🗊Презентация History of Rock and Roll Introduction

History of Rock and Roll Introduction What is “Rock and Roll” and who coined the term?

Rock and Roll History I Sam Phillips Finds His Star Who was Sam Phillips?

Sam Phillips (1923-2003) Sam Phillips was a disc jockey who started the Memphis Recording Service on January 3, 1950. It later became the Sun Records label. From 1950-1954 he recorded black R&B artists that included: Bobby “Blue” Bland, Chester “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett, James Cotton, Roscoe Gordon, Riley “B.B.” King, Little Milton, Herman “Little Junior” Parker, Rufus “Hound Dog” Thomas. Was concerned his black artists would not be able to break through into the “white mainstream” market. Began searching for a white artist “who could play and sing in this same exciting, alive way.” Who would be that artist?

Elvis Presley (1935-1977) Received his first guitar at 11. Early influences included: hymns, gospel, country, and bluegrass. In 1947 his family moved to Memphis and he began listening to blues and R&B. In 1950 he began hearing Sam Phillips’ Sun Studios recordings. In 1953 he paid $4 to record “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” at Sun Studios.

Elvis’ Break During a break in a 1954 recording session with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Elvis began singing an Arthur Crudup blues song, “That’s All Right.” It was released 2 weeks later with “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and caused a sensation. Two months later Presley, Moore, and Black released “Good Rockin’ Tonight” and in less than a year he became the most popular entertainer in the mid-south. In 1955 Colonel Tom Parker arranged for RCA to buy out Elvis’ contract for $35,000.

Elvis conquers the charts In 1956, Elvis had the #1 country single (“I Forgot to Remember to Forget”), the #1 R&B single (“Heartbreak Hotel”), and the #1 Pop single (“I Want You, I Need You, I Love You). In 1957, he released the following hit singles: “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” Jailhouse Rock,” “All Shook Up,” and “Teddy Bear.” He appeared on January 6 on The Ed Sullivan Show from the waist up. Drafted by the U.S. Army in 1958.

Elvis conquers Hollywood Love Me Tender (1956), Loving You, Jailhouse Rock (1957), King Creole (1958), Flaming Star (1960), Blue Hawaii (1961), Viva Las Vegas (1964) are among the 31 motion pictures he made.

The “Comeback Special” (1968) Elvis did a one hour prime time TV special on NBC in December of 1968 in which he went back to his rock and roll roots in an attempt to revive his career. In 1969 a song introduced during the Special, “Suspicious Minds,” hit #1 on the pop charts.

Elvis, the 70s and Vegas From 1969 to 1977 Elvis performed over 1000 sold-out shows in Las Vegas and on tour. Many believe the January 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, the first to be broadcast worldwide by satellite, is the best of his career. Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977. He had been addicted to prescription drugs and also had a history of a weak heart and kidneys. He was 42.

Musical Milestones During his lifetime, Elvis Presley: recorded 104 singles that hit the Top 40 of the Billboard pop chart. had 18 #1 Billboard hits, including four singles in 1956 that occupied the top of the charts for a cumulative total of 25 weeks. The total (18) is surpassed only by The Beatles, who had 20 #1 hits. His closest competitor is Mariah Carey with a total of 16 #1 hits. has spent a total of 79 Weeks at the #1 position. His closest competitor is Mariah Carey with 73 weeks. had 38 Top 10 Billboard hits. This total is currently unchallenged; the closest competitor, Madonna, has 35. The Beatles had 34 Top 10 hits during their career.

Quotes about Elvis Elvis was the only man from Northeast Mississippi who could shake his hips and still be loved by rednecks, cops, and hippies. -- Jimmy Buffett. When I first heard Elvis' voice, I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody, and nobody was going to be my boss. He is the deity supreme of rock and roll religion as it exists in today's form. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail. I thank God for Elvis Presley... Elvis recorded a song of mine, that's the one recording I treasure the most. -- Bob Dylan. Don't blame it on Elvis, for shakin' his pelvis, Shakin' the pelvis been in style way back since the River Nile. -- The Fabulous McClevertys, calypso singers, 1957. Before Elvis, there was nothing. -- John Lennon. Before Elvis, everything was in black and white. Then came Elvis. Zoom, glorious Technicolor. -- Keith Richards. No one will ever touch Elvis. -- Garth Brooks. Without Elvis, none of us could have made it. -- Buddy Holly. That Elvis, man, he is all there is. There ain't no more. Everything starts and ends with him. He wrote the book. -- Bruce Springsteen

Rock and Roll History II Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll

Major label recording practices in the early 1950s Rerecord minor hits released by small companies. Turn them into smash hits by making them less daring and gearing them towards white middle America. Example: Fats Domino’s “Ain’t that a Shame” was covered by Pat Boone.

Goal of small record labels Find artists “so talented and unique—or so outrageous—that their styles could not be easily imitated by other artists on the major labels.” Who are 3 artists that fall into this category?

Answer “Little Richard” Penniman Jerry Lee Lewis Chuck Berry

Little Richard (1932- ) Born Richard Wayne Penniman. Producer Bumps Blackwell was looking for a “new Ray Charles” for Specialty Records. On September 13, 1955 Richard recorded “Tutti Frutti.” The lyrics were changed from “Tutti-frutti loose booty” to “Tutti frutti all rooty” because Blackwell felt they were over the line. (Tutti-frutti was a slang term meaning a “gay male.”)

Richard’s hits 1956-57 “Long Tall Sally” / “Slippin’ and Slidin” “She’s Got It,” Heeby-Jeebies,” “Lucille,” and “Jenny-Jenny.” “His frantic performing style can be seen in such period films as Don't Knock the Rock (1956) and The Girl Can't Help It (1956), for which he sang the title song, written by Bobby Troup.” In October 1957 he left show business to enroll at a Pentecostal Bible college. His vocal style would influence Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival).

More Little Richard In 1959 he returned to the music business, but was never as popular as he had been earlier. In 1962, he toured the UK supported by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones who were big fans. In 1986 was one of the first inductees into the new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also appeared in the movie, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, scoring a hit with “Great Gosh-a-Mighty.” In 2000 a made-for-TV film, Little Richard, starred Leon Robinson in the title role.

