Rock Music

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In consequence of the immense popularity of rock plus the breadth of its impact plus inherent complexity—not least in terms of artists, diversity of sound, plus marketing—is the hardest to define. To answer the question, What is rock?, one first has to understand where it came from plus what made it possible. And to understand rock’s cultural significance, one has to understand how it works socially as well as musically.

What is rock?
The difficulty of definition
Dictionary definitions of rock are problematic, not least because the term has different resonance in its British plus American usages (the latter is broader in compass). There is basic agreement that rock “is a form of music with a strong beat,” but it is difficult to be much more explicit. The Collins Cobuild English Dictionary, based on a vast database of British usage, suggests that “rock is a kind of music with simple tunes plus a very strong beat that is played plus sung, usually loudly, by a small kelompok of people with electric guitars plus drums,” but there are so many exceptions to this description that it is practically useless.

Legislators seeking to define rock for regulatory purposes have not done much better. The Canadian government defined “rock plus rock-oriented music” as “characterized by a strong beat, the use of blues forms plus the presence of rock instruments such as electric guitar, electric bass, electric organ or electric piano.” This assumes that rock can be marked off from other sorts of music formally, according to its sounds. In practice, though, the distinctions that matter for rock penggemar plus musicians have been ideological. Rock was developed as a term to distinguish certain music-making plus listening practices from those associated with pop; what was at issue was less a sound than an attitude. In 1990 British legislators defined pop music as “all kinds of music characterized by a strong rhythmic element plus a reliance on electronic amplification for their performance.” This led to strong objections from the music industry that such a definition failed to appreciate the clear sociological difference between pop (“instant singles-based music aimed at teenagers”) plus rock (“album-based music for adults”). In pursuit of definitional clarity, the lawmakers misunderstood what made rock music matter.

rock and roll

Rock plus roll has been described as a merger of country music plus rhythm plus blues, but, if it were that simple, it would have existed long before it burst into the national consciousness. The seeds of the music had been in place for decades, but they flowered in the mid-1950s when nourished by a volatile mix of Black culture plus white spending power. Black vocal groups such as the Dominoes plus the Spaniels began combining gospel-style harmonies plus call-and-response singing with earthy subject matter plus more aggressive rhythm-and-blues rhythms. Heralding this new sound were disc jockeys such as Alan Freed of Cleveland, Ohio, Dewey Phillips of Memphis, Tennessee, plus William (“Hoss”) Allen of WLAC in Nashville, Tennessee—who created rock-and-roll radio by playing hard-driving rhythm-and-blues plus raunchy blues records that introduced white suburban teenagers to a culture that sounded more exotic, thrilling, plus illicit than anything they had ever known. In 1954 that sound coalesced around an image: that of a handsome white singer, Elvis Presley, who sounded like a Black man.

Presley’s nondenominational taste in music incorporated everything from hillbilly rave-ups plus blues wails to pop-crooner ballads. Yet his early recordings with producer Sam Phillips, guitarist Scotty Moore, plus bassist Bill Black for in Memphis were less about any one jenis than about a feeling. For decades African Americans had used the term rock plus roll as a euphemism for sex, plus Presley’s music oozed sexuality. Presley was hardly the only artist who embodied this attitude, but he was clearly a catalyst in the merger of Black plus white culture into something far bigger plus more complex than both.

In Presley’s wake, the music of Black singers such as Fats Domino, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, plus Bo Diddley, who might have been considered rhythm-and-blues artists only years before, fit alongside the rockabilly-flavoured tunes of white performers such as Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, plus Jerry Lee Lewis, in part because they were all now addressing the same audience: teenagers. For young white America, this new music was a soundtrack for rebellion, however mild. When Bill Haley plus His Comets kicked off the 1955 motion picture Blackboard Jungle with “Rock Around the Clock,” teens in movie houses throughout the United States stomped on their seats. Movie stars such as Marlon Brando in The Wild One (1953) plus James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) oozed sullen, youthful defiance that was echoed by the music. This emerging rock-and-roll culture brought a wave of condemnations from religious leaders, government officials, plus parents’ groups, who branded it the “devil’s music.”

The Unique Sound of Rock Nowadays

What is rock plus what makes it so unique? For over 70 years rock music has dominated the airwaves plus concert venues, making it the soundtrack for generations of fans. The history of rock is found in its sound, cultural importance, plus uniqueness among all music genres.

Rock plus Roll: A History
Rock plus roll has its roots in many different styles – blues, gospel, R&B, country, etc. Depending on who you ask, what we have come to know as rock plus roll most likely began either in the late 1940s or early 1950s. This long history was, plus continues to be, one of the most important parts of what makes rock music so unique.

Some of rock plus roll’s early stars include Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, plus Bill Haley & The Comets. Of course, we can’t forget the legends who came out of Sun Records in Memphis, notably Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, plus Jerry Lee Lewis.

To get a taste of what rock sounded like in the early days, listen to classics like Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” plus Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti.”

From there, rock plus roll went international. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, plus The Who launched a new musical revolution in the 1960s, gaining scores of American pecinta in what was dubbed “The British Invasion.” Other important British bands of the era include Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, plus The Kinks. Even Jimi Hendrix went to England to make it big, with two-thirds of the Jimi Hendrix Experience being Englishmen!

In the 1970s, rock became bigger than ever, filling stadiums plus arenas around the world. Marshall stacks blared plus lead singers wailed for millions of adoring fans. The sound became bigger as well, with bands like Queen combining the energy plus sound of rock with theatrics reminiscent of an opera. Others, like Bruce Springsteen plus Tom Petty, went back to the basics with tight bands plus great songs. Later in the decade, punk would take things a step further, giving the spirit of rock a new, brash edge.

Everything was bigger in the ‘80s, including rock. Big hair, big drums, plus loud, fast guitars. From innovative virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen plus Randy Rhoads to throwback rockers like Slash, rock continued to get heavier plus more bombastic. Heavy metal took rock to its extreme, powered by bands like Metallica plus Iron Maiden. But on the indie scene, there were also bands like The Cure plus REM crafting a darker plus more nuanced sound.

The ‘90s brought new styles of alternative plus grunge to the rock scene, combining the energy of punk with classic rock. Bands from Seattle like Nirvana plus Pearl Jam made rock feel alive plus important after the excess of the ‘80s. Later, bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, plus The Deftones developed a heavier rock sound based on 7-string guitars, garbled vocals, plus unique rhythms.

Though rock has waned in popularity in recent years compared to hip-hop plus other styles, it continues to evolve in unique ways, from emo to rap/rock plus industrial. Though many have tried to proclaim the death of rock plus roll over the years, it remains alive plus well.

