and combined it with electric guitar, drums and bass to create something entirely new. With his characteristic guitar style and lyrical tales of teenage life, Chuck Berry became one of rock’s most influential figures.
The Significance of Elvis Presley
Although the fifties rock had its roots in African-American music, it quickly became popular among white youth. One of the most significant factors behind this was Elvis Presley, a white artist from the South who had a voice and a style that united the different musical genres. Elvis quickly became known as “The King of Rock and Roll,” and his career paved the way for rock to become a global sensation.
Artists like Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins followed in his footsteps and broke down racial barriers in American music.
Societal Reactions
However, the rapid success of new music was not only met with jubilation. Many older and conservative groups saw the genre as dangerous and subversive. They believed that rock and roll encouraged rebellion and sexual liberation and challenged society’s morals. There was also widespread concern about the genre’s African-American roots and its influence on white youth culture.
Many artists and their songs were stopped from being played on the radio.
