Music-p4

Konrad

Music in the 1950's

Before the 1950's, most Americans listened to a romantic, slow genre of music. This changed in the 1950's when a new kind of music was born. This new music was called rock 'n' roll. Rock 'n' roll was a loud, guitar based type of music.

It started when people combined rhythm and blues with white blues. The young Americans particularly listened to it. The young Americans enjoyed it because it made them feel rebellious and was also good to dance to. Parents hated it because they thought it encouraged drugs and alcohol. Rock 'n' roll also made it to TV. People danced to it on shows like //American// //Bandstand.//

//American Bandstand// was a TV show where people would dance to popular songs while the viewers danced along at home. The songs would be performed by live performers who were later interviewed. Rock 'n' roll wasn't only guitars. Rock 'n' roll also consisted of piano playing accompanied by singing.

One of the first people to play the piano and sing was Little Richard. Little Richard began playing in 1950. At first people thought his music was bad, but in 1955 he released one of his hit songs "Tutti Frutti". After that he released such hits as "Long Tall Sally", "Slippin' and Slidin'", and "Rip It Up." Before he knew it he was one of the most popular musicians in the country. Little Richard's music career ended in 1957 when he quit to become a minister. He came back in 1963, touring as a headliner with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. He eventually became more popular in the 70's. Even though Little Richard's career ended, he was still an influence to future musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger.

Another musician, though quite unlike Little Richard, was famous for his catchy guitar playing and his dazzling voice. His name was Elvis Presley. He recorded his first record in 1953 through a small record company which eventually led to a record deal in 1956. He recorded hits like "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), "Don't Be Cruel" (1956), and "Love Me Tender" (1956). Elvis was popular with teenagers, especially the teenage girls that liked his hair. When Elvis sang, he also danced. He was known for swinging his hips and moving his feet. His music caused parents to get angry and his music even was banned from town and cities. Elvis's life ended early when he died on Aug. 16, 1977. Even thirty years later, Elvis's fan base is still millions strong. People visit his famous Graceland Mansion every day. Even though Elvis died, his legacy still lives on.

Rock 'n' roll definitely had an effect on the world. It helped other pop culture groups. For example, the growth of television was helped by Rock 'n' roll. It taught people to come out of their shells and dance. They didn't have to be perfect, they could be themselves. Rock 'n' roll also gave people something to focus on besides the Korean War. Rock 'n' roll definitely effected the world and America.

2) Rock Music World Book Online Reference, Highland Feb 5th, <[|www.worldbookonline.com]> 3) Little Richard World Book Online Reference, Highland Feb 5th, <[|www.worldbookonline.com]> 4) Book: Feinstein, Stephen. The 1950's from the Korean War to Elvis. New Jersey; Enslow Publishers; 2005 5)"Little Richard." [|http://www.marcusphotography.com.] 1999. 12 Feb. 2007 <[|http://www.marcusphotography.com/images/LittleRichard_Small.jpg>.] 6) "elvis presley." www.solarnavigator.net. 2006. Solar Navigator. 6. Feb. 2007 <[|http://www.solarnavigator.net/music/musicimages/elvis_presley_mgm_studios.jpg>.]
 * Work Cited**: 1) Presley,Elvis World Book Online Reference, Highland Feb 5th, <[|www.worldbookonline.com]>