Jerry Lee Lewis (1935- ) Cousin of Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart. Joined Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Billy Lee Riley (Rockabilly artist) at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records in Memphis. Recorded “Crazy Arms” in 1956. Recorded “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” in 1957. Went wild kicking out the piano stool on the Steve Allen Show. Nicknamed “The Killer” for his outrageous on-and-off-stage antics.

Lewis’ hits (1957-1958) “Breathless“ and “Great Balls of Fire.” “Crazy” is an error in the text. In December 1957 wed his 13 year old second cousin, Myra Gale Brown, starting a scandal that hurt his career. In 1958 appeared in the film, High School Confidential, performing the title cut standing on the open deck of a truck.

More Jerry 1n 1986 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1989 was the subject of the film, Great Balls of Fire, starring Dennis Quaid based on the book by his ex-wife Myra. In February of 2005 he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy. He released in September of 2006 a new CD, “Last Man Standing,” with an “amazing list of guest artists.”

Sidebar: Screamin’ Jay Hawkins Jalacy Hawkins (1929-2000). Known primarily for the song, “I put a spell on you.” At the beginning of his shows, he would emerge from a coffin dressed in a Dracula-like cape. Also used leopard fur and red leather. Cited Paul Robeson and Enrico Caruso as influences. The film, Stranger than Paradise, repopularized “I put a spell on you” in 1983. Hawkins also appeared in the film, Mystery Train, as a hotel night clerk.

Chuck Berry (1926- ) Born in St. Louis. Influences included Nat King Cole, T. Bone Walker, and Muddy Waters. In 1955 Waters discovered him at a small blues club in Chicago and introduced him to Leonard and Cliff Chess of Chess Records who had recently signed Bo Diddley. In September ’55 he recorded “Maybellene,” a remake of the country hit, “Ida Red (May)” which reached #5 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts.

Berry’s hits (1956-58) “Roll Over, Beethoven,” “School Days,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Sweet Little Sixteen.” Influenced numerous guitarists including Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards. Had legal troubles in 1960 and would never regain his popularity.

More Chuck Berry Had a #1 hit in 1972 with “My Ding-a-ling.” In 1978 appeared as himself in American Hot Wax, a film bio of Alan Freed. In 1979 pled guilty to income tax evasion. In 1985 receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards. Is backed by Bruce Springsteen at the Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. In 1986 inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1987 publishes his autobiography. Hail, Hail, Rock and Roll, a documentary film tribute to Berry directed by Keith Richards is released. Still performs regularly.

Rock and Roll History III The Day the Music Died

Early Rock and Roll a Combination of Six Styles Blues Gospel Country and Western Boogie Woogie Rhythm and Blues Folk

Rock and Roll as Synthesis The most successful musicians and performers were those who combined the previous elements into a sum greater than its parts. Rock and Roll was neither “black” or “white,” but an “exciting mix of the two.”

Rockabilly The great success of Elvis and others led to a decline in orginality in the late 50s as more artists imitated rather than originated. This was especially true of country-inspired Rockabilly musicians with the possible exceptions of Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent. Rockabilly is a “fusion of blues, hillbilly boogie, bluegrass, and country.”

The Everly Brothers In 1957 Don (1937- ) and Phil (1939- ) Everly began mixing bluegrass and rock and roll. Biggest hits were “Bye, Bye Love” and “Wake Up, Little Susie.”

Buddy Holly Charles Hardin Holley (1936-1959). Holly and Bob Montgomery had been trying to bring elements of rhythm and blues into country music. Influenced by Elvis Presley to give their music a “harder rhythm and blues edge.” In October 1955 Decca Records wanted only Holly for a record deal. Recorded “Love Me” and “Modern Don Juan” – modest hits. Called it quits with Decca in 1956.

Holly’s Hits (1957-1958) Rerecorded “That’ll Be the Day” which reached #2 on the R&B charts. “Oh Boy!,” “Not Fade Away,” “Every Day,” “It’s So Easy to Fall in Love,” and “Peggy Sue.” First white performer to use the “hiccup” vocal technique on a popular recording. In 1958 toured England (influenced The Beatles) and also released “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.”

The Day the Music Died February 3, 1959 Holly joined the “Winter Dance Party,” a 2-week tour of the northern Midwest. Featured Dion and the Belmonts, Frankie Sardo, J. P. “Big Bopper” Richardson, and Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”). After their February 2 gig at the Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA, Holly chartered a plane to Fargo, ND. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff killing the pilot, Holly, Richardson, and Valens. Immortalized in Don McClean’s 1971 anthem, “American Pie.”

Labels sign “safer” teen idols Bobby Rydell, Bobby Vee, Jimmy Clanton, Frankie Avalon, and Fabian replaced rockers Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, and Gene Vincent on radio and the charts. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand helps make rock and roll more acceptable and advances the careers of Avalon and Fabian. Chancellor Records’ Bob Marcucci later admitted Fabian “couldn’t sing. He knew it and I knew it.” Looks began to be as or more important than sound.

Ricky Nelson (1940-1985) One of the more talented teen idols. Son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson of the popular radio and TV series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. At 16 recorded Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’.” Featured in the 1959 film, Rio Bravo. “It’s Late” and “Hello, Mary Lou” among the best releases of that time.

Emergence of Producers Berry Gordy, Jr. (1929- ) at Motown produced early hits by Smokey Robinson and Mary Wells. Known as “Mr. Hitsville.” Over the next 25 years was responsible for recording such artists as: Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Jackson Five. Phil Spector (1940- ) used bass drums, “sparkling” keyboards, and multi-layered vocals to produce his signature “wall of sound.” Spector produced the recordings of Ben E. King (“Stand by Me”), The Crystals, The Chiffons, The Shirelles, and The Righteous Brothers (“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’).

