A Brief History of Rock n’ Roll

Rock Around the Clock Bill Haley and His Comets

First, the term “Rock n Roll” 1922 – used as a reference for ____ Begun by DJ Alan Freed, during his show “Moondog Rock n’ Roll Party” Payola

Origins of Music Combination of Several Diff. Genres – Jazz – Doo Wop / Boogie Woogie – Blues – Gospel – R & B – Folk

Whole Lotta Shakin’

Sam Phillips Famous Memphis DJ Concerned black artists would never be able to break through “white mainstream” Founded SUN RECORDS 1950 Began looking for white acts who “could play and sing in the same exciting, alive way.”

Only You – The Platters or The Hilltoppers

Elvis Presley First record 1954 Began as country singer 1956 had #1 songs in 3 categories Had several hit songs in 1957 on self title album Drafted in 1958 More on him later

Just for Fun

10 Goal of small record labels Find artists “so talented and unique—or so outrageous—that their styles could not be easily imitated by other artists on the major labels.” Who are 3 artists that fall into this category?

11 Answer “Little Richard” Penniman Jerry Lee Lewis Chuck Berry

Little Richard Found when searching for a new Ray Charles Tutti Fruti

Jerry Lee Lewis Crazy antics on stage gave him recognition Songs directly targeted youth with titles like “Wild One” and “High School Confidential”

Chuck Berry One of most influential musicians of all time. “Duck Walk” Began as strictly R & B until his guitar skills grew, then Rock n Roll Icon. Black AND White kids loved his music

Just for Fun

The Day the Music Died Feb. 3 rd, 1959 Buddy Holly Big Bopper Richardson Ritchie Valens (La Bamba)