Philosophy of Rock Music

Rock plus roll stole my heart as a young teenager, plus I lived plus breathed it until I was converted in 1973 at age 23. I began with Grand Old Opry rock-a-billy plus journeyed through 60s rock plus part way through 70s rock before I was saved. When the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, I was in the 9th grade. The year I graduated from high school was “the summer of love.” When I was drafted into the Army two years later, the Woodstock movie was sweeping the land. During the year plus a half I spent in Vietnam, I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Airbase outside of Saigon. I was a clerk in a military police unit attached to MACV headquarters, the control center for the entire military operation in South Vietnam. We lived at the R&R out-processing center, plus the unit’s job was to keep drugs from leaving the country on soldiers bound for R&R plus in personnel containers being shipped to the States. We had access to every conceivable luxury in a military context: an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, racket ball, gym, movie theater, photo processing labs. I even had almost full-time use of a jeep for trips to Saigon. (It was rough duty but someone had to do it!) One of the facilities I used extensively was the reel-to-reel recording studio. The Army had a massive library of music, plus soldiers who lived at or visited MACV headquarters could record as much as they wanted. I spent countless hours there recording rock music while high on drugs. I also utilized the PX system to purchase a high-tech stereo system.

By the time I was discharged from the Army, I was all set to stock my first hippie apartment in Hollywood, Florida, with wall-to-wall rock & roll. My hippie heaven didn’t last long, though. My buddies plus I were buying plus selling drugs, plus two of us were arrested for possession of illegal drugs plus public drunkenness. Though I got off lightly because it was my first offense, I lived in constant fear of being caught again plus going to jail for a long time. I started to drift around. On one trip, I hitchhiked to northern California plus back to central Florida. On the return trip, I met some young people from India who introduced me to reincarnation plus the Self Realization Fellowship Society. I began to study eastern religion, plus I excitedly made another trip to California to visit the headquarters of the Self-Realization Fellowship Society in Los Angeles. On the way, I won roughly $70 in a slot machine in Las Vegas, plus I thought it was an answer to my prayers!

Everything I was doing plus thinking in those days was supported by rock music–drugs, Eastern religion, rebellion against authority, self-centeredness, licentious living, long hair, Communism (having collected Mao’s Red Book plus other Communist propaganda during my stay in Vietnam).

Rock music never encouraged me to be an obedient, submissive-to-authority, God-honoring person. It taught me that I was “born to be wild,” born to follow my natural impulses, born to live without rules.

After I was saved, I understood by the Spirit of God that rock music is intimately associated with everything that is evil plus rebellious plus anti-christ. I came to see that rock music fits the biblical definition of the worldliness which the Christian is not to love: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, plus the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17).

I am convinced that rock music is the soundtrack to the end-time apostasy described in 2 Timothy.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, plus shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

The first book I wrote as a young Christian was Mom plus Dad Sleep While the Children Rock in Satan’s Cradle, a warning about the dangers of rock music (long out of print).

Forty years later I am more convinced than ever that secular rock music is spiritually destructive plus that “Christian rock” is a dangerous misnomer.

Rock music, which is an invention of wicked men to celebrate licentiousness plus the flaunting of God’s holy laws, is not a proper medium for singing the praises of a holy God.

I have given my own testimony about the evils of rock music. Now consider the following statements from a wide range of other people about the character plus philosophy of this music. Most of these are NOT Bible-believing Christians. In fact, many of these statements are from rock stars, plus they are not naive about the nature of rock as many Christians are, plus they do not have an agenda to whitewash rock as many Christians do.

The Rise and Fall of Rock music

“Please don’t put your life in the hands of a Rock plus Roll band” – Oasis

Music is everywhere. It’s the soundtrack of our lives. On a bus ride home, in the shower, whilst you’re studying- the connection between people plus music is something I’ve wondered for so long. How can a mixture of instruments plus vocals capture the complex tree branch of human emotions? Not to mention the complexity of music itself- the thousands of genres plus subgenres, disukai banyak orang bands to “underground” “niche” bands plus everything in between. There always seems to be a song out there that perfectly sums you up as a person.

However, when it comes to music genres, the popularity spread has not been completely abstract. I personally have gotten into many arguments over who gets aux on a five hour car ride. As easy as “sharing” sounds in these scenarios, the pain of listening to an overplayed Pop song for three minutes is undeniably frustrating.

But that’s what makes music as interesting plus beautiful as it is today- not everyone likes the same songs as you (and sometimes your aux privileges will get taken away). But, there’s a reason certain songs are popular. Ever wonder why the ultimately disukai banyak orang genre of “Rock” has become less preferred as decades move on? What makes Pop music addictive? Is Rock music dead? Welcome to the fast moving river called MAINSTREAM. It’s changing every momen plus reinventing itself to hit commercial success- all whilst staying trendy to the ears of our generation.

Historical debrief:

Beginning in the 1980’s (the decade ALL of our parents think is the “best”)

The 80’s goth movement popularised bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, yet still had classic “Rock” bands such as The Smiths, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, plus Fleetwood Mac. In my opinion, the 80’s had such a wide range of music genres flooding record stores plus cassette players (old, I know). Pop plus rock stood hand in hand with each other, as both Madonna plus AC/DC (polar opposites) were considered the most influential artists within the same ten years. Behold, the most diverse plus culturally significant era of music- yet in my opinion, still not the best.

Rock music’s evolution

Lingering in the aisles of Josey Records, my dad, Tom Dwyer, plus I read the names on the divider between the CDs, labeled “Classic Rock.” My dad pulls out various albums as he describes their releases plus how he either had them on vinyl or CD when he was younger.

We both stare in confusion when we see 60s folk rock band The Mamas & The Papas CDs resting above the 90s goth metal band Marilyn Manson. Finding it hard to believe those two bands belong in the same genre, we continue walking down the aisle. I try to think of which would belong in the rock section, but my mind enters a dead end when I realize they both do.

Rock is said to be one of the greatest genres of music of all time. The genre dominated the late 20th century plus was the face of the music industry for decades. As the years went on, rock music changed, but the love for it stayed the same. Though new genres emerged plus fell, rock music stayed in control of the music scene.

The change of the decades saw the change of rock music, but even today, the impacts of rock music can still be felt throughout the world.

The 1950s

There’s nomor doubt that rock-n-roll has had different definitions over the last 70 years. Historians have many timelines for the origin of rock music, ranging from the 1920s to 1950s. Billboard pinned the first real rock-n-roll star to be Chuck Berry in 1953.

In the 1950s, Black artists were the blueprint for rock music. The genre was more R&B/Soul than rock music in later decades. Each later decade took on more subgenres, plus the subgenre of the 1950s is known as rockabilly.