The early sixties The Seattle band, The Ventures were popular with “The Real McCoy,” and “Walk Don’t Run.” The Beach Boys with their “Four Freshman” style vocal harmonies begin to capitalize on the “surf” craze. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons had hits: “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

Rock and Roll History IV The British Invasion

British Bands discover Rock and Roll in the early 60s In 1961 when Brian Epstein discovered The Beatles they were doing covers of 1950s American rock and roll standards. Early influences were Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly and the Crickets. The “Liverpool sound” is “…the same as the rock from five years ago.” (George Harrison) In 1962 drummer Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) replaced Pete Best. The band began to do Lennon and McCartney originals – “Please, Please Me,” “From Me to You,” and “She Loves You.”

Beatlemania In January 1963 “I Want to Hold Your Hand” reaches #1 on the pop charts. In February 1963 The Beatles debuted on The Ed Sullivan Show. The “British Invasion” also included the less popular Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Dave Clark Five, and Freddie and the Dreamers.

1965 – Films and Rubber Soul The Beatles’ film debut, A Hard Day’s Night was a “complete success.” The soundtrack to Help! (1965) also reached the top of the charts. Rubber Soul, their first album of all original material included: “Norwegian Wood,” “Nowhere Man,” “Michelle,” and “In My Life.” It established Lennon and McCartney as the “preeminent popular songwriting team of their generation.” It would influence Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa, Brian Wilson, and The Rolling Stones.

1966-1967 – Controversy & Sgt. Pepper “Christianity will go … We’re more popular than Jesus now…” (John Lennon, 1966) In July 1967 Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band appeared in record stores. Considered one of the “most influential and frequently discussed” albums of the decade. After Sgt. Pepper, they gradually “lost their edge,” quit playing concerts, and devoted their energy to recording. In 1968 their manager Brian Epstein, who had held the group together as a creative unit, died.

End of an era At the end of the decade they had several successes including Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine, The White Album, and Abbey Road. The latter two were more collections of songs by the band’s members. In 1969 Paul McCartney’s “Hey Jude” would become the Beatles’ biggest hit ever. By the end of 1970, Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison had all released solo albums and The Beatles had disbanded.

The Animals Headed by organist Alan Price and lead singer Eric Burdon. In 1964, had their biggest hit, “House of the Rising Sun.”

The Kinks In 1965 had hits: “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night,” and “Tired of Waiting for You.” With “A Well Respected Man” their lyrics became more complex and their sound influenced by traditional British music. Some of the more interesting rock albums of the 60s and 70s included: Face to Face, Muswell Hillbillies, and The Kink Kronikles.

The Who Led by guitarist Pete Townshend and vocalist Roger Daltrey. In 1965 had hits with: “I Can’t Explain” and “My Generation.” Were known for wild antics in their live performances such as smashing instruments (e.g., Woodstock, 1969). In 1969 they released Tommy, the first commercially successful rock opera. In 1970, Who’s Next, featured the hits “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.

The Rolling Stones Most successful of the hard rock, blues-inspired British bands. In 1964 released their first top ten single, “Time Is on My Side.” With the 1965 hit “Satisfaction” Keith Richards comes into his own as a guitarist. Along with “Let’s Spend the Night Together,” the two songs are banned from airplay on many American radio stations due to their sexually charged lyrics. “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968) was a deliberate attempt to offend their critics.

Exile on Main St. In 1969 guitarist Brian Jones died. The release of Let It Bleed put the group on par with the Beatles. Notable are the title cut, “Country Honk,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and “Gimme Shelter.” In 1972 they released an even darker masterpiece, the double album Exile on Main St., “marked the band’s full maturity as rock and roll musicians.”

Sidebar – The Pretty Things Possibly the most unfairly neglected band of the 60s. Formed in 1963 by Phil May and Dick Taylor. “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “Honey I Need” were hits in ’64 and ’65. In 1967 their music took an “artier, more psychedelic edge” with “Walking Through My Dreams,” “Defecting Grey,” and “Private Sorrow.” Their “startlingly eclectic musical tastes became legendary among other rock musicians.

Rock and Roll History V Bringing It All Back Home

Fighting the British Invasion Bob Dylan, Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and Frank Zappa of the Mothers of Invention created new personal styles that would have an enormous impact throughout the rest of the 60s.

Folk Music The 1950s had been a difficult period for folk singers (e.g., The Weavers, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Woody Guthrie). This changed in 1958 with the Kingston Trio’s “Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley.” By 1960 Odetta, Theodore Bikel, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary had joined the Kingston Trio on the charts. In 1961-1962 folk artists had some success with protest anthems. (Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul and Mary’s cover of his “If I Had a Hammer.”)

Bob Dylan Born Robert Allen Zimmerman (1941- ). Took name from Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Arrived in New York in 1961. Debut album that year contained folk standards “In My Time of Dying,” “Man of Constant Sorrow,” and “The House of the Rising Sun.” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963) and The Times They Are A-Changin’ (1964) were his next two albums. Songs included: “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” “Masters of War,” “Oxford Town,” and the title cut of the latter.

Another Side Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964) contained more personal, introspective material. Bringing It All Back Home (1965) was recorded with rock and roll and blues musicians playing electric instruments. Folk purists were offended, but the album was his first to sell a million copies.

“Like a Rolling Stone” Highway 61 Revisited (1965) and Blonde on Blonde (1966) are considered “two of the finest recordings of the rock and roll era.” Began touring with The Hawks (who later became The Band). Was in seclusion for a year after a 1967 motorcycle accident. His next two albums John Wesley Harding (1967) and Nashville Skyline (1969) featured country ballads “Lay Lady Lay,” “Tonight I’ll Be Staying With You,” and “Girl from North Carolina,” a duet with Johnny Cash. Recent releases of original material include: Time Out of Mind (1997) and Love and Theft (2001).

The Beach Boys Formed in 1961 by Brian Wilson and his cousin Mike Love. The band also included younger brothers, Dennis and Carl Wilson, and Al Jardine. Known for their vocal harmonies influenced by the Four Freshmen and songs about surfing, dragracing and dating. Early hits: “Surfer Girl,” “Little Deuce Coup,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” and “Surf City.”

Pet Sounds As the group became more successful, the demands of touring took their toll. In 1964 Brian Wilson suffered his first of many nervous breakdowns. Competition with The Beatles inspired Wilson to produce Pet Sounds in 1966 which would raise the standard of the quality of artists’ recordings. Songs included: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Sloop John B.” It also contained personal introspective numbers “I Know There’s an Answer” and “I Wasn’t Made for These Times.” Influenced Lennon and McCartney to write “Here, There and Everywhere.”

