The emergence of Rock and Roll in the 1950s marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it challenged racial segregation and fostered a common culture among teenagers of all races. African-American music genres such as jazz, blues, and R&B played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers and promoting tolerance among the youth. In this essay, we will explore the impact of Rock and Roll on race relations in the 1950s and the role it played in creating a shared cultural experience for teenagers. By the mis-1900s, racial segregation had become deeply entrenched in American life.
Rock “n” Roll was an example of a turning point for America in the 1950’s. Rock “n” Roll music was the newest sound for the generation. The music made people think more about racial barriers, brought people together, and led people to have a different outlook on the generation. Rock “n” Roll is a mixture of country, pop, blues, and gospel music. Rock “n” Roll includes the elements of a few black and white American music styles together.
Rock and Roll was a very popular cultural aspect of the 50s. It originated from African American culture then the whites interpreted it. One of the first singers to do this was the very king of rock and roll himself, Elvis Presley. Many adults hated this new music and wanted to ban it. A huge part of it was censored, for example on the Ed Sullivan show, Elvis had to wear a tuxedo and wasn’t allowed to dance because his moves were “sexually inappropriate”.
Motown R&B and Rock music both played a significant political role into the 1960’s in their own ways however Rock music produced the most influential music about politics and governmental issues. With many wars during the 1960’s, people expressed their emotions and opinions through arts and entertainment. Of course with music and entertainment, there were multiple types of genres. British music, Rock, and Motown R&B were the most popular, however Rock music produced the most political music compared to Motown R&B. During the 1960’s there were multiple British boy rock bands.
The 1950’s was a time of invention, hard fought war by men and women of our country and some of the most medical step forwards that we have ever had in our history. Not only was it a time for invention and war but also a time were rock and roll hit the ground running. Most people protested that rock and roll was the music of the devil poisoning the minds of our children. With even these people trying to bring that genera down the great legends prospered. Every kid remembers growing up and hearing the words “thank you, thank you very much” at least once in their life, it was words of the great king Elvis Presley.
In a time of economic prosperity, a rise in the standard of living and rock and roll, also known as the “happy days”, the 1950s were a time looked back on with nostalgia. On the other hand, the 1950s were also met with many problems involving civil rights, the Cold War and McCarthyism. After the end of World War II, Americans came home to jobs available and a period of consensus. Consensus meaning there wasn’t much debate in politics. However tensions quickly rose throughout the nation when Joseph McCarthy made serious accusations about the State Department.
Rock and Roll in the 50’s As the time changes things will too. Like what kind of music is in, or the clothes you wear, and even the technology you use. In the 1950’s the invention of the television was a HUGE change in the way the common family lived their lives. But with the invention of television was the pop of Rock and Roll throughout the nation. Rock and Roll in the 1950’ started to create a huge divide with parents and their teens.
Although the 1950s were a difficult time in American history, the popularity of Rock ‘n’ Roll encouraged the erosion of racial barriers and the freedom of expression in young people. Rock ‘n’ Roll reflected the social issues of the day and became a movement that unified people to challenge and denounce the Vietnam War, racial inequality, and oppression. Color lines began to blur as both White Americans and African Americans became interested in the same energizing music. Rock ‘n’ Roll artists agitated race relations with a mix of country, gospel, jazz, and rhythm and blues incorporated into their songs. The exposure of Rock ’n’ Roll to both races unknowingly helped change the attitudes of white Americans towards African Americans like never
Rock music in the 1960s was egalitarian, eclectic, and real based on a number of reasons. To explain the 'real' piece of rock music in the 1960s, one would have to know that there was war going on overseas that didn't make sense to Americans as to why it was going on (the Vietnam war). There was also still severe inequality between blacks and whites causing protests to occur via the Civil Rights movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There was inequality between women and mens rights. These issues caused dissatisfaction to occur in the American people.
Most of the music made during the 1960s characterized the dissatisfaction of American youth with the escalation of America’s involvement in the Vietnam conflict. Rock ‘n’ Roll music became an anthem of the American youth as they demonstrated their anti-establishment and anti-war sentiment. Tensions were high between the U.S. and Soviet Union. The United States got involved in Vietnam after France lost control over the communist revolutionaries. Out of fear that communist influence would spread, the war eventually escalated under the control of president Johnson.
As reviewed in class, many adult Americans used to think that Rock and Roll and it’s exponents were a “bad influence” to teenagers back on the days. It is important to point out that many social changes on that time were a result of sociocultural modifications around authority figures like the government, parents, school authorities, etc. With the influence of Rock and Roll, people started to question topics like: religion, politics, social structures and sexual statements and teens showed attitudes against any form of authority that tried to control them. After World War II, adolescents showed more violent attitudes against social statements at that time.
Classic Rock By Keith Costley Rock n Roll is a significant part of American History. A genre of popular music derived in the early forties and fifties by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Doris Day, Elvis Presley, Little Richards, Chuck Berry, and band leaders like Percy Faith and Mitch Miller. A Cleveland, Ohio radio Disc Jockey by the name of Alan Freed would spin up the tempo in rhythm & blues, electric blues, boogie, jazz, gospel, R&B vocal groups, and country hits and aimed his show towards white and black teenagers. Alan would eventually coin this cross cultural music Rock and Roll (Mellor, 2010-2014).
The relationship between popular music and TV in the 60s and 70s provided listeners with another means of enjoying music. It included visual pleasure along with audio. Something that was limited when radios played popular music. By connecting music with live people, dance become more popular as well. The fact that one was being watched motivated people to work on their best moves to impress the viewers at home and studio audience.
Cultural Impact of Rock and Roll Amidst the 1960’s Jimi Hendrix formerly stated, “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” A generation which was earnestly devoted to peace, protest, and revolution, the counterculture amongst the 1960’s yearned for change. Rock and roll was far beyond just a genre of music; it influenced lifestyles, protests, and attitudes, thus, kindling an awakening in the youth of American culture. The distinction between parental and youth culture was a persistent root of concern, considering that teens throughout the world found a sense of belonging in this style of music.
The Music Revolution The Sixties were an exciting period with the beginning of a social, economic and Cultural Revolution, influenced by the music industry that was deeply involved into causes. This propensity took place in a turbulent period where some folks called it the "decade of discontent" because of the race riots and the demonstrations against the Vietnam War. However, other individuals called it the decade of "peace, love, and harmony", because of the peace movements and the emergence of Hippies, called “flower children.” This decade was about assassinations, unforgettable fashion, new styles of music, civil rights, gay and women 's liberation, Vietnam, peace marches, sexual freedom, drug usage, Summer of Love and Woodstock Festival. All of these factors caused a revolutionary transformation in the world of well-liked music, establishing melodies as a form of raise voices and express feelings.