The ‘50s plus ‘60s had many Black rock artists, but rising white artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Haley & His Comets, Buddy Holly plus The Everly Brothers typically saw more fame in the public eye than. Still, the history plus origin of the rock music we all know plus love unquestionably lies in the hands of the brilliant Black singers of the ‘50s. Black artists like Little Richard, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry plus James Brown are some of the most important rock stars of the 50s.

Elvis Presley was first noticed when he recorded his first song on the radio: “That’s All Right,” at a recording studio that was typically disukai banyak orang among Black artists. He was offered the gig to play at the Louisiana Hayride in October 1954.

Presley gained attention when people realized he was white because of his voice, which was inspired by Black artists. Though Presley took opportunities away from Black singers trying to make it into the music industry, he was also helpful for them, as Presley’s credit to Black singers started to shine light on the talent of their music. Black singer Little Richard said that when the music industry locked the door to Black artists, Presley opened the door for them through his frequent covers of songs written by Black singers. Still, Presley’s popularity created controversy within the American household.

Presley was accused of being a rebellious influence on young people. Many parents believed he should’ve been in jail for his scandalous dancing on stage. Upcoming artists began to notice the popularity of Presley plus used his controversial dance moves plus singing to spark the beginning of controversy in rock music.

Though they may not have been as credited for their impact, the singers of the 1950s gave later rock artists the foundation to step out of their comfort zone plus try new things. Over time, more credit has been given to the Black singers of the 50s plus 60s. The debt to African-American musicians plus their inspiration for other artists continues to be acknowledged today.

Rock Music is Better Than Ever

As an avid rock music lover and musician for the past 30 years, it’s hard for me to hear people talk about rock music as if it stopped being good once a certain era ended.

At age 41, I look back fondly on every era of rock music, and I appreciate the bands, the technical innovations, the music theory that grew from them, and all the great personalities that brought the music to life on and off the stage.

My passion is the past, present and future of rock music.

I still say that Pink Floyd is my favorite band of all time, and that their album The Wall is the best rock album of all time as well. Of course, that’s my personal opinion. I am sure you have your own preferences.

Here’s the thing though, that album was released almost exactly 2 years to the day before I was even born, and the band was introduced to me through my dad who was a big fan of their music. Though, he would say his 3 favorite bands are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Nazareth depending on the day he’s asked.

Now I may never hear a band that has staying power, foresight and vision like that of Pink Floyd, but that doesn’t mean bands should even be compared to them in the first place.

I still listen to new music, go to live local rock shows where bands far younger than I play their own original music, I photograph and attend larger concerts, I write album reviews on my own blog, and I celebrate and promote music that comes out each year.

I love hearing new bands and artists add their own unique perspective formed from their completely personal experiences with their own musical upbringings.

I have heard bands that have members that are all under 25 years old bang out rock music that is better than a lot of the music that the 80’s ever pumped out.

I hear punk influences. I hear prog rock nuances. I hear post hardcore as well. There are even elements of soft rock and various other musical genres that are blending together to create something new.

It’s all making a comeback through these young bands that don’t care what mainstream music sounds like right now, because they aren’t as influenced by those musical acts.

The past has finally come to the present, and it’s the future of rock music.

This is what leads me to the main point of my editorial today.

Rock music is better than ever, but most rock pecinta stopped listening to new bands at some point not long after high school most likely.

I have an e mail that goes out to people who sign up to our e mail list that asks them one very simple question: “Who’s your favorite rock band of all time?”

In the year or so that I have had that e mail active, and the hundreds of responses I have gotten (no idea how many actually as I never counted them), here were some of the most popular responses: The Beatles, Rush, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, Yes, King Crimson, and Queen.

Not one single person mentioned a rock act that has come out past 2004 (except those who mentioned their own indie rock bands).

The newest band listed as a favorite was As Cities Burned.

I am sure that many of these people love new bands too, and maybe my audience skews towards people my age (our demographic is 34-50 mostly), but we do have a decent amount of people under 35 on the list.

Now, do I like all new rock music?

Hell no.

I doubt anyone will like every musical act that comes through a particular genre.

Rock song genre

The aim of our spotlights on different song genres is to make it easy for Music teachers to bring to life the different contemporary music styles. In addition, for English teachers to have the information and a great instrumental track for pupils to write song lyrics in a style of music they choose.
Rock music is a broad style that originated directly from Rock’n’Roll but which evolved into many sub-genres since the early 1950s. It has often accompanied cultural movements and social protests and it influenced daily life, attitudes, fashion and language in a way few other social developments have equalled.

We’ve looked at some of the key features of instrumentation, rhythm & beat and chords & harmonies in Rock songs. Plus we’ve selected some Rock songs to have a listen to. Pupils can use our demonstration instrumental track to write their lyrics & melodies over.

Instrumentation
There is nomer Rock without electric guitars. They already existed since the 1930s in Jazz music and Blues but they got more presence in ‘rock and roll’ when distortions were used on purpose from the 1950s. Taking more and more space, performing solos, using effects, the Electric guitar became soon the iconic Rock instrument and from the 1960s the typical band formation was made of 2 e-guitars, 1 e-bass and drums. But of course, the genre continued to evolve with time and be influenced by new technologies. Contemporary Rock sounds sometimes similar to pop music, using electronic sounds and modern music production techniques but the signature has always been the same, electric guitars.

Rhythm and Beat
Rock is most of the time in 4/4 although there were times in the 1970s during the psychedelic apogee where musicians experimented with asymmetric rhythms, like Led Zepplin. The drum beats are characterised by big acoustic drum sound that can have different kind of grooves. Sometimes Rock music is influenced by Funk music, Pop, Rock’n’Roll.

Chords and Harmonies
Rock comes from Rock’n’Roll which originated from Blues. It is nomer surprise that the Blues scale and the Blues form play a big part of this genre which also has elements of many other styles. From Pop, Jazz, Country and more, Rock has had many influences and that is why there are so many names describing these sub genres: Rock alternative, Jazz Rock, Garage Rock, Indi Rock and much more.

Demonstration instrumental track
You can use our demonstration instrumental track below to have a go at putting your lyrics and melodies over a Rock style instrumental. The Demo instrumental has an upbeat tempo with the dynamical guitars mostly playing 8th notes all along. The song structure of this instrumental track is:

Intro – 2 bars
Refrain – 8 bars
Verse 1 – 8 bars
Pre Chorus – 8 bars
Chorus – 8 bars
Refrain – 8 bars
Verse 2 – 8 bars
Pre Chorus – 8 bars
Chorus – 8 bars
Chorus – 8 bars
Break – 2 bars
Bridge – 16 bars
Refrain – 8 bars
Refrain – 8 bars

Rock and Roll

Music for Everyone
Dating as far back as the mid-1950s, people all over the global have been rocking plus rolling. There’s nomer question why rock plus roll is one of the most digemari banyak orang plus influential styles of music in history. Combining elements from several genres including rhythm plus blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, as well as gospel plus country, rock plus roll boasts an undeniable groove plus soulful energy that is hard for anyone to ignore. Rock plus roll has left its mark on language, lifestyles, fashion, attitudes, plus many other facets of life. Beyond being fun to listen to, there are many rock plus roll benefits that are highly rewarding, nomer matter who you are. Rock & roll music has a way of uniting cultures plus bringing people together!