Smile Wilson spent an unprecedented $16,000 on the hit “Good Vibrations.” Later teamed up with Van Dyke Parks to produce an album (Smile) that would be as complex and demanding. Project was doomed. Early takes on “Surf’s Up” and “Cabin Essence” showed promise. Wilson’s drug use and behavior caused the project to be cancelled. A few of the songs ended up on Smiley Smile (1967). But the band would never approach the level of quality on Pet Sounds and “Good Vibrations.” In 2004 a rerecorded version of Smile was released and was a critical and financial success.

Frank Zappa (1940-1993) Born in Baltimore, MD. Was introduced by Don Van Vliet (“Captain Beefheart”) to the blues. As a teenage was inspired by classical composers Stravinsky and Varese (“Deserts”). During the early 60s he wrote the soundtracks for Run Home Slow and The World’s Greatest Sinner. In 1964 joined the Soul Giants, later became the Mothers of Invention. Their debut album in 1966, Freak Out, was groundbreaking and eclectic.

Hot Rats In 1970 the Mothers of Invention broke up. Zappa produced the double album, Trout Mask Replica, for Captain Beefheart. The 1969 album, Hot Rats, featured violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, jazz musicians, and vocals by Zappa and Captain Beefheart (“Willie the Pimp”). Could “whale the tar out of every other informal jam. . . .” (Rolling Stone).

Rock and Roll History VI Crossroads

Influence of the Blues The blues continued to be an important influence on Rock and Roll in the late 60s. British bands, TheYardbirds and Ten Years After, and American bands, Electric Flag and the Allman Brothers, introduced a big-guitar, urban sound and a new style of performance and improvisation.

Eric Clapton (1945- ) Began career as a rhythm and blues guitarist for the Roosters and Casey Jones and the Engineers. Abandoned performing to study guitar techniques of blues masters Robert Johnson, Skip James, Bill Bill Broonzy, Blind Boy Fuller, and B. B. King. Was determined to transfer King’s style into rock and roll. During the mid-60s he played with the Blues Breakers and the Yardbirds.

Cream In 1966 Clapton formed Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Cream combined “aggressive covers of blues standards” like “Crossroads” and “I’m So Glad” with their own “off-beat, drug-inspired tunes.” In concert Cream was “thunderously loud” and would expand “3 minute songs into 20-30 minute improvisations.” Disraeli Gears’ release marked the band’s success in the U.S. as well. Their 1968 double album, Wheels of Fire, reached #1.

More Clapton In 1969 formed Blind Faith with Traffic’s Steve Winwood. Toured with Delaney and Bonnie and released his first solo album, Eric Clapton, in 1970. Later in the year formed Derek and the Dominoes and recorded Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, regarded by many as Clapton’s best. Included “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad” successfully producing a unique blues-inspired rock and roll style.

Jim Morrison and The Doors Morrison (1943-1971) formed The Doors in 1966 with guitarist Robby Krieger, Drummer John Densmore, and keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Their debut album, The Doors (1967), included “Light My Fire” and “Break on Through” and peaked at #2 behind Sgt. Pepper. Other hit singles include “Hello, I Love You” (1968) and “Riders on the Storm” (1971). Morrison died of a heart attack in Paris on July 3, 1971.

San Francisco 60s Scene During the 1960s, a number of radical, avant-garde movements converged in the San Francisco Bay Area. These included the student “free speech movement” at Berkeley, “Beat” poets and writers, and the “hippies” who began to crowd into the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Drug usage influenced “Psychedelic” Rock. Bands and songs included: Country Joe and the Fish (“I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag”), Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and the Holding Company (with Janis Joplin), and the Jefferson Airplane (“Volunteers”).

The Grateful Dead Led by Country and Jazz-influenced guitarist Jerry Garcia (1942-1995). During the 60s, the band lived in an old Victorian house near the corner of Haight and Ashbury and often played live, spontaneous jams in Golden Gate Park. Their best album of the period, Workingman’s Dead (1970) featured folk and country style ballads and made no attempt to reproduce their extended instrumental jams. Their fans, i.e., Deadheads, would make them the most popular live act in the history of rock and roll.

Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) Born Johnny Allen Hendricks in Seattle, WA. Influenced strongly by the blues. Enlisted in the Army 101st Airborne Division (1961-1964). Toured with Little Richard. Also played with the Isley Bros., Curtis Knight and the Squires, and King Curtis. Formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience in England in 1966. In ’67 “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze” reached the top of the UK charts.

Electric Ladyland Debuted in U.S. at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and also toured with the Monkees. The albums, Are You Experienced? (1967), Axis: Bold as Love (1968), Electric Ladyland (1968), and Smash Hits (1969) were all hits. “Using hammered strings, carefully controlled feedback, and unorthodox chordings, he created a roaring, furious guitar style . . .” Had top billing at Woodstock and performed a “huge, explosive version” of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Left the Experience to form the Band of Gypsies in 1970. Died from complications following an overdose of sleeping pills on September 18. He was 27.

Rock and Roll History VII Things Quiet Down

The Late 60s and Early 70s Young people who earlier believed that rock and roll music could be used to fight racism and injustice, to stop war, and to change the status quo, became less confident and more introspective. “Intensely personal” folk songs began to replace the “hard, aggressive protest songs.” In early 1970 folk music regained popularity.

James Taylor (1948- ) Grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and made a name for himself in the mid-60s playing in coffee houses in Greenwich Village, NY. Like Dylan, he had a high, nasal tenor, but lacked Dylan’s gifts as a songwriter. Taylor and the soft folk rock he inspired was harshly criticized in the rock and roll media. Sweet Baby James (1970), however, was one of the most successful pop recordings of that year.

Simon and Garfunkel The duo of Paul Simon (1941- ) and Art Garfunkel (1941- ) enjoyed their biggest success in 1969 with “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Beatles Solo Careers In 1970 Paul McCartney released McCartney, George Harrison, All Things Must Pass, and John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band. Lennon’s Imagine (1971) was an “especially impressive solo performance.”

