Just consider this huge positive example. Rock ‘n’ roll once helped spark a cultural revolution in mid-century America. Today, this beloved genre finds itself at a precarious crossroads in its storied history. As it nears its 70th birthday, the genre’s health has come into question. Millions of other fans of popular music wonder the same thing—is rock ‘n’ roll, once the most popular genre on earth, disappearing? The year 1955 opened a new door for rock ‘n’ roll. The album sparked the genre’s volatile ascendancy and sadly, it predicted its rapid downward trajectory.
In 1955, royalty of rock n roll and the father of soul music, Little Richard, exploded onto the music scene with his hit song “Tutti Frutti.” This hit showcased his exceptional talent and ushered in an incredible time of musical innovation and creativity. The damage It was the first riot at an Elvis Presley concert this year. It really captured the passion and energy that goes into the genre. Legendary music, such as “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins and “Maybellene” by Chuck Berry, became iconic during this period. Their musical popularity served to deepen rock ‘n’ roll’s hold on American culture and music.
Elvis Presley, widely freely considered the king of rock ‘n’ roll, is still the king even beyond the grave when it comes to rock ‘n’ roll talk. Almost half a century after his death, he is still the most commercially successful rock ‘n’ roll artist in history. His lasting impact is a reminder of the genre’s deep-rooted importance throughout the history of American music and poses challenges for its present and future.
In the 1970s, bands such as Stray Cats, Showaddywaddy, Matchbox, and Darts exploded onto the UK music scene. In doing so, they jump-started rock ‘n’ roll for a thrilling new generation. These acts ruled the popular music charts. They redefined the genre’s popularity at a time where they were up against some serious competition from different genres. Today, rock ‘n’ roll is back and booming. Unfortunately, it has become inextricably linked with Elvis Presley, which could doom its expansion.
As today’s artists continue to carve out a new place for the genre, many are optimistic about country’s resurgence. JD McPherson from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a leading voice of a new wave of rock ‘n’ roll traditionalism buzzin’ across the land. His successes serve to remind us that the genre is not actually dead in the water with mainstream culture. After the dust has settled, passionate musicians are still out there, fiercely keeping Underground’s good name alive.
As summer gives way to fall, it can feel like rock ‘n’ roll is disappearing. Certainly not, as the music lives on today as a dynamic, colorful genre outside of the UK. That influence is still felt around the world today, where committed fans and musicians continue to explore the genre’s origins and new directions. In Sweden, for example, the raggare culture celebrates the 1950s with rock music and flashy cars, and by adopting figurative blackface. The town of Enviken is a living example of this counter-culture trend, leaning into and accepting their title as a “rockabilly town.”
This was especially true in the UK, where the influence of rock ‘n’ roll was more than felt in those early years. The soundtrack of The Blackboard Jungle, including the very first rock song, likely created the impetus for many a teddy boy to go on rampages of cinema-smashing. Such was the extent to which rock ‘n’ roll had taken root within youth culture and social movements at the height of its growth.
Despite these historical highlights, many observers note that rock ‘n’ roll, as understood by teenagers 70 years ago, seems to be retreating from mainstream relevance. The genre’s evolution has led to an integration of various styles and influences, making it difficult to define what constitutes traditional rock ‘n’ roll today.
Talk about rock ‘n’ roll’s future is reaching fever pitch. Many have pointed to the United States as a place where the genre could be more easily resuscitated. A new wave of artists could emerge from the cultural landscape, reinvigorating interest in rock ‘n’ roll and ensuring its legacy continues.