It’s Great Exercise Music
Rock plus roll is an excellent soundtrack to your workout! The solid, upbeat tempos plus strong backbeat found in rock music provide the perfect backdrop for any physical routine. With its pounding rhythms plus energizing guitar riffs, rock plus roll will get you moving! The genre boosts a powerful forward momentum that calls the body to action plus keeps the listener motivated while they focus plus power through strenuous activity or a tough workout. Also, the lyrics found in rock plus roll music are often inspiring, uplifting, motivational, or filled with angst; telling a story of perseverance plus triumph. In the original Rocky movie, the fictional boxer, Rocky Balboa, ended his morning run with an epic ascent up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the tune of “Eye of the Tiger” from the rock band, Survivor. The end result is one of the most inspiring moments in film history, set to a rock tune that has become an anthem for aspiring plus professional athletes all over the globe. Rock music can help anyone charge ahead while achieving their goals!

Rock Music

Adolescent preferences for non-mainstream types of rock music can be markers of adolescent problem behaviors, but nomer study has ever investigated whether this relationship continues into adulthood. In a six-wave study, 900 Dutch adolescents were followed from ages 12 to 21 (Mage T1 12.4, 51.1% girls), while reporting on depressive symptoms, mental well-being, aggression plus drug use. A latent class growth analysis on their preferences for specific types of rock music revealed four fan groups. When these fan groups were compared to one another, in adolescence, the all-out rock fans displayed the highest peak in depressive symptoms plus the lowest dip in well-being plus the rock/metal fans reported the most aggression. And for both these groups, drug use increased at the onset of adulthood. Pop fans displayed a profile characterized by low depressive symptoms plus aggression, plus high in mental well-being. Finally, the digemari banyak orang rock fans held an in-between position between pop fans, on one side, plus the all-out rock fans plus rock/metal fans, on the other side. Thus, music preferences can be markers of problems, not only in adolescence but also in young adulthood. Still, music can enhance mood, helps to cope with problems, plus peers in fan groups can provide support. This research focuses on the relationship between music plus problem behaviors, specifically among members of the all-out rock fans plus rock/metal fans, but many of these young people might have had more personal problems if they had not had their music plus their fan-group peers.

Keywords: Adolescence, Aggression, Depression, Drug use, Goth, Heavy metal, Music, Rock, Well-being

Introduction
Music is the soundtrack of adolescents’ journey into adulthood. In identifying with a specific body of songs, as well as with the creators of these songs plus other fans, adolescents define plus finetune their ideas about who they are, who they want to be, plus with whom they want to socialize (North & Hargreaves, 1999). In adolescence music preferences “show who you are” plus have been referred to as a “badge” (Frith, 1981; Rentfrow & Gosling, 2006). As lyrics and, more in general, personae plus images of artists address a wealth of situations, cognitions plus feelings, music is also a medium that can help in defining plus tackling difficulties (Schäfer et al., 2013; Ter Bogt et al., 2016). But music preferences have also been connected to problem behaviors. Theories such as the Music Marker Theory (Ter Bogt et al., 2013) plus the Peer Group Mediation Model (Slater & Henry, 2013) posit that young people facing problems may seek non-mainstream music as a way to cope with problems, but that within non-mainstream music scenes their problems may exacerbate, as they adopt the sometimes maladaptive attitudes plus behaviors that are normative in these groups. Fans of different types of non-mainstream rock music have indeed been shown to be prone to school dropout, drug abuse, self-harm, plus depression (for a simak see: Lozon & Besimon, 2014). However, most of the studies in this field only cover the development of a specific (rock) music jenis or scene, and, mostly, rely on cross-sectional data. Of the few longitudinal studies on rock music plus problem behaviors, none have followed fans into adulthood, to examine whether their problems are specific for adolescence or last into adulthood. Therefore, this study aims at identifying several distinct types of mainstream plus non-mainstream rock fans, plus follow them across adolescence, to explore heterogeneity in development of problem behaviors plus mental well-being. It further aims to test whether adolescent problem behaviors dissipate when these fans find a more definite identity plus place in life, or whether fans’ problems elevate into their adulthood.