Carole King Born Carole Klein in 1942 in Brooklyn, NY. Married Gerry Goffin and churned out many chart-topping hits (“The Loco-motion,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”) during the 1960s from the famous Brill Building. In 1968 released her first solo recording, Now That Everything’s Been Said. In 1971 released Tapestry, a rich collection of new highly personal tunes with her older pop standards. Now regarded as one of pop music’s most beloved and respected recordings. “I Feel the Earth Move” and “A Natural Woman” were controversial for their sexually suggestive content. It was also the first time a young woman had sung so openly about her own feelings.

Elton John (1947- ) Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, England. In 1969 released his first album, Empty Sky. In 1970 had better success with his album, Elton John, because of “Your Song.” Was known for his live performances with huge sunglasses and wild onstage antics. Honky Chateau (1972) captured some of that energy and rose to #1 on the pop charts as did his next 6 albums. Popular mid-70s singles included: “Benny and the Jets,” “Rocket Man,” and “Philadelphia Freedom.”

Bruce Springsteen (1949- ) Born in Longbranch, NJ. Inspired to become a musician when he saw Elvis on The Ed Sullivan Show. Discovered in 1972 by John Hammond of Columbia Records and billed as “the new Bob Dylan.” Released Greetings from Asbury Park and The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle in 1973 to critical, but not commercial acclaim. Songs included: “Rosalita,” “Blinded by the Light,” and “Growing Up.” Rolling Stone critic Jon Landau wrote, “I have seen rock and roll’s future, and his name is Bruce Springsteen.”

Born to Run Released Born to Run in 1975. Was one of the era’s most exciting albums. Springsteen became a nationwide phenomenon. In 1979 released Darkness at the Edge of Town, a darker more brooding picture of American life. His most popular tune of the 80s was “Born in the U.S.A.” (1984) a song about a country that had turned its back on its citizens. The solo album, Nebraska (1982), told stories about “murder, death, and disappointment in the American heartland.”

Sidebar: The Shaggs In March 1969 Austin Wiggins, Jr. of Fremont, NH recorded his three completely musically untrained daughters. Their music had no conventional chords or melodies, but was held together by the intensity of the band’s weird notes and rhythms, and the sincerity of their offbeat lyrics. “Philosophy of the World” got airplay in Boston and positive critiques from Terry Adams and Frank Zappa. Was rereleased in 1975 and 1980. Earned “Comeback band of the Year” from Rolling Stone. They remain one of the most unusual events in the history of rock and roll.

The Byrds Began introducing folk and country elements into their songs. Led by singers Roger McGuinn and David Crosby, they popularized such folk songs as Seeger’s “Turn, Turn, Turn” and Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man.”

The Buffalo Springfield With its talented lead singer-guitarists Stephen Stills and Neil Young, they infused folk, country, and bluegrass elements into their rock songs, “Bluebird,” “Rock and Roll Woman,” and “For What It’s Worth.”

The Flying Burrito Brothers Most often connected with Gram Parsons (1946-1973), The Flying Burrito Brothers brought a “rougher, more traditional edge” to their music.

Crosby, Stills & Nash (and Young) In 1969 Stills (Buffalo Springfield) and Crosby (The Byrds) lured Graham Nash from the Hollies to form a vocal trio. Their 1969 debut album (left) featured Still’s “sinewy guitar solos” and their “high, chirpy harmonies” on songs such as “Marrakesh Express” and “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” For Woodstock Stills recruited Neil Young (Buffalo Springfield) to play guitar. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young released two very successful albums, Déjà Vu (1970) and 4-Way Street (1971).

Creedence Clearwater Revival Started out as The Blue Velvets, then The Golliwogs. Remade Van Morrison’s “Brown-Eyed Girl” in the mid-60s. CCR included John Fogerty, his brother Tom, Stu Cooke, and Doug Clifford. Hits included: “Born on the Bayou,” “Proud Mary,” “Green River,” and “Bad Moon Rising.” Music was “hard, jangling, rock-inspired folk music.” In 1969-70 they released 7 Top 10 singles.

The Band The Band was made up of 4 Canadians, organist Garth Hudson, guitarist Robbie Robertson, bassist Rick Danko, pianist Richard Manuel, and one American, drummer Levon Helm. Originally The Hawks, they were the backup band for rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins. Played behind Bob Dylan on his 1966 tour. Music from the Big Pink (1968) and The Band (1969) had some of the era’s finest singles. Hits included: “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Toured with Dylan again in the early 70s. Other notable albums included: Rock of Ages, Before the Flood, and The Basement Tapes.

Rock and Roll History VIII Bring on the Noise

Different Directions While the majority of Americans were listening to folk and soft rock artists like James Taylor, Carole King and Neil Young, musicians playing “hard rock,” “heavy metal,” “art rock,” and “glam rock” were becoming popular to fans who missed the “energy, spectacle and sheer volume of late 1960s rock and roll.”

Led Zeppelin Fronted by “squealing tenor” Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page. Not very conscientious about crediting their “borrowed” lyrics and tunes from old blues songs. The music was so loud it hardly mattered. By 1970 had released three very successful albums. Led Zeppelin IV (1971) aka Zoso, featured “[p]art acoustic ballad, part heavy metal anthem” “Stairway to Heaven.” Released the “more sophisticated and “challenging” House of the Holy in 1973. Influenced Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Guns’n’ Roses, and Metallica.

“Art Rock” Rock and Roll began to attract artists with backgrounds in classical and jazz music. From the late 60s bands such as Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Jethro Tull, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer represented what some have called “art rock.” One of the most influential art rock bands was Pink Floyd.

Pink Floyd Originally a cover band that played offbeat versions of blues tunes. Name borrowed from obscure Georgia blues artists Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Led by the “unpredictable” Syd Barrett from 1965-1968. In 1967 released Piper at the Gates of Dawn which featured the “wild, drug-inspired instrumental ‘Interstellar Overdrive.’” 1973’s Dark Side of the Moon was the “first album to introduce electronic experimental music to a mass audience.” It featured a U.S. Top 20 single (“Money”), and hit #1 in the U.S. chart. In 1979 they released The Wall with the hit “Another Brick in the Wall.” It became the third best-selling album of all time, worldwide, after Michael Jackson’s Thriller and The Eagles’ Greatest Hits.

