For better or for worse, modern rock and roll music has a somewhat controversial aura surrounding it that seems to make it even more popular amongst today’s youth. The adage claims that there is no such thing as bad press; the genre of rock and roll music is no exception to this maxim. Considering a strong majority of today’s Top 40 music charts are composed of music created by rock and roll artists, the rock and roll genre seems to remain as popular as ever. (Billboard) However, there exist numerous individuals whom believe the rock and roll genre is not worthy of its apparent fame and fortune, mostly on the grounds of rock and roll artists unfairly adopting the musical work of earlier black artists representing differing genres of music. …show more content…
Numerous black artists, especially in the 1950’s, believed that they were being unfairly compensated for their musical contributions. More explicitly, many believed that “white musicians merely absorbed black music and robbed black artists of the fame, recognition, and financial rewards that were rightfully theirs.” For instance, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, whom ended up finishing his life as a bootlegger and farm laborer, wrote three songs that were later recorded by the world-famous Elvis Presley. Though it is possible that Crudup could have received greater royalties for his contributions, his name and musical talent are still relevant today thanks to Presley’s almost complimentary rendition of Crudup’s music. Every time a consumer listens to a rock and roll song, they are being exposed to the inspirational references to many black musicians who made profound contributions to the art of music, consequently keeping said artists’ personas alive. That being said, it is important to note that the reason why Presley’s music, which was inspired by Crudup’s music, was more popular ultimately was because it embodied musical evolution as dictated by consumers’