It wasn’t until the 1950s in America that rock and roll music became known as a genre. The phrase evolved into a music genre when African American artists began making music with a distinctive rhythm that took elements from blues and gospel music. In the 20th century, from the 1920s to the 1940s, the phrase “rock 'n' roll” was used by young people to describe sexual acts or the act of dancing - often highlighting how one’s body moved when the music was played. ![]() Later, the phrase was also used in a gospel context. Meanwhile, the full phrase “rock and roll” often referred to a ship’s movement while at sea. The term “rock” has been present since the 17th century, and referred to shaking or disturbing someone else. The origins of the phrase "rock and roll" can be traced back as far as the Middle Ages, when the term “roll” was used to refer to sexual encounters. However, according to reports, Lead Belly was allowed to apply for an early release due to the prison facing budgeting issues because of the Great Depression. It’s alleged that Lead Belly was released from prison the second time because he again wrote a song and sang it to a different governor requesting his release. After a year of singing for the governor, Lead Belly was granted a full pardon and released from prison.įive years later, Lead Belly again found himself in jail due to a stabbing incident. Lead Belly’s chance came when he was tasked to sing for a Texas governor, Pat Neff, on numerous occasions.Ĭapitalizing on this stroke of good fortune, Lead Belly composed a song that he would frequently sing to the governor, begging for a pardon and release. He had tried to escape prison, but after a failed attempt, he allegedly decided to become a model inmate in the hopes he would find a way out of jail through good behavior. Huddie William Ledbetter was an American singer who dabbled in several genres, including blues, rock, folk, and even gospel. According to historical accounts, Ledbetter received his stage name, “Lead Belly,” while he was serving time for one of his two prison sentences.ĭuring his first prison sentence, Lead Belly was convicted of slaying a relative. ![]() Her guitar technique also played a massive role in forming the British blues music genre in the 1960s, and the formation of the electric blues genre. By using heavy distortion on her electric guitar, Tharpe managed to bring gospel and spiritual music into the limelight and the mainstream. It wasn’t only because of her exciting blend of gospel and rock and roll that she is considered the " Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll" in the music industry, but also because of her pioneering guitar technique. Her music became so popular that many began to call her the "Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll." With its rhythmic nature, Tharpe's gospel music quickly gained her fans amongst the rhythm and blues audiences. Tharpe was an inspiration to many, and her music was a precursor to the rock and roll music genre. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, with many musicians stating it was overdue. Not only was a style of music originating from black communities becoming very popular, but black musicians were rising on the music charts too.Although you may not have heard of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, she is known in rock history as one of the genre’s pioneers. ![]() Rock music would help bring black and white youths together in communities through the enjoyment of the same music and youth culture. Teenage rebels who listened to Rock would even try to create a “rebellious” clothing style usually consisting of the leather jackets and jeans people see in the movies. Lyrics to Rockabilly songs would usually target a teenage audience, and promote having fun and being youthful. Even Elvis Presley was thought by many to be a black man when people didn’t know what he looked like all because of his style of music. Rock and Roll was considered the black man’s music because its origins started in the black community, and some parents who supported segregation of the races didn’t approve of Rock music. Parents didn’t want their children listening to music that was so unlike the music that they grew up with. The Rockabilly genre was the first Rock and Roll genre to create controversy in society involving the youth culture of the day.
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