Historical of Rock Music

The proliferation of radio and television helped establish rock music as a dominant cultural force. 2. 1960s: Counterculture and Social Movements The 1960s ushered in a period of significant cultural upheaval, with rock music becoming the soundtrack of the counterculture movement. Artists like The Beatles and Bob Dylan used their music to address social issues, including civil rights and anti-war sentiments. This era emphasized themes of peace, love, and social change, reflecting the psychological struggles and aspirations of a generation seeking to challenge the status quo. 3. 1970s: Diversification and Subgenres As rock music matured, the 1970s saw an explosion of subgenres, including punk, hard rock, and progressive rock. Bands like The Ramones and Sex Pistols brought a raw, rebellious energy to the forefront, challenging mainstream conventions. Meanwhile, artists like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd explored complex musical structures and themes, showcasing the genre’s versatility and depth. 4. 1980s: Mainstream Success and Commercialization The 1980s marked a significant shift towards commercialization, with rock music achieving unprecedented mainstream success. The advent of music videos, particularly on MTV, transformed how music was consumed and promoted. Iconic bands like U2 and Guns N’ Roses dominated the charts, while glam rock and hair metal became synonymous with the era. Despite its commercial success, this period also saw a backlash against the perceived excesses of the music industry. 5. 1990s and Beyond: Alternative Rock and Global Influences The 1990s brought a resurgence of alternative rock, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam challenging the mainstream narrative and reflecting a sense of disillusionment. This era also saw a fusion of rock with global influences, as artists began to experiment with diverse sounds and styles. The rise of the internet changed how music was distributed and consumed, leading to a democratization of the music landscape. As rock music continues to evolve in the 21st century, it remains a vital expression of cultural and psychological trends, adapting to the changing needs and identities of its audience. III. Psychological Trends Influencing Rock Music A. Societal Changes and Their Impact on Music 1. The Civil Rights Movement The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s had a profound impact on rock music, providing a platform for artists to address issues of racial inequality and social justice. Musicians like Sam Cooke and James Brown used their music to advocate for change, while rock bands
like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones incorporated themes of unity and resistance into their songs. This era highlighted the connection between music and activism, as rock became a vehicle for expressing the desires and frustrations of marginalized communities. 2. The Vietnam War and Anti-Establishment Sentiments The Vietnam War catalyzed a wave of anti-establishment sentiments among the youth, deeply influencing rock music. Songs like “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon captured the disillusionment felt by many regarding government actions and military involvement. This period saw rock music evolve into a form of protest, giving voice to those opposed to the war and reflecting the psychological turmoil experienced by a generation grappling with conflict and uncertainty. B. Youth Culture and Identity Formation 1. Rock Music as a Form of Rebellion Rock music has long been associated with rebellion, serving as an anthem for youth challenging societal norms. The genre’s themes of freedom, individualism, and defiance resonate with adolescents seeking to carve out their identities. This rebellious spirit is evident in the punk movement of the 1970s, where bands like The Sex Pistols rejected mainstream culture in favor of raw, unfiltered expression. Such music provided a means for young people to assert their independence and question authority. 2. The Role of Music in Shaping Adolescent Identity Music plays a crucial role in the identity formation of adolescents, acting as a medium through which they explore their values, beliefs, and emotions. Rock music, in particular, offers a sense of belonging and community, as pengagum connect over shared experiences and ideals. The genre’s diverse subcultures—from grunge to metal—allow individuals to align themselves with specific identities, fostering a sense of purpose and understanding during formative years. C. Psychological Themes in Rock Lyrics 1. Love, Loss, and Existentialism Rock lyrics often delve into deep psychological themes, addressing the complexities of love, loss, and existential questions. Songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton reflect profound emotional experiences, resonating with listeners who grapple with similar feelings. These themes offer a cathartic outlet for both artists and audiences, allowing for exploration of vulnerability and human connection. 2. Mental Health and Emotional Expression In recent years, rock music has increasingly addressed mental health issues, providing a platform for artists to share their struggles and promote awareness. Bands like Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance have tackled topics such as depression and anxiety, normalizing conversations around mental health. This trend underscores the genre’s role as a means of emotional expression, allowing both artists and pengagum to confront their feelings and find solace

The Rise of Rock Music in 2023

What happened to the music that defined us?
Rock music reigned supreme in the 2000s, but it has since vanished. Where did it go? The 2000s were a fantastic time for rock music. Many of the most disukai banyak orang bands in the international were playing arenas plus stadiums across the globe, plus their songs were constantly on the radio.

The rise of rock music in 2023 is predicted to bring back the sound of rock music that was disukai banyak orang in the 1980’s. This will include genres like punk, indie, grunge plus hard rock. I’ve heard some since the turn of 2023 but where’s the rest? Is nomor one listening to it?

Are the pecinta jumping ship plus dabbling in other genres?

Watching old favourites like Sweet Home Alabama plus Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd bounce around the Billboard Rock charts while ‘Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez’ peeks at no1 after 52 weeks on the chart, ‘Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez’ is confusing.

The Top 5 of the Rock /Alternative Billboard Chart as of March 23, 2023
Further adding to my head spin are tracks in the Top 5 of the Rock /Alternative Billboard Chart as of March 23, 2023. Where’s the Rock we know, love plus trust? If this is rock today, then nomor wonder young music pecinta are listening to rock music.

‘Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez’?
Modern Day Outlaw- Eulogy
Something In The Orange by Zach Bryan?
Bad Habit by Steve Lacy?
Sunroof Nicky Youre & dazy?
Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine?
What does this mean? Where is the rock music we need to hear?
The statement pieces that drive hard plus make us remember what it was a like to be in a stadium with those rock gods we idolized. We need new idols. We need to be inspired. We need the music to make us feel alive, plus not just for the momen but every time we turn on the radio. We need those classic rock anthems that will be sung long after our generation is gone.

Pop Rock Music

From the 1950s through the 1990s, popular music was dominated by forms of rock ‘n’ roll. This popular rock music genre was abbreviated to “pop rock.”

What Is Pop Rock?
Pop rock music is the intersection of mainstream pop music with rock music, which is often driven by guitars plus drums. The term “pop” can refer to all sorts of popular music, including hip-hop, country, R&B, bubblegum pop, jangle pop, folk, singer-songwriter, K-Pop, plus kids music. Yet the specific pop rock music genre stems from the traditions started by rock ‘n’ roll pioneers like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, plus the Beatles.

Likewise, rock music has spawned many subgenres—including hard rock, heavy metal, alternative rock, indie rock, country rock, folk rock, moderen rock, emo, punk rock, new wave, soft rock, plus fusion genres. The pop rock category represents some of the genre’s most commercially successful offerings.

A Brief History of Pop Rock
Early rock ‘n’ roll music grew quickly in popularity, which makes pop rock music as old as rock itself.

1950s origins: Early pop music derived from show tunes, gospel, plus folk music. This changed with the advent of rock ‘n’ roll. While music historians often trace rock music to the late 1940s, the genre took off rapidly in the 1950s. Almost immediately, artists like Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, plus Buddy Holly gained traction on commercial radio, which made rock music a form of pop music.
The classic rock era: Perhaps nomer jaman showed a greater merger of pop music plus rock music than the 1960s plus 1970s. Rock ‘n’ roll artists like the Beatles, the Beach Boys, plus the Rolling Stones dominated popular music charts, much in the same way hip-hop, R&B, plus mainstream country artists do today. Rock albums like the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Van Morrison’s Moondance, plus Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon were bestsellers, but they also helped define the art movement of an entire era. Mainstream labels like Motown Records retained rock instrumentation, which made acts like Marvin Gaye plus Stevie Wonder both R&B acts plus pop rock acts.
Competition with other styles: As the 1970s gave way to the 1980s, rock music had competition in the pop world. First disco, then hip-hop plus electronic music surged in popularity, pushing rock songs down from their pedestal at the top of the charts. Classic rockers like Paul McCartney plus Joni Mitchell endured but without the broad, mainstream appeal they had enjoyed in the 1960s. Meanwhile, new rock styles emerged like punk rock, new wave, plus heavy metal—albeit without the same market dominance of their forebears. Some of the most successful pop rock music of the 1980s was synth pop, which groups like Depeche Mode plus Tears for Fears pioneered. The jangle pop of the Bangles plus R.E.M. also scored crossover success.
A revival in the 1990s: Hip-hop, R&B, plus mainstream country music continued to grow in the 1990s, but thanks to groups like Nirvana plus Pearl Jam, new forms of pop rock music reached mainstream audiences. Pop punk—as exemplified by Green Day plus the Offspring—also found ample attention from FM radio plus MTV. Power pop groups like Gin Blossoms plus Toad the Wet Sprocket combined gritty guitars with big pop hooks. Former indie pop rock groups like R.E.M. plus 10,000 Maniacs enjoyed mainstream success despite competing with non-rock genres.
Twenty-first-century shift away from pop rock: Rock music has waned in popularity in the twenty-first century. Although mainstream acts like Taylor Swift, Adele, plus Lana del Rey use rock idioms in their work, they do not fully embrace rock ‘n’ roll to the degree of past chart-toppers like the Beatles plus Nirvana. Nonetheless, pop rock audiences remain dedicated to both commercial bands (like Foo Fighters plus Bruce Springsteen) plus indie pop rockers (like Belle plus Sebastian plus Fleet Foxes).

