Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame genre
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that emerged in 1950s America, characterized by a strong backbeat, electric guitars, and energetic performance.
The term originally carried sexual connotations—to rock and roll meant to have sex—which gave the music its rebellious edge.
The genre spawned countless subgenres and remains synonymous with youthful rebellion and raw energy: Rock and roll will never die.
Often shortened to rock.
Also spelled rock 'n' roll.
- teenage angstYouth's emotional turbulence
- electric guitarAmplified stringed instrument
- guitar soloUnaccompanied string passage
- power chordRoot-fifth guitar voicing
- rhythmPatterned stress and silence
Elvis Presley · Chuck Berry · rebellion · youth culture · Little Richard · hall of fame · Woodstock · bass guitar · British Invasion · rockabilly · anti-establishment · drum kit · riff · freedom · syncopation · 1950s · microphone · beat
- Memphis MusicMemphis, Beale Street, Sun Records, Sun Studio, Graceland
- Lou ReedBerlin, New York
Rock and Rollclassical music
Western orchestral tradition
easy listening · elevator music · muzak · smooth jazz · ambient music
Rock and Rollconformity
Adherence to norms
conservatism · respectability · propriety · traditionalism · bourgeois culture
Rock and Rollsilence
Total lack of sound
lullaby · whisper · meditation music · spa music · soft music
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