Rock music originated from African American blues and gospel music in the 1940s-1950s. Early rock artists struggled due to racism and segregation. Record companies eventually started promoting white artists in the rock style to appeal to mainstream audiences. It was not until Elvis Presley that they found a white artist who could authentically perform rock music. The success of Elvis helped make rock more acceptable to the public and allowed early artists like Little Richard to find success. Rock has since evolved into many genres and spread worldwide, still providing an escape for many listeners today.

1. THE RISE OF
ROCK
Phillip Koeshall

2. Notable artist that
progressed the genre
of rock
1940’s 1950’s 1960’s 1970’s
All images retrieved from creative commons Background images are my own work

3. Rock is an outgrowth of African American blues and gospel music.
Due to segregation and a culture that was polluted by racism, early
rock artist struggled to gain traction. Record companies, seeing the
potential for the movement to gain mainstream appeal began
scouting white artist to perform in the style. Early attempts at
covering the songs with a more socially acceptable image were not
successful as they removed the heart and soul of the music. It was
not until Elvis that they were able to find a white artist who had an
authentically rock sound. (ushistory.org, 2020).

4. Cultural
Shift
The successofElvis helpedto make Rock more
acceptable to theAmericanpublic. With the
risingpopularity ofrock, earlyartistsuch as
Little Richardfinally found thesuccessthey
deserved.Not all werereceptiveto thisnew
musicthough,many churchescondemnedit as
Satinsmusic(ushistory.org,2020).

5. to
Stay
Since its conception, rock has
evolved into many subgenres
and spread across the globe.
Rock can be heard
everywhere from Nashville,
to London, even Tokyo.
Many of us still turn to rock
as an escape from our daily
lives.

7. References
◦ ushistory.org. (2020). America Rocks and Rolls. U.S. History Online Textbook. Retrieved from
//www.ushistory.org/us/53d.asp
◦ Little Richard. (1956). Tutti Frutti (live). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Cj059o9OwqY