History of Rock n’ RollHistory of Rock n’ RollChapter 1:Chapter 1:

Roots of Rock n’ RollRoots of Rock n’ Roll

Origins of Rock n’ RollOrigins of Rock n’ Roll

Blues originated as a mixture of African Blues originated as a mixture of African slaves’ native musical styles & European slaves’ native musical styles & European styles of musicstyles of music– many African cultures placed much more many African cultures placed much more

emphasis on the need for rhythm over harmonyemphasis on the need for rhythm over harmony– developed as a way to overcome the monotony developed as a way to overcome the monotony

of field labor on plantationsof field labor on plantations

Southern (Delta) blues themes tend to focus Southern (Delta) blues themes tend to focus more on sullen, “down” themesmore on sullen, “down” themes– Due to its “birth” from the oppression of slaveryDue to its “birth” from the oppression of slavery

““King of the Delta Blues Men”King of the Delta Blues Men”Robert Johnson (1911-1938)Robert Johnson (1911-1938)

called the “Godfather of Rock n’ called the “Godfather of Rock n’ Roll”Roll”

Guitar skill attributed to the “devil Guitar skill attributed to the “devil legend”legend”– Inspiration for Tommy in Inspiration for Tommy in O’ Brother, O’ Brother,

Where Art Thou?Where Art Thou?

Very few actual recording sessionsVery few actual recording sessions– ““complete” catalogue only 29 trackscomplete” catalogue only 29 tracks

No proof how he died, but all 3 No proof how he died, but all 3 legends involve poison & a womanlegends involve poison & a woman

Songs of Interest:Songs of Interest:– Cross Road Blues– I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom

Blues was primarily confined to the south until after WWI Blues was primarily confined to the south until after WWI (1919), when many African Americans head north to (1919), when many African Americans head north to

Chicago Chicago ““Big Bill” Broonzy (1898-1958)Big Bill” Broonzy (1898-1958) Son of slaves, 16 brothers & sistersSon of slaves, 16 brothers & sisters 1907 - made his first fiddle out of a 1907 - made his first fiddle out of a

cigar boxcigar box Worked as a plow hand, preacher, Worked as a plow hand, preacher,

railroad worker, waiter, piano moverrailroad worker, waiter, piano mover Served in WWI, moved to Chicago Served in WWI, moved to Chicago

in 1920in 1920 Got first recording contract in 1924Got first recording contract in 1924 Worked odd-jobs while making Worked odd-jobs while making

music until a European tour in 1951music until a European tour in 1951 Died of throat cancer in 1958Died of throat cancer in 1958 Song of interest: Song of interest: Key to the Highway

Broonzy said: Broonzy said: – ““The blues won’t die because spirituals The blues won’t die because spirituals

won’t die. Blues is a steal from won’t die. Blues is a steal from spirituals, and Rock is a steal from the spirituals, and Rock is a steal from the blues…”blues…”

1940-1944: African-American immigration 1940-1944: African-American immigration to Chicago increases by almost 75%to Chicago increases by almost 75%While Delta blues was acoustic, the blues While Delta blues was acoustic, the blues sound that developed in Chicago was sound that developed in Chicago was electrified.electrified.– Urban BluesUrban Blues reflected optimism for the many reflected optimism for the many

who had moved north and escaped the who had moved north and escaped the lifestyles of their parents and grandparentslifestyles of their parents and grandparents

Blind Lemon JeffersonBlind Lemon Jeffersonb. July 1897, d. Dec 1930b. July 1897, d. Dec 1930

Born blind & Given name was actually Born blind & Given name was actually LemonLemon

Worked around Texas as a teenager, Worked around Texas as a teenager, then hoboed through the South.then hoboed through the South.

1925 – signed to Paramount records1925 – signed to Paramount records– Recorded blues under his own name, Recorded blues under his own name,

recorded religious songs under the name recorded religious songs under the name Deacon L.J. BatesDeacon L.J. Bates

– Best selling artist among “race records” Best selling artist among “race records” until his death in 1930until his death in 1930

Coined term “booger rooger” (wild Coined term “booger rooger” (wild party), becomes “boogie-woogie”party), becomes “boogie-woogie”

Influenced many later blues artists like Influenced many later blues artists like Lightnin’ Hopkins, T-Bone Walker, & Lightnin’ Hopkins, T-Bone Walker, & B.B. King B.B. King

