Rock and Roll

Part 1:1950’s-British Invasion

Background

• Rock music evolved from swing jazz and southern blues

• 1955 Bill Haley and the Comet’s “Rock around the Clock” becomes rocks first #1 single

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5fsqYctXgM

The King of Rock• Elvis Presley began with

Sun Studios (Memphis)—released “That’s all Right Mama” in 1954

• Had 18 #1 hits in career and 114 in the top 40

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1Qo1eaWF8c

• Later turned to film and Vegas shows

• Died in 1977 (only 42)

Country-Rock Rebel• Johnny Cash also

started with Sun Records (like Elvis, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis)

• Known as the “Man in Black”

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRlj5vjp3Ko

• Later famous for drug addiction and marrying June Carter

Goodness Gracious!• Jerry Lee Lewis was known as

a wild entertainer and piano player

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yRdDnrB5kM

• Hits included “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”

• 1958 it was discovered that his (3rd) wife was 13 years old and his cousin—vanished from music scene

Chuck Berry• Pioneer of rock guitar• http://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=2gv62KbSBQM• Hits include “Johnny B.

Good,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “School Days”

• Also served a few stints in prison, further darkening Rock’s reputation

The Day the Music Died• Texan Buddy Holly hit #1 with “That’ll be the Day” in 1957• Unlike other rock stars, he was deeply religious, married, and sported thick

glasses• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQiIMuOKIzY

• 1959 Died in plane crash with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper

British Invasion• Beatles first play in

America on Feb. 9th, 1964

• Ushers in Beatlemania

• Opens way for Rolling Stones, Animals, and other British acts

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70ai1fy21Ls&feature=PlayList&p=86A06871DAC027D9&index=0&playnext=1