The History of Rock Music

                                                                                Gabriela Cortez

The history of what we consider Rock music, in America, dates way back to the 50s. Other forms of popular music at the time were Blues, Jazz, Country, and R&B; however Rock N Roll certainly dominated or rather fused together those different genres of music. Rock is a music born from America’s progressive era, which has been labeled and redefined over the years.

When Rock N Roll hit the heart of America in the 50s, most adults were opposed to its sound, claiming it to be the ‘devil’s music’. However much of its controversy was a result of rising artists like Elvis Presley whose provocative music caught the attention of rebellious teenagers. Thus labeling Rock N Roll as the music of teenage rebellion. From the late 50s to the early 60s Rock N Roll was considered the music of the youth. Adolescents born in the post war era were determined to set themselves apart from their parents’ generation. Rock N Roll music allowed teenagers to be a part of something their parents were against while enjoying themselves. Rock music rapidly grew throughout the nation, which ultimately paved the way to the British invasion. Various artists from the United Kingdom like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones came to America to be idolized and adored by teens. However as the nation made its way into the progressive era troubles arose, which significantly impacted Rock music.

           During the mid 60s to the early 70s Rock N Roll evolved into  a revolution itself. Artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and The Beatles transformed Rock music from a series of mere teenage love songs into empowering songs reflecting the nation's growing struggle. Adolescents faced the troubling facts of being forced into a war they had no control over and rights refused to them by a segregated country. Rock music, however, offered an alternative method of voicing the growing youths opinion. Teenage rebellion turned into young adult activism, which bred the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power movement. Artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Jimmy Hendrix used their music to express their feelings of frustration about ongoing segregation while also creating music that reflected their growing excitement at the possibility of change in America. It was at this time that Rock music was redefined as a movement that could reach past political boundaries, national segregation, and the factors of war. For a brief moment in time Rock seemed to make segregation between race, genders, and nations diminish and allow citizens to come to a mutual understanding with one another.