King Crimson Formed in 1969 by the brilliant guitarist Robert Fripp (1946- ). Their restrained performing style kept them from gaining a mass audience. During the early 70s they featured some of England’s most talented musicians. On the band’s 5 albums Fripp never played with the same musicians twice.

Glam Rock British artists in the early 70s were “pushing the wild, theatrical side” of rock and roll. Glitter or glam rock artists were easily recognized by their brightly colored clothes, platform shoes and makeup. It portrayed a world where the misfit became the hero.

Gary Glitter (1944- ) Born Paul Francis Gadd. Sang with enthusiasm and intensity becoming one of glam rock’s most popular performers. Enjoyed many hits in Britain, but his only hit single in the US was “Rock and Roll (Part 2).”

Marc Bolan (1947-1977) Born Mark Feld in London, England. Formed the band Tyrannosaurus Rex with percussionist Steve Peregrine Took. Took left the group in 1970 and Bolan shortened the band’s name to T. Rex. Hits included: “Bang a Gong” and “Hot Love.” Died in an automobile accident in 1977.

David Bowie (1947- ) Born David Robert Jones in London, England. Began as a folk singer, but soon shifted to a “louder, more theatrical style.” In 1971 released Hunky Dory which included “Queen Bitch,” “Oh! You Pretty Things,” and “Kooks.” In 1972 the release of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars made him an international star. The album told the story of a gifted but misunderstood rock star from outer space. In a tribute to Jimi Hendrix it featured hard, aggressive rock and roll and inspired performances by Bowie and guitarist Mick Ronson.

Glam Bands Mott the Hoople blended glam rock with Bob Dylan-style folk rock. Their recording of Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes” became the anthem for the glam rock movement. Roxy Music had a darker sound that was the same “uneasy mix of melody and experimentation” as the best work of the Beatles and Pink Floyd. They released Stranded with its hit “Mother of Pearl” in 1973. It is considered one of glam rock’s finest musical statements.

Influence of Jazz In 1964 saxophonist John Coltrane released A Love Supreme, an influence on Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Carlos Santana, and John McLaughlin. In 1967 Van Morrison released Astral Weeks and works such as Moondance (1970) and Wavelength (1978) continued to have a strong jazz element. Steve Winwood and Traffic had a “tense, jazzy feel” to their best recordings such as “Feelin’ All Right” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” Their later releases John Barleycorn Must Die (1970) and The Low Spark of High-heeled Boys (1971) contained a “spacious, jazz-oriented approach” to rock performance. Blood, Sweat and Tear’s 1967 classic The Child Is Father to the Man was perhaps the most successful fusion of rock and roll and jazz. Sadly when band leader Al Kooper left their remaining albums lacked the tension and energy of the first one. A similar thing happened to Chicago. The “loud, guitar-driven jazz-rock” sound of their first two albums, Chicago Transit Authority (1969) and Chicago (1970), deteriorated into a “bland and predictable” pop group.

Rock and Roll History IX Rock Goes Underground

American Misfit Rock & Roll Kiss, Alice Cooper, Iggy and the Stooges, and the New York Dolls represented glam rock American style, but with a harsher, grittier image. The unofficial leader of this movement was Lou Reed.

The Velvet Underground Formed in the mid 60s by Lou Reed (1942- ). His main collaborator was John Cale. They were managed by pop artist Andy Warhol, but never found a wide audience. Their mix of melody and feedback was similar to Syd Barrett. Songs included: “Heroin,” “I’m Waiting for the Man,” “The Gift,” “Pale Blue Eyes,” and “Stephanie Says.” Cale left in 1968. The band broke up in 1970. Reed later released Transformer (1972), Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal (1974), and Metal Machine Music (1975). The latter had no melodies, rhythms or instruments.

Alice Cooper Born Vincent Furnier (1948- ). Delighted and terrified fans with his ghoulish makeup and costumes. “Hard, aggressive anthems” like “I’m 18” and “School’s Out” celebrated teen life and defiance of authority.

Kiss Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley “used simpler, more formulaic rock tunes and a more cartoonish, less-threatening stage presence” to become one of the nation’s most popular bands during the mid 1970s.

Iggy Pop and the Stooges Born James Newell Osterberg, Jr. on April 21, 1947 in Muskegon, MI. Was known for his wild, spastic onstage movements. Is considered by many to be one of the innovators of punk rock. Pop has also been in fifteen movies, including Sid and Nancy, The Color of Money, Hardware, The Crow: City of Angels, The Rugrats Movie, Snow Day, Coffee and Cigarettes—Somewhere in California, Cry-Baby, and Dead Man.

The New York Dolls “…how horrible they sounded.” Looked the part of glam rockers, but none knew how to play their instruments. Albums included: New York Dolls (1973) and Too Much Too Soon (1974). Influenced the Sex Pistols, whose manager, Malcolm McLaren, was briefly involved with them.

Beginnings of Funk At about the same time that glam rock was popular, James Brown, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and George Clinton were developing their own musical vision of African-American urban life. The music coming from Motown seemed too cheerful and optimistic for many young blacks.

Sly and the Family Stone Formed in the late 60s by DJ Sylvester Stewart (1944- ). Early hits included “Everyday People,” “Stand,” and “Everybody Is a Star.” After losing his sense of optimism in the early 70s, he released the “dark, controversial” There’s A Riot Goin’ On (1971) with “bitter, cynical” songs like: “A Family Affair” and “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey (Don’t Call Me Whitey, Nigger).”

James Brown (1933-2006) Fired his legendary rhythm and blues band, the Famous Flames, in 1970, and replaced it with a lighter, louder, funkier band that included the remarkable bassist Bootsy Collins. This helped establish funk as the dominant force in African-American music during the 1970s. Singles like “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” and “Say It Loud” captured perfectly the mood of black urban life in the early 1970s.

