Rock & Roll
What is Rock & Roll?
Rock & Roll originated in the United States in the early 1950s. It is a genre of popular music that emerged from the fusion of Rhythm & Blues and country music. The term "Rock & Roll" was first used by DJ Alan Freed in 1951. The style is characterized by a heavy backbeat, simple guitar work, and distinctive vocal stylings. Early rock & roll artists include Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard.
Rock & Roll has had a significant impact on other genres of music, such as punk rock, heavy metal, and pop. It has also influenced fashion, culture, and lifestyle. Rock & Roll is often seen as a symbol of rebellion and young people’s resistance to authority.
Rock & Roll Resources
Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll
Explores the factors — musical and cultural — that led to the birth of American rock ‘n' roll music in the early 1950s. Covers in detail the genres, styles and people that converged to create this new music....
The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974
This course will survey the music of the Rolling Stones, beginning with the roots and first formation of the band in the early 1960s, and following the group through the release of It's Only Rock ‘n' Roll in late 1974....
History of Rock, Part One
This course, part 1 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the days before rock (pre-1955) to the end of the 1960s. This course covers the music of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Phil Sp...
The Music of the Beatles
About this Course The Music of the Beatles will track the musical development of the band, starting from the earliest days in Liverpool and Hamburg, moving through the excitement of Beatlemania, the rush of psychedelia, and the maturity of Abbey Roa...
History of Rock, Part Two
This course, part 2 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. This course covers the music of Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, Carole King, Bob Marl...