"Rock 'n' roll music incorporates elements from all African American music genres and combines them with American pop and country music components. The genre was born in the 1950s and appealed to the rebellious yearnings of American youth culture." -- National Museum of African American History & Culture
The music we know today as rock and roll was influenced by many genres, most of which were influenced or created by African Americans.
Below are some performances from big names in rock 'n' roll!
Check out MPLs Spotify Playlist of influential rock 'n' roll artists!
"She was one of the very first recording guitarists to incorporate heavy distortion on her tracks and she combined gospel, blues, and early R&B; religious and secular music; and notably black and white audience during the days of segregation. She influenced musicians such as Elivs Presley, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton." -- Cynthia Schemmer, SheShredsMag.com
"His unrestrained musicality and charismatic persona created a rock & roll blueprint followed by generations. Songs like "Tutti Frutti," "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" were amplified by Richard's rockin' piano, rolling rhythms and an electric stage presence. His sound and style were the cornerstones of rock & roll, and his outrageousness and rebellious spirit challenged the world to change." -- Michael Hill, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
"Jimi Hendrix was the single most inventive electric guitarist in rock. He did more to extend the reach of the instrument than anyone else of his generation. He single-handedly demolished traditional definitions of music by playing and recording sounds made with guitar that defied transposition or even explanation." -- Herb Bowie, Reasons to Rock