Songs of Interest:-Black Snake Moan

T-Bone WalkerT-Bone WalkerAaron Thibeaux WalkerAaron Thibeaux Walker– T-bone developed from his mom’s pet T-bone developed from his mom’s pet

name “T-Bow”name “T-Bow”

b. 5/28/10, d. 3/16/75b. 5/28/10, d. 3/16/75

From family of musicians, Blind Lemon From family of musicians, Blind Lemon Jefferson was family friendJefferson was family friend– Served as Jefferson’s “lead boy” around Served as Jefferson’s “lead boy” around

DallasDallas– By 1930, playing all across the countryBy 1930, playing all across the country

1935 – 11935 – 1stst recording blues musician to recording blues musician to use electrified guitaruse electrified guitar

First recorded as T-Bone in 1942First recorded as T-Bone in 1942– Known for a lively on stage show, playing Known for a lively on stage show, playing

with his teeth, behind his head, or using with his teeth, behind his head, or using drumsticksdrumsticks

Toured through the 40s, 50s & 60sToured through the 40s, 50s & 60s

Song of Interest:- Call It Stormy Monday

From the Mississippi Delta to Muddy WatersFrom the Mississippi Delta to Muddy WatersMuddy WatersMuddy Waters

Born McKinley Morganfield Born McKinley Morganfield 4/4/19154/4/1915

nicknamed “Muddy” by his nicknamed “Muddy” by his grandmothergrandmother

Made a name for himself by Made a name for himself by age 17 playing at partiesage 17 playing at parties– emulated earlier blues emulated earlier blues

artists Son House & artists Son House & Robert JohnsonRobert Johnson

Moved to Chicago in 1940, Moved to Chicago in 1940, but moved back to but moved back to Mississippi by 1941Mississippi by 1941

Recorded for the Library Recorded for the Library of Congress in 1941of Congress in 1941

moved back to Chicago moved back to Chicago & started playing bars& started playing bars

had to have an amp to had to have an amp to be heard over noise in be heard over noise in Chicago barsChicago bars

Wanted his blues to Wanted his blues to “have a little pep”“have a little pep”

Winner of 6 GrammysWinner of 6 Grammys 1987 – inducted into 1987 – inducted into

Rock n’ Roll Hall of FameRock n’ Roll Hall of Fame 4 songs on Rn’R HOF list 4 songs on Rn’R HOF list

of of 500 Songs that 500 Songs that Shaped RockShaped Rock

Songs of Interest:• Rollin’ Stone• Hoochie Coochie Man• Mannish Boy• Got My Mojo Working

Howlin’ WolfHowlin’ WolfChester Burnett (1910-1976)Chester Burnett (1910-1976)Nicknamed “the Wolf”, tried a style Nicknamed “the Wolf”, tried a style of yodeling got called “the Howler”of yodeling got called “the Howler”Close friend of Muddy WatersClose friend of Muddy WatersHad a very lively stage act, Had a very lively stage act, predecessor of rock performerspredecessor of rock performersWon Grammy for Won Grammy for Smokestack Smokestack Lightening Lightening (1956)(1956)1991 - inducted into the Rock n’ 1991 - inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of FameRoll Hall of Fame3 songs on the 3 songs on the 500 Song that 500 Song that Shaped Rock n’ RollShaped Rock n’ RollSongs of Interest:Songs of Interest:– Smokestack LighteningSmokestack Lightening– Back Door ManBack Door Man– SpoonfulSpoonful

Little WalterLittle WalterWalter JacobsWalter Jacobs– b. 5/1/30 d. 2/15/68b. 5/1/30 d. 2/15/68

Supposedly the first to amplify a Supposedly the first to amplify a harmonicaharmonica

Caught the attention of Muddy Waters in Caught the attention of Muddy Waters in the 1940sthe 1940s– Moved north when the blues scene Moved north when the blues scene

centralized in Chicagocentralized in Chicago– Recorded and toured with Waters Recorded and toured with Waters

throughout the 1950sthroughout the 1950s

Had seven Top 10 R&B albums in the Had seven Top 10 R&B albums in the 1950s1950s

Influenced a generation of blues Influenced a generation of blues harmonica playersharmonica players

Known for a violent temper and a love of Known for a violent temper and a love of drink, died after a bar fight 1968drink, died after a bar fight 1968

Songs of Interest:- Juke (#1 R&B, 1952)- My Babe

Riley “B.B.” KingRiley “B.B.” KingBorn Sept. 16, 1925Born Sept. 16, 1925Delta influenced & mixed a jazz sound Delta influenced & mixed a jazz sound in his musicin his musicBought his 1Bought his 1stst guitar in 1937 guitar in 1937– Trademark Gibson, nicknamed “Lucille”Trademark Gibson, nicknamed “Lucille”– Started recording music in 1949Started recording music in 1949

