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The Evolution of Rock 'n' Roll

  • The term "rock and roll"

    The term "rock and roll"
    First came to light when Trixie Smith recorded “My Baby Rocks Me with One Steady Roll” in 1922.
  • Rosetta Thorpe

    Rosetta Thorpe
    • Gospel and Blues Her lyrics and guitar style influenced many later rock 'n' roll performers. Known to have "pioneered" rock and roll.
  • Folk Music

    Folk Music
    Folk music influenced rock with its element of story telling and traditional melodies.
  • Long Play Vinyl Record

    Long Play Vinyl Record
    • Introduced by Columbia Records Allowed more complex music transitions, longer playing time per side, and cohesive album formats ultimately evolving rock 'n' roll.
  • R&B Develops

    R&B Develops
    Rhythm and blues was changing! Now provided core musical elements rock 'n' roll would also pursue.
    - uptempo rhythms
    - energetic sound
  • 45 RMP Jukeboxes

    45 RMP Jukeboxes
    Made music more accessible and affordable, appealing rock 'n' roll to many teens.
  • Fats Domino

    Fats Domino
    Domino's hit song "Ain't That A Shame" reached top 10 on the billboards. Helped rock 'n' roll become more mainstream!
  • Jimi Hendrix

    Jimi Hendrix
    • Introduction of the electric guitar Became a central instrument, enabling louder and more aggressive sounds. Paved the way for new techniques and styles like distortion and feedback, ultimately transforming the genre's performance and sound.
  • Chuck Berry

    Chuck Berry
    • Great energetic stage presence Berry choreographed the first great rock 'n' roll stage move (the duck walk) which became popular among many rock 'n' roll artists.
  • The British Invade

    The British Invade
    • The Beatles
    • The Rolling Stones The emerge of these British bands impacted and helped further expand the overall reach of rock 'n' roll.
  • Country Intertwined

    Country Intertwined
    • Country and rock merge together This helped to create many more sub-genres of rock, appealing to broader audiences.
  • Elvis Presley

    Elvis Presley
    • Blended music styles, commonly blues and gospel Helped further popularize rock 'n' roll, extending reach of the mainstream media.
  • Joan Jett

    Joan Jett
    Created an all female band, challenging gender barriers and fusing rock with glam!
  • MTV Launches

    MTV Launches
    • Aired the first music video by The Buggles Influenced rock 'n' roll by emphasizing visuals and the look of rock 'n' roll artists.
  • Tina's Flame Dress

    Tina's Flame Dress
    • Declared one of Tina's most famous performance outfits! This specific dress became an iconic design, giving rock 'n' roll a powerful reputation along with many more of Tina's fierce fashion pieces.