The Decade's Music At A Glance
Rock ‘n’ Roll is a music genre that sprung up in the United States from the late 1940s to the early 1950s. This type of music evolved from categories like boogie-woogie, jazz, jump blues, gospel, country music, as well as rhythm and blues. Its elements are perhaps most strongly tied to the blues music of the 1920s, but it wasn't until 1954 that it was recognized as a genre in its own right.
The earliest styles of Rock ‘n’ Roll made featured saxophones and pianos as its main instrument. These were replaced (or accompanied) by guitars during the mid-to-late '50s. Beyond its technicalities and style, Rock ‘n’ Roll influenced how the world viewed fashion, lifestyle, attitude, and language. It also brought a sense of unity amongst white and African-American teenagers, a factor that only helped the progress of civil rights.
The Top Five Musical Sensations of the 1950s
The King Of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley, known to the world simply as Elvis, was a famous American singer and actor. He is considered one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. People refer to him as “The King of Rock and Roll” or even just “the King.” Despite living most of his life in Memphis, Tennessee, Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He started his music career in 1954 under Sun Records. The King's producer, Sam Phillips, wanted to bring the African-American sound to a more mainstream audience.
Before his death, which was allegedly caused by prescription drug abuse, Elvis was one of the most prolific artists of the '50s. His music featured all the sounds that define rock music, and his influence lives on until today, despite his short music career and lifespan. Elvis influenced the way artists create music, and his legacy will forever be felt.
