Music-+p8

//Leah//
 * __Rock 'n Roll in the 1950's__**

During a time when a big problem was school integration and parents were rioting in the streets for being forced to share public places with blacks, American teenagers turned to Rock 'n Roll. It was a musical revolution in which all types of young people, white //and// black developed a love for this.

Rock 'n Roll started in the mid-1950's. It was instantly popular with America's teens. It swept aside all other types of music. It was something young people liked to call "jungle rhythms". Adults in this time did not approve of it. They said it was too loud and they couldn't stand the noise.

It was mostly based on a combination of black blues, R&B, and white blues. What these types of music have in common is their soulful expression of emotion. The words didn't really matter; the feeling did. Rock 'n Roll was a huge sensation because of its basic chords, melodies, back beat, and it was great to dance to.

Rock n' Roll was an expression of independence of teens that were secure enough to reject the music their parents liked. It gave them some sense of individuality. They didn't like the music that their parents listened to. It was too slow, and had no back beat. They responded to rock 'n roll because it was something they could understand, and even perform. It also brought together white and black people. Black groups would play for white audiences, and vice versa.
 * __The Importance of Rock 'n Roll__**

Also known as the "King of Rock and Roll" was Elvis Presley. American teens were hooked on Elvis. He was one of the biggest sensations of the 1950s.He began touring as "the hillbilly cat" and signed a record deal in 1955. He was one of the most successful people of his time.
 * __Elvis Presley__** (extra focus)

Elvis has sold over one billion record units worldwide, more than anyone in record industry history! In America alone, he has had 150 albums and singles. He appeared on several shows, and starred in 31 different movies. His most popular movies were Jailhouse Rock (1957) and King Creole (1958) which have become classics of their time. Feinstein, Stephen, //The 1950s from the Korean War to Elvis,// Enslow Publishers Inc. 2000 Thompson, Gale //Rock and Roll in the 1950s// DISCovering U.S. History. Online ed. 2003 Dan Epstein //The 50's Pop Culture Philadelpia//: Chelsea House Publishers 1999/2000
 * __Source Citation__**