THE MODERN ERA OF ROCK

1940 - Today

How did it get started?? What is “Rock ‘n’ Roll?” Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed used it

as a short hand from the song “My Baby Rocks Me with a Steady Roll” which referenced…….

Evolved from rhythm and blues where the beat (especially the off-beat) was emphasized with straight forward repeating harmonies, relatively simple phrase structure, and easily relatable song lyrics.

Some jazz and country influences as well

How did it get started...part 2

Originally piano or saxophone were the lead instruments. Guitar emerged in late 1950’s

Electric guitar, the amplifier, and the microphone, and the introduction of the 45 album all helped to attract new audiences.

End of World War II had a direct impact as fuel shortages and limitations on audiences made jazz big bands less economical.

Political Statements……..

Who’s the King??ELVIS!!!

Drew mainly on the country/gospel roots of rock. Rockabilly

Sun Records in Memphis sets it up!

One of the most popular/recognizable American icons

CHUCK BERRY!!! “The Father of Rock-n-

Roll” Influenced by Nat

“King” Cole and Muddy Waters

Wrote “Johnny B. Goode”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, and “Mabellene”

Who’s the King?? THE BEATLES!!!

Formed in Liverpool in 1960 24 Multi-Platinum Albums, 7 Grammys, 15 Novellos, and 1 Oscar. Over a billion units (records, cassettes, cd’s, etc.) sold. 12 albums total Broke up in 1970 I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hey Jude, and Can’t Buy Me Love are

some of the highest selling singles of all time.

The Next Generation… Jimi Hendrix!!!

Born in 1942 in Seattle, WA. From brooms to guitars – 1958 Performed with Ike and Tina

Turner, Little Richard, & Sam Cook

Moved to London and formed the Experience in 1966 wrote “Purple Haze”, “Foxy Lady”, “Little Wing"

Headlined Woodstock Died 1970

Jimmy Page!!!

Born in 1944 in West London, ENG

First started playing 1956 Session guitarist, Yardbirds,

and then forms Led Zepplin in 1968

21 live, studio and complilation albums

“Stairway to Heaven”, Immigrant Song”, “Kashmir”, “Over the Hills and Far Away”, “Ramble On”

The Next Generation…. Eddie Van Halen!!

Born in Nijmegen, The Netherlands in 1955.

Named after Ludwig van Beethoven and trained as a classical pianist

Considered to be second to Hendrix in originality and influence.

Formed “Van Halen” in 1972 (1976) 12 albums featuring “Eruption”,

“Right Now”, “Panama”, “Jump” Signature guitar and amp line

Eric Clapton!!

Born 1945 in Ripley, England Started playing age 13 but

stopped because of crappy guitar (15)

Played in Yardbirds, Cream, Derrick and the Dominoes, and solo

Blues and rock Four Grammys and 90+

recordings Signature guitar – Fender & Martin