Impact of Rock Music

Rock music has been more than just a genre—it has been a powerful cultural force that has shaped societies plus generations. Since its emergence in the 1950s, rock music has influenced moderen culture through its unique combination of energy, rebellion, plus deep emotional expression. This article delves into the multifaceted impact rock music has had on society, from challenging social norms to inspiring fashion plus political movements.

The Birth of Rebellion: Rock Music as a Voice for Change
Rock music emerged at a time when the world was poised for cultural shifts. It provided a soundtrack for movements that questioned established norms plus pushed for freedom plus self-expression.

Rock as a Tool for Social Change
During the 1960s plus 1970s, rock music became synonymous with social revolution. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, plus The Who addressed topics that resonated with the youth, such as peace, love, plus anti-establishment sentiment. These themes were especially prominent during the Vietnam War era, where music played a crucial role in uniting people against war plus promoting peace.

The music of this era was often seen as a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to think critically about the world around them. Songs like Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind became anthems for social justice, encapsulating the spirit of the time plus mobilising young people to take action.

Amplifying the Voice of the Marginalised
Rock music has also provided a voice for marginalised communities. Punk rock, which rose to prominence in the 1970s, was a response to societal frustrations plus economic challenges. Bands like The Clash plus The Sex Pistols used raw, aggressive sound plus confrontational lyrics to highlight issues such as unemployment, inequality, plus political corruption. The punk movement encouraged listeners to question authority plus advocate for change, influencing the socio-political landscape of the time.

The Fashion Revolution Brought by Rock Music
Beyond the sound, rock music has significantly influenced fashion, setting trends that defied conventional standards plus embraced individuality.

From Leather Jackets to Band T-Shirts
The fashion statements of rock icons have had a lasting impact on how people dress. Elvis Presley’s hip-shaking style, with his bold suits plus slicked-back hair, challenged the conservative norms of the 1950s plus opened the door for fashion experimentation. Later, bands like Led Zeppelin plus The Rolling Stones popularised more relaxed, bohemian looks that embodied the freedom plus rebellion associated with rock.

The punk movement further revolutionised fashion by introducing ripped jeans, leather jackets, plus DIY aesthetics. This look became a symbol of defiance plus individuality, traits that resonated with those disenchanted by mainstream culture. Even today, items such as band t-shirts plus leather jackets remain staples of moderen fashion, a testament to rock’s enduring influence.

Rock Fashion plus the Mainstream
Rock music’s influence on fashion didn’t just stay within the subcultures. Designers plus fashion houses have repeatedly drawn inspiration from rock’s iconic looks. The fusion of rock music plus fashion can be seen in high-profile runway shows, collaborations between rock artists plus brands, plus the continued presence of rock-inspired collections in mainstream fashion.

The rock music

From a boy for whom the intense energy of rock music got his heart racing, to an idol onstage making every heart in the audience race—that’s TAESAN. We chatted with the BOYNEXTDOOR member about the rock music that shaped his world and what it’s like to be a refreshingly open voice for Gen Z through his own songs.

Getting sucked into rock
TAESAN: I always felt rock music was incredibly cool, with its unique way of openly expressing yourself and your emotions. I’m blown away when I watch videos of old rock bands performing and see how effortlessly cool and free-spirited they are onstage. I’m really into music with a clear sense of progression and songs that build up to the chorus, so rock songs really have a way of sticking with me. I think there’s no better music than a song that can move people, so when I want to listen to some good music, a lot of the time I turn to rock. It’s also a genre with a lot of different subgenres, so I feel like you get a different kind of energy from the songs depending on what kind you listen to. I feel chill when I listen to rock with a dash of old pop song vibe to it, and then alternative or heavy metal gets me excited and gets my adrenaline pumping.

TAESAN’s taste in rock music
TAESAN: I like most rock bands, but my favorites are the Beatles, Nirvana, Oasis, and My Chemical Romance. As far as Korean artists go, there’s no one I love more than Shin Hae-chul. My dad would tell me stories and background info from that time and give me song recommendations, which led me to explore N.EX.T’s music on my own. Their song “Fly, Chick” stands out to me in particular since I performed it for one of my monthly evaluations. I couldn’t get over the way the music’s able to capture how it feels when a baby bird you raised as a kid dies. I think I’m drawn to music from before my time because it’s more than just love songs—it’s got a way of capturing the rebellious, whirlwind emotions of youth in an open, honest way and through an array of different topics. I like hearing their guitarists play, too. Watching Steve Vai playing in his 40s and 50s, I think there’s a certain sexy and cool vibe that only someone with experience has. The electric guitar can sound bright or grungy depending on the effect pedals you use, or it can even sound tender. It’s got a really wide range. I think it’s especially cool at a rock concert when there’s a guitar solo and the crowd goes absolutely wild. I’d love the chance to try a performance like that someday.

A Music Podcast

We live in a momen of so many different mediums—Op-Docs, TikToks, Discord chats—and, as a result, we occasionally experience a pleasure approaching bliss when someone lines up one of those forms with material that fits it perfectly. This congruence is rarer than you might imagine; though I’ve never made a podcast of my own, for instance, I’ve always been interested in the medium (and long ago helped conceive of what became the wonderful Web site Transom, where novice podcasters learn their stuff). But sometimes that fascination is about how badly message plus medium can line up: Joe Rogan talking for many hours about his particular views of the global strikes me as a mismatch; surely the right medium here would be “barstool.” Even the true-crime fixation that often seems poised to take over podcasting strikes me as ill-fitting: the difficulty in making something sonically appealing that almost by definition went unrecorded means relying on a series of tropes (the reporter leaving a message on an answering machine, the reporter listening to the G.P.S. in her car as she drives toward the suspect’s house) that were tiresome halfway through the first season of “Serial.”