Grew up picking cotton on a plantationGrew up picking cotton on a plantationWorked as a DJ in the early ’50sWorked as a DJ in the early ’50s– Where he earned the nickname “B.B.”Where he earned the nickname “B.B.”– Radio name was “Beale Street Blues Radio name was “Beale Street Blues

BoyBoy

Recognized by the mainstream as the Recognized by the mainstream as the face of modern bluesface of modern blues

First big hit was First big hit was Three O’clock Blues Three O’clock Blues (#1 R&B, 1951)(#1 R&B, 1951)Consistently a record seller and concert performer; Consistently a record seller and concert performer; King’s only Top 20 pop hit was King’s only Top 20 pop hit was The Thrill Is Gone The Thrill Is Gone (#15, (#15, 1970)1970)Although he had a “Farewell Tour” in 2006, he continues Although he had a “Farewell Tour” in 2006, he continues to make music today (2009)to make music today (2009)52 albums in 60 years52 albums in 60 yearsWinner of 15 Grammy awardsWinner of 15 Grammy awards– Including the Lifetime Achievement Grammy 1987Including the Lifetime Achievement Grammy 1987

Inducted into the RnR HOF in 1987Inducted into the RnR HOF in 1987Songs of Interest:Songs of Interest:– Every Day I Have the BluesEvery Day I Have the Blues– The Thrill Is GoneThe Thrill Is Gone– Humming BirdHumming Bird– Paying the Cost to Be the BossPaying the Cost to Be the Boss

Buddy GuyBuddy GuyGeorge GuyGeorge Guy

– b. 7/30/36b. 7/30/36

1957 - left Baton Rouge for Chicago1957 - left Baton Rouge for Chicago

Gets a break when he’s allowed to sit in w/ Gets a break when he’s allowed to sit in w/ Otis RushOtis Rush– Got him a regular gig at the 708 ClubGot him a regular gig at the 708 Club– Caught the ear of Willie Dixon, got a recording Caught the ear of Willie Dixon, got a recording

contract w/ Chess Recordscontract w/ Chess Records

Worked as studio guitarist for Muddy Waters Worked as studio guitarist for Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolfand Howlin’ Wolf

Left Chess in 1968, due to contract disputeLeft Chess in 1968, due to contract dispute

Eric Clapton called Guy the greatest guitar Eric Clapton called Guy the greatest guitar player aliveplayer alive

2005 – inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame2005 – inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Winner of 5 Grammy AwardsWinner of 5 Grammy Awards

John Lee HookerJohn Lee Hookerb. 8/22/1917 d. 6/21/01b. 8/22/1917 d. 6/21/01

One of 11 childrenOne of 11 children

First instrument was an First instrument was an innertube stretched across a innertube stretched across a barn doorbarn door

Taught basics of guitar by his Taught basics of guitar by his stepfatherstepfather– Blind Lemon Jefferson another Blind Lemon Jefferson another

early influenceearly influence

1931 – moved to Memphis & 1931 – moved to Memphis & worked on Beale St.worked on Beale St.

Blues career took root in Detroit Blues career took root in Detroit in late 1930sin late 1930s

Songs of Interest:Songs of Interest:– Boom, BoomBoom, Boom– One Bourbon, One One Bourbon, One

Scotch, One BeerScotch, One Beer

Started recording in the late 1940sStarted recording in the late 1940s– Initially a singles-only artistInitially a singles-only artist– Released music under several pseudonymsReleased music under several pseudonyms– 11stst release release Boogie ChillenBoogie Chillen sold a million copies, sold a million copies, I’m in the MoodI’m in the Mood

sold another million copies in 1951 sold another million copies in 1951

Through the 50s’ & 60s he toured the UK and EuropeThrough the 50s’ & 60s he toured the UK and Europe

By the end of the 60s, he had teamed up with American By the end of the 60s, he had teamed up with American group, Canned Heat for group, Canned Heat for Hooker n’ HeatHooker n’ Heat

His career sagged in the 80s, but he had an unlikely revival His career sagged in the 80s, but he had an unlikely revival in the 1990s, playing with artists like Van Morrison, Keith in the 1990s, playing with artists like Van Morrison, Keith Richards, Albert Collins, & Carlos SantanaRichards, Albert Collins, & Carlos Santana– Inducted into the R&R HoF in 1991Inducted into the R&R HoF in 1991– Won 4 Grammy awards (all 1990-2000)Won 4 Grammy awards (all 1990-2000)– 2 songs (2 songs (Boogie ChillenBoogie Chillen’ & ’ & Boom BoomBoom Boom) on R&R ) on R&R HoF 500 Songs HoF 500 Songs

that Shaped Rock n’ Rollthat Shaped Rock n’ Roll

Tin Pan Alley EraTin Pan Alley EraTo appreciate the impact of Rock n’ Roll, you have To appreciate the impact of Rock n’ Roll, you have to understand what was on the airwaves in the to understand what was on the airwaves in the early 1950searly 1950s– Jazz sounds, dominated by white performersJazz sounds, dominated by white performers– Blues considered “race music”Blues considered “race music”

