https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz A brief overview on the emergence, evolution, development and social implications of early Rock n Roll. en-us 2017-11-30 12:50:44 UTC 2026-03-06 18:57:25 UTC hello@padlet.com emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/211811076 This video, aside from showcasing an incredibly influential Chuck Berry tune shows the typical instrumentation early Rock n Roll music-a drum kit, a "slapped" upright bass, electric guitar and vocals.
This video also shows that the guitar has become a more prominent in the genre, typical Rock n Roll guitar "riffs" are based off the 1st, 3rd and 5th chords in a scale, utilizing broken chords, chromaticism and double stops, normally with a clean over driven amp sound.
Also notice the high energy performance from the musicians, also of note is the fact that here there are white and black musicians and audience members side by side, Rock n Roll (along with jazz) was one of the first music genres to have cross racial appeal.]]> 2017-11-30 12:53:44 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/211811076 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/211816925 the following BBC documentary offers a wonderful insight into Rock n Roll in the states and its impact on youth.]]> 2017-11-30 13:08:56 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/211816925 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/211818640 Rock n Roll didnt simply appear out of thin air in the early 1950s, its roots lay in American traditional music forms-Country (Specifically the more upbeat "Honky Tonk" style pioneered by country legends Merle Travis and Hank Williams) and Blues (specifically Rhythm and Blues and jump Blues, pioneered by artists like Fats Domino, Little Willie John and Sister Rosetta Tharpe).
Rock n Roll is an umbrella term, used to describe artists from this era, however, technically it should be applied to artists typically of African American descent, whose influences came more from blues; Chuck Berry, Little Richard, etc.
Rockabilly, is the term given to the music created by artists, typically of Caucasian descent whose influences came from country and bluegrass, 'Rockabilly" of course being an amalgamation of "Rock n Roll" and "Hillbilly" music.]]> 2017-11-30 13:13:33 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/211818640 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220534500 The wake of WW2 allowed for a new sense of freedom and security for young people, with many young people being able to earn considerable money in the thriving post-war economy, they were able to purchase vehicles, records, clothes, etc. 
one thing that the post-war period could not initially provide though was a social identity or outlet for the new breed of young, well paid and terminally bored young people who craved excitement.
However, Rock n Roll music provided these things, spawning at least 2 of the first youth subcultures:

Rockers/Greasers-These were youth who listened to Rock n Roll music of the day, their typical uniform was a leather Jacket, jeans and motorcycle boots. In the UK they became known as "ton up boys" and were known for speeding down motorways at up to 100mph on their motorbikes and frequently met up at the various all night cafes around major cities. They were known for their intimidating appearance and what was deemed anti social behaviour.

Teddy Boys-These were youth which also listened to Rock n Roll music, taking influence from the late Edwardian "Dandies", their uniform consisted of the "elephant trunk/jelly roll" hair style, drape jackets, bootlace ties, drainpipe trousers and brothel creepers, teddy boys were known for their frequent outbursts of violence and for their tendency to carry knives and stitching razors under their collars to avoid being grabbed during fights.]]> 2018-01-11 11:57:25 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220534500 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220549248 2018-01-11 12:53:26 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220549248 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220550764 2018-01-11 12:58:36 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220550764 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220906512 This video shows one of Rock n Rolls first superstars, the incredibly successful and influential Elvis Presley.
Elvis marks the point where "Rockabilly" and "Rock n Roll" merge, his working class background in the rural confines of Tupelo, Mississippi meant that, unlike many of his white contemporaries he drew influences from Black musicians (Hound dog being Originally performed by Big Mama Thornton) along with Gospel music and Country.
This, combined with Elvis's distinct Tremolo vocals, Scotty Moores Jazz influenced and slightly overdriven guitar style, created a hit song that when delivered with Elvis's dynamic and charismatic stage presence sent many young listeners into a frenzy.]]> 2018-01-12 10:15:51 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220906512 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220911295 This video shows one of the great innovators of Rock n Roll, Eddie Cochran, taking influence from country and blues music, Cochran was known for his distinctive vibrato vocals, his sense of style and charismatic presence.
Cochran would become one of rock n rolls most innovative and underrated guitarists, being one of the first to use tape delay/overdrive on guitar. He was also one of the first guitarists to use an unwound G-string in order to bend notes up a full step.
Also of note is Cochran's topical lyricism, discussing (along with typical teenage song subjects such as love, sex, violence and heartbreak) politics and the dissatisfaction youth had with many institutions of the day, no song better captures this rebellious youthfulness as his hit, "summertime blues"]]> 2018-01-12 10:38:37 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/220911295 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/224971295 Rock n Roll, influenced by Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and Honky Tonk was one of the first genres to fully use electric guitars and popularize them in modern culture.
This was done so that guitars be able to keep up (in terms of volume) with the rhythm section. The sound of an electric guitar, especially when overdriven proved popular with many artists due to its more responsive, aggressive nature and sound. Popular guitars among early Rock n Roll artists were The Fender Telecaster (Elvis/Johnny Burnette), Gretsch G6120/Duo Jet (Eddie Cochran/Gene Vincent and the Blue caps).
Rock n Roll was also one of the first genres to use effects on vocals and instruments, with slapback delay and echo often applied to guitar or vocals, either live or on recordings.

]]> 2018-01-26 09:21:04 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/224971295 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/224974843 Most Rock n Roll gigs in the UK were fairly local for the most part, with many local Rock n Roll/Skiffle groups covering popular Rock n Roll songs of the day, these gigs took place on the street at festivals, cafes and School Dances. This localized scene developed due to the lack of touring acts from the US willing to play UK dates.
In the US, this trend remained the same, however tours were more common with acts like Johnny Cash, Wanda Jackson, Elvis Presley and Little Richard touring the nation, sometimes in collaboration with each other.
This idea of local amateur acts covering hits and performing at local gigs would be an important influence in the garage rock of the 1960s and subsequently Punk Rock.]]> 2018-01-26 09:34:19 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/224974843 emmetmccann567 https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/225013103 Rock n Roll would become one of the most influential genres of music, it is the core influence of most Rock and Pop music since, spawning 60s garage rock (13th Floor Elevators/Captain Beefheart/Iggy Pop and The Stooges), punk rock (Sex Pistols/The Clash/The Damned) and Hard rock (Led Zeppelin/ACDC/Black Sabbath).This cycle of influence has went full circle, with Rock n Roll influencing both modern Blues and Country.]]> 2018-01-26 12:15:48 UTC https://padlet.com/emmetmccann567/zsz7iavo2zjz/wish/225013103