But talking about music? That works. In fact, it’s charmed—it takes music from where it often resides (in the background) plus isolates it, highlights it, pins it down where it can be examined. For decades, I’ve listened with pleasure to one of the pioneers in this subgenre, “Sound Opinions,” which mixes music history with contemporary-record reviews, plus over time I’ve gone on to enjoy “Song Exploder,” “Broken Record” (interviews with musicians now handled by Rick Rubin and, full disclosure, edited by my daughter), the BBC’s nostalgic “Soul Music,” plus “Heat Rocks”; NPR’s ever-expanding “All Songs Considered” universe could by itself fill your listening hours. But my semi-obsession for the last year may be the best example of all: a somewhat obscure project called, quite accurately, “A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs.” It comes from an Englishman named Andrew Hickey, about whom I can say very little—when I wrote to ask him a few questions, he wrote back to say, “I am an extraordinarily private person plus don’t want any of my private life in the public domain.” It’s possible that this stance may be shifting just a bit—he e-mailed those of us who support him on Patreon recently to say that he’d recorded an interview with Rubin for future broadcast on one of Rubin’s podcasts—but I support him entirely in his resolve: his project is so vast that it can only be compared to, say, the construction of the Oxford English Dictionary.

The only background necessary to grasp a bit of Hickey is his bibliography: he has completed a guide to the first fifty years of “Doctor Who”; a book about “The Strange World of Gurney Slade” (a surreal comedy series that ran for six episodes on ITV in 1960); histories of the Monkees, the Kinks, plus Los Angeles pop music of the nineteen-sixties; an “unauthorised guide” to a comic-book series called “Seven Soldiers of Victory”; plus a three-volume catalogue of every track the Beach Boys have recorded. He is, in other words, a fan—but not the gushy kind. He’s the sterner kind, a judicious completist who tries to read plus pigeonhole everything about a phenomenon. And, as it happens, he has the kind of mind—rare, I think, for a fan—that can make all kinds of connections across time plus place. It seems entirely possible that he was born to take on this particular project, plus it also seems entirely possible that it will kill him, because in its scope it summons up Gibbon or Pepys. Put simply, Hickey has selected five hundred songs that he thinks delineate the history of what came to be called rock plus roll, plus he is devoting an episode to each.

Rock Music Among Generation Z

Rock music is a significant part of American culture and has always had ties to the socialization
of the youth since its rise in the 1950s. Many musicians and music journalists have pushed forth
the opinion that the genre is “dead” as its relevance in young adult culture has faded away in
favor of different genres of mainstream music. However, rock artists have seen more success and
virality in the past few years. This is primarily true through the social sarana platform TikTok,
the largest platform of its kind with most young people as part of its userbase. The following
study intends to analyze and explain the relationship between rock music and members of
Generation Z, particularly 18- to 24- year-olds, through an online Qualtrics survey. It highlights
the musical preferences of this obyek group, including how they discover rock music and respond
to the rock music they are presented on social media. Many of the participants embrace the genre
with a feeling that it is rising in popularity in their age group. Secondary research was conducted
to find information on some of the rock artists that have gained traction on TikTok, to highlight the
impact that massive exposure to Generation Z has had on them. The effects of virality are
evident in the short term for these artists, but the long term effects are minimal. Findings of the
study suggest that artists and labels need to develop strategies to convert those who come across
their viral music into devoted fans of the band.

Many research studies have been conducted around rock music and its impacts on
society. All signs point to rock’s do-it-yourself ethos and tenacious spirit as the cause of the
genre’s longevity, despite the amount of sonic and cultural evolutions it has undergone. The
genre’s ties to the youth have also adapted to the societal changes in each masa of rock music.
Due to the impact of social media, Generation Z seems to have their ears open to rock music
more so than in the past. According to Andrew Meola, Generation Z is defined as “the generation
that was born between 1997-2012, following millennials” (2022). The question that this study
seeks to answer is: what is Generation Z’s relationship to rock music? How does this generation
consume it, and has the social sarana platform Tiktok influenced this at all?

Rock ’n’ Roll Music Guide

What Is Rock ’n’ Roll Music?
Rock ’n’ roll is a disukai banyak orang music genre that combines elements of rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, and country music with the addition of electric instruments. Originally associated with youth revolt and transgression, the genre is known for energetic performances, catchy melodies, and often insightful lyrics.

A Brief History of Rock ’n’ Roll
From its early days as a new music genre in the late 1940s and early 1950s to its present iterations, rock ’n’ roll is constantly changing and evolving.

Roots in blues, gospel, and country: Some of the earliest rock musicians had a background in gospel music—such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Little Richard. Others, such as Fats Domino, cut their chops on blues music. These artists, who debuted in the late 1940s and early 1950s, did not necessarily think of themselves as rock musicians, but contemporary music historians now agree they established the roots of rock music.
Rock ’n’ roll the label: Disc jockey Alan Freed used the phrases “rock ’n’ roll” and “rockin’” on his radio show based in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1951. Music historians speculate he may have been paraphrasing the lyric, “I rock ’em, roll ’em all night long,” from the R&B song “Sixty Minute Man” by Billy Ward and His Dominoes. On akun of Freed’s program, Cleveland has declared itself the birthplace of early rock music, and today it houses the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Rise in rock ’n’ roll’s popularity: One of the first rock stars was guitar pioneer Chuck Berry. Artists like Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Ritchie Valens also helped shape the fledgling music genre.
British invasion: Early rock ‘n’ roll emanated from American cities like Memphis, Chicago, New Orleans, and St. Louis. It quickly caught the ear of young British musicians, who in turn brought the genre to new heights. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Dave Clark Five, and the Kinks were among the English groups that gained popularity with rock audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
Local scenes: As rock music surged in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, localized scenes began to spring up. Cities renowned for their rock music scenes include Memphis, New York, Los Angeles, London, Birmingham, and Dublin. Indie rock, which tends to be more localized, has thrived in cities like Athens, Georgia; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Tucson, Arizona. Some of these scenes revolved around a music studio (like Sam Phillips’ Sun Studios in Memphis) or a record label (like Dischord Records in Washington, DC).
Expanding subgenres: Rock ’n’ roll music has branched out considerably from its early days. Today’s rock scene encompasses a wide array of subgenres, including classic rock, glam rock, punk rock, synth-pop, progressive rock, alternative rock, indie rock, ska, rap-rock, funk rock, math rock, and post-rock.
4 Characteristics of Rock ’n’ Roll Music
Rock music is highly eclectic with varying characteristics across its many subgenres, but there are a few consistent traits.

