What didn't you know about rock 'n' roll? The most interesting facts about the history of one of the oldest and most influential genres
Rock ' n ' Roll almost everyone loves it! This genre is truly beautiful and very interesting, because it has a vivid history, deeply rooted in American music... However - how exactly did it come about? Rock ' n ' Roll was widespread in America in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was based on elements of African-American and so-called "white" genres, including rhythm and blues and country. Remarkably, even after so many years rock 'n' roll is still popular in the 21st century...It is still thriving as a genre! True... many curious facts about it have, unfortunately, been forgotten... In fact, that's why the selection below promises to be interesting!
Sister Rosetta Tharp is known as "the godmother of rock and roll.
You probably haven't heard of this woman before, but Sister Rosetta Tharp known as the pioneer of rock 'n' roll! Remarkably, in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Tharpe wasn't inducted until 2018, many years after her death... Many musicians said it was outrageous, and that Rosetta Tharpe should have been inducted into the Hall of Fame much earlier...
In the first half twentieth century Her music was so popular that soon many people began to call her "the godmother of rock 'n' roll"! And this loud title is fully justified: and it's not only in the exciting combination of gospel and rock'n'roll, but also in the innovative guitar playing technique! Using heavy distortion on her electric guitar, Tharpe has managed to bring gospel and spiritual music into the spotlight, and turn it into mainstream! By the way: her unique technique played a huge role in shaping the genre of British blues music. in the 1960s and in the formation of the genre known as electric blues...
There would be no rock and roll without Chuck Berry
Once upon a time, the iconic Beatle John Lennon noticed:
"If you want to give rock and roll another name, you can call it Chuck Berry!"
Undoubtedly, the legendary Chuck Berry played a crucial role in refining and transforming rhythm and blues music into rock and roll. Not surprisingly, he carries the title "father." of this genre...
Stevie Nicks is the only woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice
Legend Fleetwood Macand also a successful solo singer, Stevie Nicks has been recognized as one of the "The 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time" by Rolling Stone! However, the most curious achievement of her career is that she was included in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice! By the way: Nix is the only woman who managed to achieve this! It happened in 1998 and 2019 years...
"Wabash Cannonball" is a song that is considered one of the earliest sources that influenced the genre
It is unlikely that this composition is familiar to modern music lovers, however - "Wabash Cannonball." is generally considered one of the earliest songs to influence the genre! The roots of "Wabash Cannonball" go back to 1882 year, into the genre of American folk music: the work tells of a scenic journey...
This work became famous more than 40 years later, as performed by Carter Family! Subsequently, it entered the repertoire of such legends as Johnny Cash, Leon Russell and others.
Ledbelly allegedly released from prison by writing a song for the governor
Huddy William Ledbetterbetter known as simply LedbellyHe was an American singer who played several genres, including blues, rock, folk and even gospel! But that was not the only thing that made him famous...
During his first imprisonment Ledbetter was convicted of killing a relative. He tried to escape from prison, but after a failed attempt he supposedly decided to become a model prisoner in hopes of finding his way out of prison through good behavior... And at Lead Belly really got a chance! He was repeatedly offered to sing for the governor of Texas, Pat Neff.. Taking advantage of this good fortune, Leadbetter composed a song which he often sang to the governor, begging for pardon and release. After a year of singing for the governor, Lead Belly was pardoned and released from prison...
Five years later Huddy William was imprisoned again, this time because of a stabbing incident. It is alleged that he was released a second time because he wrote a song again and sang it to another governor asking for his release. However, according to reports, Lead Belly was allowed to apply for early release because the prison was facing financial difficulties due to the Great Depression.
"The "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley was the "anti-Kumtor.
Today Elvis Presley known as one of the most iconic stars in rock 'n' roll history... "king." of the genre because of his energetic performances and charismatic personality, and, all in all, that makes him one of the most significant and influential musicians of the 20th century! Presley's good looks and distinctive sound drew considerable attention to him, and major shows in America were very eager to get him on their side... So, in 1956 year, Elvis signed a commercial deal worth $50,000 into three separate speeches on The Ed Sullivan Show…
According to the data, at first Sullivan Didn't want to host a rising star on his show because of the sexualized music and some obscene dance gestures, which in 1950s were considered scandalous... However, after Sullivan's competitor got more hits after taking on Presley, Sullivan decided to go against his principles... The first appearance Presley on his show went well, but the second one... it shocked American viewers, who were uncomfortable seeing such a thought-provoking performance on television.
A lot of people In Nashville and St. Louis were so upset (they thought Presley's performance might have ruined their children) that they hung and burned an effigy of the musician! It's worth noting that this didn't stop Presley from returning for his third and final performance, which was met with less hostility (all because he was only shown waist-deep...)
Ronnie James Dio popularized the "rock goat
"Rock Goat." - The famous gesture of greeting, widely known in the world of rock... It is believed that it is the Ronnie James Dio popularized the gesture, but some sources claim that Gene Simmons was the first to use this sign... In his 2002 autobiography Simmons stated that he was the one who popularized the "rock goat"! But... was he?
According to DioHe was introduced to this gesture by his grandmother. At the beginning of his career the rocker decided to make this symbol fashionable. Dio explained in an interview 2001 of the year that he doesn't think he was the first to invent the gesture, but that he was the first to make it a trend - definitely.
A curious fact is that in the 2017 year Simmons tried to register this symbol as his own creation, but in less than two weeks he withdrew his claim. I wonder why?
Frank Sinatra was against rock and roll
Throughout the history of rock, many people have criticized the genre, but one of the most famous people who condemned it was Frank Sinatra. And who would have thought that this man was vs. rock 'n' roll... But it really is. В 1957 In the year, Sinatra wrote a short article for the French magazine Western World. In the article he discusses the state of American music, and as for rock 'n' roll - he had nothing but contempt for the genre... Here is a short excerpt:
"My only deep regret is the relentless insistence of record and movie companies on choosing the most violent, ugly, degenerate, vicious form of expression that I have ever had the displeasure of hearing--naturally, I mean most of rock and roll. It evokes almost entirely negative and destructive reactions in young people. It smells fake! Thanks to almost idiotic repetitions and sly, obscene - actually dirty - lyrics, this music manages to be combative for everyone! It's a rancid aphrodisiac that I regret..."