George Clinton (1941- ) Formed R&B group Parliament in the mid 1950s. Biggest hit was “Testify.” Influenced by James Brown and Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper and The Stooges, he “developed his own style of theatrical, guitar-driven funk.” Clinton formed Funkadelic in 1970. Their best singles included: “Maggot Brain” and “Tear the Roof Off the Sucker.” His stage shows became bigger and more elaborate rivaling Bowie, Elton John, Kiss, and Pink Floyd.

Development of Disco By the mid-1970s most young Americans simply wanted music to which they could dance. In 1974 artists like the Hues Corporation, Van McCoy, KC and the Sunshine Band began releasing light dance tunes with simple lyrics, Latin rhythms, swirling synthesizers and a funk-style beat. Disco brought young white and black music fans together on the same dance floor. Reached its peak in 1977 with the release of Saturday Night Fever.

The Bee Gees The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack became one of the best selling albums of all time. “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love” stayed near the top of the charts for most of the year.

The Village People Began in the late 70s as an openly gay novelty band. Hits included: “In the Navy,” “Macho Man,” and “YMCA.”

Donna Summer (1948- ) Was disco’s most important contribution to pop music. Summer evolved from the whispered moaning of “Love to Love You Baby” (1975) to the powerful rhythm and blues vocalist of “Bad Girls” (1979).

Rock and Roll History X Rock and Roll’s Last Stand

Beginnings of Punk While Disco was popular in the US, in the UK elements of what would become “punk rock” were being heard in the music of Jonathan Richman, Pere Ubu, Patti Smith, and Richard Hell and the Voidoids. Punk began to attract attention when Malcolm McLaren brought together the Sex Pistols in 1976.

Sex Pistols McLaren made the “ragged, makeshift wardrobes” for the punk movement in the back of Sex, his Kings Road boutique and wanted to give the movement its own unique sound. When Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock, and John Lydon started playing in clubs in late 1975, they could barely play their instruments. Of Lydon (who later went by Johnny Rotten), McLaren would say, “We knew he couldn’t sing…” Their debut album was Never Mind the Bollocks (1977). Bassist Glen Matlock was replaced by John Simon Ritchie (Sid Vicious). US tour in 1978 was a disaster. Lydon formed his own group, Public Image, Ltd. Vicious died of a heroin overdose awaiting trial for the murder of his girlfriend.

The Clash Were one of the “finest rock and roll bands ever to commandeer a stage.” Led by guitarists Joe Strummer and Mick Jones who became the Lennon-McCartney of the punk movement. Influenced strongly by reggae (Bob Marley) and rockabilly. Their first three albums, The Clash (1977), Give ‘Em Enough Rope (1978), and London Calling (1979) are some of the “finest to emerge from the punk era.”

The Ramones “…people loved their wild energetic music, black leather jackets, Beatles-style bangs, and self-deprecating humor.” Songwriting formula was a “sweet, catchy melody sung over a simple three-chord progression played as loud and as fast as humanly possible.” Hits included: “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” and “I Wanna Be Sedated.”

Blondie Led by singer Deborah Harry. “Combined Warhol-style glam rock indifference, breathy girl-group vocals, and a tight punk rhythm section.” Their album, Parallel Lines, was probably the closest punk would get to mainstream acceptability.

Talking Heads Led by singer-composer David Byrne who sang in “clipped, high-pitched whine.” Their fourth album and masterpiece was Remain in the Light (1980). It was produced by Brian Eno and combined punk with the rhythmic complexity of funk. Back in England a “new wave” of punk bands gained attention.

The Police The phenomenal success of The Police would launch the solo career of its lead singer Sting. During the 1980s he would become one of the most popular singers in the UK and US.

Elvis Costello Born Declan McManus he resembled a “punk Buddy Holly.” Unlike other punk music the instrumentals on Costello’s recordings were clean and crisp and brought forward the angry vocals. Between 1977-1980 he released a body of songs putting him the forefront of rock composers: “Allison,” “Watching the Detectives,” and “The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes.” Expanded punk’s audience.

Rock and Roll History XI It’s All in the Image

The 1980s The 80s were a “disappointing period” for rock and roll. A new wave of bands like the Cars, R.E.M., U2, and the Cure were becoming successful with a lighter, more accessible version of punk. “Rock ‘n’ roll which used to be about breaking rules, now seems to be about learning them.” – Music critic Greil Marcus. The assassination of John Lennon on December 8, 1980 shocked many people and caused John Lydon to say that “rock and roll is dead.”

“Alternative” bands “At their best combined hard, aggressive rhythms and pure, irresistible melodies as successfully as Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix and the Clash. At their worst, they simply made noise.” Among the best were: the Replacements’ Let It Be, Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation, Husker Dü’s Zen Arcade, and the Minutemen’s Double Nickels on a Dime.

Music videos and MTV In 1980 the advent of 24-hour music video programming by MTV would change the face of rock and roll. The way musicians looked and acted on their videos began to be more important than how they sounded on their records. Groups like Duran Duran and Aha, known more for their good looks than their good music, rose to the top of the pop charts. MTV would be instrumental in launching the careers of Madonna and Michael Jackson.

Madonna Born Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone (1958- ). Dropped out of U. of MI School of Music to pursue a career as a dancer in NYC. Began performing at clubs in a style that combined disco’s light grooves and punk’s attitude. In 1983 her debut album, Madonna, was released with its single, “Holiday.” MTV agreed to screen videos of “Borderline” and “Lucky Star.” Her next 15 singles would reach the top ten. In 1984 Like a Virgin rose to the top of the charts with hits like the title cut and “Material Girl.” Madonna also appeared in Desperately Seeking Susan to rave reviews.

Like A Prayer (1989) Starred in disastrous film Shanghai Surprise (1986) with then husband Sean Penn. The video of the title cut of Like a Prayer offended many religious groups. Even after she became commercially successful she still tried to shock her audience, e.g., her sexually explicit 1990 video “Justify My Love” and her 1991 documentary, Truth or Dare.

