INTRODUCTION
Rock and Roll started after the year 1955 with its roots being in Blues, Gospel,
and Jazz. This influenced vocal music, which was popular with the African American
population. Hep Harmony which added rhythm and harmony was sung by groups such as
The 'Mills Brothers' and the 'Ink Spots'.
Small Swing Bands or Jump Bands featured saxophone soloists and repeated
phrases. These city style blues featured singers such as Joe Turner, Dina Washington, T-
Bone Walker, and composer-singer Percy Mayfield.
During this era, country blues traditions of the south became influential in the
North as well. Blacks moved from the South to the North and Chicago became the center
of blues recordings. This emphasized electric guitars, harmonicas, and drummers who
emphasized after beats (beats 2 and 4 of the measure). Black gospel music was very
popular and given the label of rhythm and blues (R&B). This music was carried on radio
and popular with the disc jockeys.
In the mid 50's, Chuck Berry and Little Richard were popular and changed the
face of music, which was named rock and roll by the D.J.'s.
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1956-1962
At age 21, in 1956, Elvis Presley was introduced to the public with his rockabilly
style of music. His first record, 'Heartbreak Hotel' was recorded. It was the first of a
consecutive 14 records to sell over one million copies.
He inspired other country singers to sing rock and roll. This started a trend for
'cover' recordings. This was when white singers simplified versions of Black recorded
songs. White singers were played on more radio stations and became very popular.
Young listeners became their largest audience. Young singers were hired to record
songs featuring adolescent issues. 'Young Love', '16 Candles', and 'Teenage
Crush'. Such singers as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee...