HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE
crossover - Answers-musical works or performers that gain popularity with one
audience, then another
cover - Answers-a new performance or recording of a song previously recorded by
another artist
The Blues - Answers-An African-American music genre that developed in the rural
American south, showcasing economic hardships
Blues artists - Answers-Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King
Gospel music - Answers-Worship music of predominantly African-American churches in
the United States characterized by performances by large choirs often singing in unison
Characteristics of Gospel - Answers-1. Call and response
2. Group singing
3. Polyrhythms
4. Rhythmic musical instruments
Elvis Presley - Answers-"The King of Rock n' Roll" who recorded at Sun Records. His
path from poverty to fame exemplifies the American Dream. Rockabilly genre.
Johnny Cash - Answers-"The Man in Black" who famously recorded at Folsom Prison.
His path from poverty to fame exemplifies the American Dream. Rockabilly genre.
Rockabilly - Answers-A type of popular music, originating in the southeastern US in the
1950s, combining elements of rock and roll and country music.
Alan Freed - Answers-A disc jockey who began playing R & B on a Cleveland radio
show and gained a wide following from black and white teenagers due to his on-air
attitude and style. He coined the term "Rock and Roll."
Payola Scandal - Answers-The practice of DJs taking bribes for record airplay. US
congressional hearings took place. Alan Freed was convicted and put in jail. His career
was over.
Teenagers - Answers-This group gained influence as a market force in the 1950s.
Popular music became oriented toward them.
Movies in Rock 'n' Roll culture, often depicting teens as delinquents - Answers-
Blackboard Jungle, Rebel Without a Cause, Rock Around the Clock, Jailhouse Rock
, American Bandstand - Answers-Hosted by Dick Clark started airing in 1957, was a
televised showcase of rock 'n' roll hits in which a live audience danced to recorded
music. this spread of popularity of rock and made the host one of the best known figures
among young Americans.
The Twist - Answers-Dance craze associated with the song recorded by Chubby
Checker
1960s Dance Crazes - Answers-The Watusi, The Frug, The Monkey, The Temptation
Walk, The Twist, The Pony, The Mashed Potato, et al.
Surf Sound - Answers-Music originating from Southern California, optimistic tone, used
reverb and the wall of sound. Topics included cars, surfing, and girls.
The Beach Boys - Answers-Example of Surf Sound
Car Culture - Answers-The automobile industry changed the face of America, the
popularity of the automobiles jumped from 26 million in 1945 to 60 million in 1960 (80%
of homes had at least 1 car by 1960). Gave young freedom from parents. Gave rise to
new industries. Well paying car industry jobs were part of the growing middle class.
Aretha Franklin - Answers-"The Queen of Soul," she began singing gospel music at an
early age and had several hit records with Atlantic, including "Respect" in 1967
Doo Wop - Answers-features a vocal group harmony, nonsense syllables, a simple beat,
sometimes little or no instrumentation, and simple music and lyrics. Built upon vocal
harmony. Example: "Sh'Boom" by The Chords.
Origin of Doo Wop - Answers-started by amateurs or semi-professionals on street
corners in New York and Philadelphia
Chuck Berry - Answers-pioneer of Rock and Roll known for his guitar riffs, energetic
performances, blend of R&B and Country, and showmanship.
Radio's influence on Rock and Roll - Answers-*introduced R&B to white audiences
*helped rock and roll go from regional to national audiences
Rhythm and Blues (R&B) - Answers-A style of music developed by African-Americans
that combines blues and jazz characterized by a strong backbeat and related variations
on syncopated instrumental phrases
Great Migration - Answers-An early 20th-century mass movement of African Americans
from the Deep South to the industrial North, seeking job opportunities and fleeing from
racism and discrimination
crossover - Answers-musical works or performers that gain popularity with one
audience, then another
cover - Answers-a new performance or recording of a song previously recorded by
another artist
The Blues - Answers-An African-American music genre that developed in the rural
American south, showcasing economic hardships
Blues artists - Answers-Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King
Gospel music - Answers-Worship music of predominantly African-American churches in
the United States characterized by performances by large choirs often singing in unison
Characteristics of Gospel - Answers-1. Call and response
2. Group singing
3. Polyrhythms
4. Rhythmic musical instruments
Elvis Presley - Answers-"The King of Rock n' Roll" who recorded at Sun Records. His
path from poverty to fame exemplifies the American Dream. Rockabilly genre.
Johnny Cash - Answers-"The Man in Black" who famously recorded at Folsom Prison.
His path from poverty to fame exemplifies the American Dream. Rockabilly genre.
Rockabilly - Answers-A type of popular music, originating in the southeastern US in the
1950s, combining elements of rock and roll and country music.
Alan Freed - Answers-A disc jockey who began playing R & B on a Cleveland radio
show and gained a wide following from black and white teenagers due to his on-air
attitude and style. He coined the term "Rock and Roll."
Payola Scandal - Answers-The practice of DJs taking bribes for record airplay. US
congressional hearings took place. Alan Freed was convicted and put in jail. His career
was over.
Teenagers - Answers-This group gained influence as a market force in the 1950s.
Popular music became oriented toward them.
Movies in Rock 'n' Roll culture, often depicting teens as delinquents - Answers-
Blackboard Jungle, Rebel Without a Cause, Rock Around the Clock, Jailhouse Rock
, American Bandstand - Answers-Hosted by Dick Clark started airing in 1957, was a
televised showcase of rock 'n' roll hits in which a live audience danced to recorded
music. this spread of popularity of rock and made the host one of the best known figures
among young Americans.
The Twist - Answers-Dance craze associated with the song recorded by Chubby
Checker
1960s Dance Crazes - Answers-The Watusi, The Frug, The Monkey, The Temptation
Walk, The Twist, The Pony, The Mashed Potato, et al.
Surf Sound - Answers-Music originating from Southern California, optimistic tone, used
reverb and the wall of sound. Topics included cars, surfing, and girls.
The Beach Boys - Answers-Example of Surf Sound
Car Culture - Answers-The automobile industry changed the face of America, the
popularity of the automobiles jumped from 26 million in 1945 to 60 million in 1960 (80%
of homes had at least 1 car by 1960). Gave young freedom from parents. Gave rise to
new industries. Well paying car industry jobs were part of the growing middle class.
Aretha Franklin - Answers-"The Queen of Soul," she began singing gospel music at an
early age and had several hit records with Atlantic, including "Respect" in 1967
Doo Wop - Answers-features a vocal group harmony, nonsense syllables, a simple beat,
sometimes little or no instrumentation, and simple music and lyrics. Built upon vocal
harmony. Example: "Sh'Boom" by The Chords.
Origin of Doo Wop - Answers-started by amateurs or semi-professionals on street
corners in New York and Philadelphia
Chuck Berry - Answers-pioneer of Rock and Roll known for his guitar riffs, energetic
performances, blend of R&B and Country, and showmanship.
Radio's influence on Rock and Roll - Answers-*introduced R&B to white audiences
*helped rock and roll go from regional to national audiences
Rhythm and Blues (R&B) - Answers-A style of music developed by African-Americans
that combines blues and jazz characterized by a strong backbeat and related variations
on syncopated instrumental phrases
Great Migration - Answers-An early 20th-century mass movement of African Americans
from the Deep South to the industrial North, seeking job opportunities and fleeing from
racism and discrimination