Michael Jackson First gained recognition with his brothers in the Jackson Five appearing on Ed Sullivan in 1969. Their first three singles were hits: “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” During the 70s Michael split his time between tours and recordings with his brothers and his own projects (“Ben” and The Wiz.) In 1979 released his first solo album Off the Wall with hits “Rock with You” and “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.”

Thriller (1982) Produced by Quincy Jones, Thriller featured a duet with Paul McCartney (“The Girl Is Mine”), “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean.” The videos featured his considerable dancing talent. 1987 saw the release of Bad, another “impressive recording of slickly produced ballads and dance tunes” which sold almost 20 million copies. In 1991 he released Dangerous with songs containing a “coldness and bitterness that far fewer listeners could relate to.” He is currently working to release a single in November 2005, “From the Bottom of My Heart,” to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Prince Born Prince Rogers Nelson in 1958 in Minneapolis, MN. On Purple Rain (1984), he combined Jackson’s skills as a singer with the wild, big-guitar showmanship of George Clinton’s funk ensembles.

Continued Importance of Reggae In the 1980s “biracial English bands like General Public, English Beat, and the Fine Young Cannibals successfully combined the best elements of rock and roll and Jamaican music on their recordings.”

Emergence of Rap During the late 80s rap was “inspired by the near spoken cadences of reggae and the muted rage of 1970s urban street poetry.” “It combined hard, repetitive rhythms; rhymed, harshly spoken verses, and an innovative style of sampling the recordings of other artists.” Following Run-DMC’s duet with Aerosmith on “Walk this Way,” rap began to gain a following with young white rock and roll fans. “Rap was responsible for some of the most powerful and innovative musical performances of the late 80s and early 90s.” Examples include: KRS-One’s By Any Means Necessary, Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions, and Ice Cube’s The Predator. Soon a new wave of rap musicians like the Digable Planets, P.M. Dawn, and Gang Star’s Guru began to mix elements of jazz, R&B and pop into their music.

World Music “World music” resulted from the combining of rock styles with elements of Brazilian, African, Afro-Cuban, Middle Eastern, or Indian music. Established artists such as David Byrne, Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon (e.g., Graceland) released “world music” recordings. Other world music artists include: Milton Nascimento, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Youssou N’Dour, Black Uhuru, Caetano Veloso, and King Sunny Ade.

Rock and Roll History Epilogue Beyond Nirvana

Nirvana Became famous with the 1991 release of Nevermind and its hit single “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Their noisy, thrashing combination of punk and alternative styles came to be known as “grunge.” Guitarist and lead singer Kurt Cobain’s voice could be “raspingly hoarse or plaintively sweet.” Other songs included: “Lithium” and “Drain You.” In Utero (1993) contained a “dark, unrelentingly pessimistic batch of songs” with “few instrumental hooks or friendly melodies.” Kobain committed suicide in 1994 allowing Pearl Jam to become the unofficial leader of the “grunge movement.”

Female Bands and Performers In the early 1990s, The Breeders, Belly, Throwing Muses, and Bikini Kill began to rival the success of alternative mainstays like Pavement, Beck and Fugazi. Hole, formed by Courtney Love, widow of Kurt Cobain, was one of the best. Other standouts included: Björk, Liz Phair, and P.J. Harvey.

Björk Born in Iceland in 1965. Former lead singer of the Sugarcubes. Used her jazz-inspired “squeal” to produce two of the most inspired albums of that period, Debut and Post.

Liz Phair Born in New Haven, CT in 1967. Exile in Guyville (1993) was a stunning 14-song response to the Stones’ classic Exile on Main Street. It gained attention for it catchy melodies and the singer’s fondness for profanity.

P. J. Harvey Polly Jo Harvey was born in 1969 in Yeovil, England. To Send You My Love (1995) was a hard, bluesy, organ-driven masterpiece. With her “rough, throaty vocals,” it was the most “riveting performance since Nevermind.”

Conclusion The recording industry sought to profit from these trends and more accessible artists in both grunge and women’s alternative rock were signed. Alanis Morisette released Jagged Little Pill in 1995 and sold six million copies. Hootie and the Blowfish’s debut album Cracked Rear View sold more than 12 million copies with their cheerful, watered-down version of Pearl Jam’s arena rock. After 25 years the remaining members of The Beatles staged a brief reunion and released a double album with rare outtakes and new versions of two previously unreleased songs. After 18 years John Lydon planned a reunion tour of the Sex Pistols for the summer of 1996. They also did a 3 week tour in 2003.

Answer: “Rock and Roll” was actually black slang for having sex. The words appear in 1922 on record for the first time in Trixie Smith's “My Baby Rocks Me With One Steady Roll.” Disc jockey Alan Freed used it as a marketing ploy for music that was black in style, but not necessarily by black musicians or for a black audience. The term eventually was used for guitar-based music with a “black” beat, primarily played by and for whites. What was music called that was made by and for black Americans?

Answer: “Rhythm and Blues.” That term was coined by future Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler while writing for Billboard in the late 1940s. In 1949 the Billboard chart for "race" records was renamed "rhythm and blues". In the 60s, “Rock and Roll” had such “white” connotations that the new styles in black pop music were referred to as “Soul,” and later “Funk.” What is “Pop” music?

Answer: Any music that happens to be “popular.” Some people also refer to “soft rock” as “pop” music.

Topics of Discussion Ike Turner and “Rocket 88” Bill Haley and the Comets

Ike Turner and “Rocket 88” (1951) “Rocket 88” was claimed by Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, to be the 1st Rock and Roll song. Record credited to Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. Praises the joys of the Oldsmobile 88. Features one of the first examples of the use of distorted or “fuzz” guitar. Claim of 1st Rock and Roll song is perhaps overstated, but it was the #2 R&B single of 1951. Covered by Bill Haley and the Saddlemen (1952).

Bill Haley and the Comets “Rock the Joint,” “Crazy, Man, Crazy,” “Rock Around the Clock (1954),” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” “Rock Around the Clock” became a hit in 1955 when used under the credits of the film, The Blackboard Jungle. In 1974 it returned to the American charts when used as the theme for the film, American Graffitti, and the TV Series Happy Days. “No matter how bad a show might be going some night, I know that song will pull us through. It’s my little piece of gold.” – Bill Haley.