The rock music genre originated in the United States during the mid 1950s, and has since increased in popularity throughout the world. It's style draws upon the African American genres of blues, rhythm, and country music. As a result of expansion, the genre has further split into sub-genres, such as alternative rock and heavy metal, and incorporated other musical influences e.g. jazz classical.
A rock band is typically centred around the use of an electric guitar, as well as an electric bass guitar, drums and one or more singers. Over the years, the rock genre has been used as a platform for artists and audiences to voice their opinions on the social and political issues of the time. This is encapsulated in the lyrics. Themes of love and hardship also make popular themes for songs.
The first rock 'n' roll record to achieve national popularity was "Rock Around the Clock" made by Bill Haley and the Comets in 1955. It appealed to the younger audiences, with it's catchy melody and simple and lively lyrics. Rock 'n' roll was for and about adolescents. Its lyrics articulated teenage problems: school, cars, summer vacation, parents, and, most important, young love. All aspects of the music—it’s heavy beat, loudness, self-absorbed lyrics, and raving delivery—indicated a teenage defiance of adult values and authority.
Elvis Presley also greatly contributed to this new popular form of music. Presley’s rapid rise to national stardom revealed the new cultural and economic power of both teenagers and teen-aimed media—records, radio, television, and motion pictures.
Rock's popularity, development and influence only increased in the 60s, 70s and 80s, with the emergence of acts from around the world, such as:
- The Beatles
- Bob Dylan
- Jimi Hendrix
- The Rolling Stones
- Janis Joplin
- Bob Marley
- Madonna
- David Bowie
The 1970s also saw the rise in Punk Rock, which became a popular, yet somewhat controversial sub genre with it's extreme political statements. Groups such as the Sex Pistols and the Clash encapsulated these ideologies through their lyrics and often fast tempo songs.
80s bands, such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, continued to follow the path of early punk rock by focusing on political themes and celebrating their own lack of technical virtuosity.
Punk continued into the 1990s with such bands as Green Day and the Offspring.
In today's age, with the emergence of new technologies and societal issues, the rock genre only continues to grow and appeal to a wide variety of audiences. I will discuss two successful rock groups in following posts.
Playlist of rock throughout the ages: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3485902CC4FB6C67
Tiffany 😊
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/art/rock-music/Authenticity-and-commercialism
http://www.encyclopedia.com/literature-and-arts/performing-arts/music-popular-and-jazz/rock-music
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