Erin Campo
Mr. Condron
English III
25 April 2023
The Power of Rock and Roll: How It Changed the Music Scene Rock and roll truly was a pivotal moment in history, especially in the music scene. Before rock and roll, there was rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, and country music. Events, bands, and artists have all contributed to the growth and development of rock music as we know it today. Sister Rosetta Tharpe and movements such as the 1969 Woodstock concert have made a mark in history, especially for fans of rock and roll.
In the 1950’s, rock and roll was in full swing. Thanks to Elvis Presley, rock and roll has been around for almost a century. But there’s one woman we should truly thank: Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Rosetta Nubin Atkins was born
…show more content…
By Gayle F. Wald, “Gospel songs focus almost entirely on the other world and its promises of everlasting life, unburdened by sorrow or suffering… They also give people strength to engage with the world, to stand with the storms of everyday life.” (Wald 15). Furthermore, “When you sing them you are delivered of your burden. You have a feeling that here is a cure for what’s wrong.” (Wald 15). This proves that the early rock music (gospel and blues) not only is beneficial for the audience, but gives the singer a sense of purpose and freedom in expressing their emotion through song. Woodstock had the same …show more content…
The 1969 Woodstock festival was held in Sullivan County in Upstate New York. 163 musicians total, some of them including: Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead, Santana, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and The Who just to name a few. This chaotic three day event would later go down in history as “it (Woodstock) helped keep the country together at a time when many thought that it could fall apart at any moment.” (Ramsey 4).
This festival had brought people together in terms of enjoying music, socializing, celebrating the Apollo moon landing, commemorating the Stonewall riots, and spreading the anti-war message (nps.gov). Woodstock had also brought people together because it “helped bring counterculture into the mainstream, in part because it showed people types of music that they had not been previously aware of.” (Ramsey 7). This gave birth to a new era of hippies and disco dancers in the 70s; inspired by the flared bell bottom jeans and radical