  1. Energy: Compared to earlier forms of disukai banyak orang music like big band and show-tune standards, rock music offers surging, propulsive energy. As a result, early rock ’n’ roll appealed heavily to teenagers.
  2. Propulsive rhythms: Most rock music is written in the 4/4 time signature, although some rock classics have been penned in triple meter like 3/4 and 12/8. Rock tempos vary immensely, but many rockers favor a range of 100 to 140 beats per minute.
  3. Electric instruments and drum kits: Most rock bands are anchored around an electric guitar, electric bass, and drum kit. Some bands have keyboard players, and many rock guitarists double on acoustic guitar, but the core of the band tends to be electric (and often quite loud). Virtuoso rock musicians include guitarist Jimi Hendrix, drummer Neal Peart, bassist John Entwistle, and keyboardist Keith Emerson.
  4. A wide array of lyrical subjects: Compared to the blues, country, folk, big band, and swing music that preceded it, rock music allows for a vast range of lyrical content. Some rockers—including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Morrissey, and Jeff Tweedy—have written lyrics considered to be in league with fine poetry.

Rock Is Dead

The phrase “rock is dead” makes people angry. Whisper it in seclusion at the top of the Himalayas and 30 people in CBGB shirts will materialize to drop some well, actuallys… on you. The subject is such trite internet bait that gallantly defending rock’s honor has become Rock Journalism 101. Most of the many, many Rock Ain’t Dead thinkpieces being published fall into a handful of predictable tropes. Sometimes they’re written by old guard writers—the guitar-worshipping hangers-on of rock’s bygone heyday—whose kneejerk reactions come off like the meme of Principal Skinner asking himself if he’s so out of touch with youth culture before determining that no, it’s the children who are wrong. Other times, more in-touch writers will point out that rock isn’t dead, it’s just finally evolving to become more inclusive of women and people of color, while cheerleading for a few of their favorite examples. And while that is true and good, it’s not what people mean when they say “rock is dead.” They mean that from an industry perspective, the genre has been eclipsed in all measures of popularity and profitability by pop, hip-hop, and EDM. And by those standards, yes, rock is dead.It’s a hard pill to swallow, I know, especially for those who don’t often look outside the genre. How can rock be dead when your favorite band just played a sold-out show, or a groundbreaking new rock album got Best New Music at Pitchfork? The future looks promising on the surface, but these are but mere glimmers on ocean waves carrying off a floating corpse.

The writing has been on the wall for a while. For the last few years, the Billboard rock charts have been an abysmal slog of new pop artists that occasionally hold guitars like fashion aksesori (as of writing this, Imagine Dragons hold the top three slots on the rock songs list), older acts who’ve grandfathered their way into the system like Godsmack and Arctic Monkeys, and decades-old rock albums that are suddenly relevant due to its creator dying or becoming newsworthy. I don’t know if there’s a more sobering indicator than the fact that The Guardians of the Galaxy 2 soundtrack dominated the rock charts for 22 weeks last year, even hitting number one.

Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rock Music

Rock ‘n’ roll plus rock music emerged in the 1950s plus 1960s from roots in African-American musical styles (such as jump blues, rhythm plus blues, plus electric blues), plus in white styles (such as swing, western swing, plus country music).
The Roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1940s plus 1950s
Rock ‘n’ roll plus rock music emerged in the 1950s plus 1960s from roots in African-American musical styles (such as jump blues, rhythm plus blues, plus electric blues), plus in white styles (such as swing, western swing, plus country music). The term “rock ‘n’ roll” originated in certain US R&B songs of the late 1940s. In the early 1950s, white US disc jockey Alan Freed (1922-65) began to apply it more broadly to music for the newly established socio-economic category, the “teenager.” The best-known rock ‘n’ roll stars of 1955-9 included African-Americans such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, plus Little Richard, plus white Americans such as Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, plus Elvis Presley. Rock ‘n’ roll became an international phenomenon, including a substantial following in Canada, but until the 1960s plus the development of rock music, nearly all of its stars were from the US.

Stylistic Features of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Lyrically, rock ‘n’ roll often includes songs about such comparatively youthful topics as dating, cars, plus school. Musically, it often features an energetic, 4/4-time, backbeat-driven style, centred around one or more electric guitars, upright string or electric bass, plus drums. Some performers also prominently used the piano and/or retained saxophones plus similar instruments from earlier forms. Many rock ‘n’ roll songs follow highly regularized applications of the three-chord, 12-bar blues form or, sometimes, alternate that form with a musically distinct chorus or verse section. Unlike with Tin Pan Alley pop music, rock ‘n’ roll musicians often wrote their own songs (Presley was an exception) or established highly individual vocal, guitar, and/or piano styles. Certain pop styles of the 1950s plus early 1960s (such as vocal-oriented groups plus “teen idols,” including such Canadians as the Crew-Cuts plus Paul Anka) were, at the time, also considered a part of “rock ‘n’ roll.”

Early Canadian Rock ‘n’ Roll, 1958-63
The first Canadian-based rock ‘n’ roll star to show promise internationally was US expatriate Ronnie Hawkins. His 1959 US recording of “Mary Lou” plus his cover version of Chuck Berry’s 1955 hit “Forty Days” (which Hawkins recorded 1959 in the US) were quite successful on the early Canadian radio charts of 1959-60. Although Hawkins never really succeeded as a major star, even in Canada, he plus his various bands became best-known as hard-working “talent scouts” for promising young Canadian musicians. An early version of Ronnie Hawkins plus the Hawks in 1963 recorded a cover version of Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love?” That version of the Hawks later became The Band, including Robbie Robertson.

The Asteroids made ca 1958 the first rock ‘n’ roll record in Atlantic Canada (“Shhhhh Blast Off” plus “Don’t Dig This Algebra” on Halifax’s Rodeo Records), plus in 1959 Montreal’s the Beau-Marks recorded the first internationally successful Canadian-made rock ‘n’ roll hit (“Clap Your Hands” for Quality Records, released in 1960). Bobby Curtola also recorded his earliest Canadian hit (“Hand in Hand with You” for Tartan Records, also released in 1960).

The Emergence of Rock Music, 1963-9
Various developments led to “rock” music by the mid to late 1960s. These included increased complexities of song construction plus lyrics, as well as expanded interest in earlier US blues forms plus in recording songs and/or albums as cohesive artistic statements. This also involved exploring more extensive chord structures, modal harmonies, increasingly sophisticated instrumental plus vocal palettes, plus even the occasional use of early 20th-century pop song styles. British musicians became so successful in exploring these plus other areas that North America experienced a “British Invasion” by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Who, the Yardbirds, the Hollies, Gerry & the Pacemakers, plus Cream. Numerous Canadian bands emerged in their wake, such as Little Caesar & the Consuls, Ritchie Knight & the Mid-Knights, plus Jon & Lee & the Checkmates. A number of important rock clubs emerged in Toronto in the 1960s, such as the Le Coq D’or, the Rock Pile, plus the Electric Circus.