1. 1940 - Today

2.  What is “Rock ‘n’ Roll?”  Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed used it as a short hand from the song “My Baby Rocks Me with a Steady Roll” which referenced…….  Evolved from rhythm and blues where the beat (especially the off-beat) was emphasized with straight forward repeating harmonies, relatively simple phrase structure, and easily relatable song lyrics.  Some jazz and country influences as well

3.  Originally piano or saxophone were the lead instruments. Guitar emerged in late 1950’s  Electric guitar, the amplifier, and the microphone, and the introduction of the 45 album all helped to attract new audiences.  End of World War II had a direct impact as fuel shortages and limitations on audiences made jazz big bands less economical.  Political Statements……..

4. ELVIS!!!  Drew mainly on the country/gospel roots of rock. Rockabilly  Sun Records in Memphis sets it up!  One of the most popular/recognizable American icons  CHUCK BERRY!!!  “The Father of Rock-n-Roll”  Influenced by Nat “King” Cole and Muddy Waters  Wrote “Johnny B. Goode”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, and “Mabellene”

5.  THE BEATLES! !!  Formed in Liverpool in 1960  24 Multi-Platinum Albums, 7 Grammys, 15 Novellos, and 1 Oscar.  Over a billion units (records, cassettes, cd’s, etc.) sold.  12 albums total  Broke up in 1970  I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hey Jude, and Can’t Buy Me Love are some of the highest selling singles of all time.

6.  Jimi Hendrix!!!  Born in 1942 in Seattle, WA.  From brooms to guitars – 1958  Performed with Ike and Tina Turner, Little Richard, & Sam Cook  Moved to London and formed the Experience in 1966 wrote “Purple Haze”, “Foxy Lady”, “Little Wing"  Headlined Woodstock  Died 1970  Jimmy Page!!!  Born in 1944 in West London, ENG  First started playing 1956  Session guitarist, Yardbirds, and then forms Led Zepplin in 1968  21 live, studio and complilation albums  “Stairway to Heaven”, Immigrant Song”, “Kashmir”, “Over the Hills and Far Away”, “Ramble On”

7.  Eddie Van Halen!!  Born in Nijmegen, The Netherlands in 1955.  Named after Ludwig van Beethoven and trained as a classical pianist  Considered to be second to Hendrix in originality and influence.  Formed “Van Halen” in 1972 (1976)  12 albums featuring “Eruption”, “Right Now”, “Panama”, “Jump”  Signature guitar and amp line  Eric Clapton!!  Born 1945 in Ripley, England  Started playing age 13 but stopped because of crappy guitar (15)  Played in Yardbirds, Cream, Derrick and the Dominoes, and solo  Blues and rock  Four Grammys and 90+ recordings  Signature guitar – Fender & Martin