The Emergence of Rock and Roll Music and the Rise of American Youth Culture [Paperback]

Rock and roll music evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and 1950s, as a combination of African American blues, country, pop, and gospel music produced a new musical genre. Even as it captured the ears of the nation, rock and roll was the subject of controversy and contention. The music intertwined with the social, political, and economic changes reshaping America and contributed to the rise of the youth culture that remains a potent cultural force today. A comprehensive understanding of post-World War II U.S. history would be incomplete without a basic knowledge of this cultural phenomenon and its widespread impact.

In this short book, bolstered by primary source documents, Mitchell K. Hall explores the change in musical style represented by rock and roll, changes in technology and business practices, regional and racial implications of this new music, and the global influences of the music.

The Emergence of Rock and Roll explains the huge influence that one cultural moment can have in the history of a nation.

1. The Early Years of Rock and Roll

2. Decline and Renewal

3. The Beatles and the British Invasion

4. Psychedelia

5. Rock Splinter

Docments

Rock music unleashed a force that swept America. A hybrid of distinctively American musical styles, rock helped to create a social revolution throughout the United States and the world. Indeed, no history of post-World War II is complete without an understanding of the power of this cultural phenomenon. Mitchell Halls The Emergence of Rock and Roll is a clear, concise and illuminating book that is a must read.

W. Michael Weis, Illinois Wesleyan University