Typical lyricsTypical lyrics – non-offensive, noncontroversial, – non-offensive, noncontroversial, often dealt with boy/girl romantic loveoften dealt with boy/girl romantic love

SongsSongs - usually slow / moderate tempo, with - usually slow / moderate tempo, with orchestral accompaniment & a small chorusorchestral accompaniment & a small chorus

Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Ray, Eddie Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Ray, Eddie Fisher, Nat “King” ColeFisher, Nat “King” Cole– Cole one of a very few black pop singersCole one of a very few black pop singers

Country MusicCountry MusicIn the 1920s & 30s it was never referred to as In the 1920s & 30s it was never referred to as “country” music“country” music– Old timey musicOld timey music– Music from DixieMusic from Dixie– Old familiar tunesOld familiar tunes

Later it became known as “hillbilly” musicLater it became known as “hillbilly” music– These would be the songs you would here from These would be the songs you would here from O’ O’

Brother Where Art Thou?Brother Where Art Thou?

Despite the fact that Southern culture was Despite the fact that Southern culture was viewed as degenerate, the music had a followingviewed as degenerate, the music had a following– Hillbilly music appealed to many around America Hillbilly music appealed to many around America

because the South stood for traditional values and because the South stood for traditional values and orthodox religion orthodox religion

The Carter FamilyThe Carter FamilyRecorded from 1928-Recorded from 1928-19561956

Comprised of A.P., his Comprised of A.P., his wife Sarah & her sister wife Sarah & her sister MaybelleMaybelle

A.P. & Sara divorced A.P. & Sara divorced in 1939, continued to in 1939, continued to play until 1941play until 1941

Maybelle went on tour Maybelle went on tour with here 3 daughters with here 3 daughters (Helen, Anita, & (Helen, Anita, & JuneJune))

The Carters re-formed The Carters re-formed in 1952 and continued in 1952 and continued to record until 1956to record until 1956

Songs of interest:Songs of interest:The Wabash CannonballThe Wabash Cannonball

Will the Circle Be UnbrokenWill the Circle Be Unbroken

Keep On the Sunny SideKeep On the Sunny Side

Jimmie RodgersJimmie RodgersFirst real “star” of First real “star” of country musiccountry music

Style a combination of Style a combination of hillbilly & blueshillbilly & blues

Worked on the railroad Worked on the railroad until he began recording until he began recording in 1927in 1927

Inspired many “hillbilly” Inspired many “hillbilly” acts from the southwestacts from the southwest– Led to the Led to the

“westernization” of “westernization” of country musiccountry music

Inducted to Rock n’ Roll Inducted to Rock n’ Roll HOF - 1986HOF - 1986

Songs of Interest:Songs of Interest: Blue Yodel #9Blue Yodel #9 In the Jailhouse NowIn the Jailhouse Now

Racism in MusicRacism in MusicMusic & entertainment was segregated in Music & entertainment was segregated in the 1940s & 50sthe 1940s & 50sIn the 1940s, African Americans had In the 1940s, African Americans had money to spend after WWII & wanted to be money to spend after WWII & wanted to be entertained butentertained but– Weren’t welcomed in white clubs, even if Weren’t welcomed in white clubs, even if

performers were blackperformers were black– Radio was white-oriented, no black performers Radio was white-oriented, no black performers

on network radioon network radio– Blues, jazz & even pop by most black Blues, jazz & even pop by most black

performers not sold in same stores as white performers not sold in same stores as white performersperformers

Whites did not listen to “black music”, and Whites did not listen to “black music”, and African Americans were not given a choiceAfrican Americans were not given a choice– Black performers did not appear on pop Black performers did not appear on pop

charts, likewise for white performers on R&B charts, likewise for white performers on R&B chartscharts

Since music did not “cross-over”, if there was a Since music did not “cross-over”, if there was a popular R&B song, it got covered by a pop popular R&B song, it got covered by a pop singersinger– While not mainstream, R&B was gaining a While not mainstream, R&B was gaining a

following among high school & college age following among high school & college age whites around the US by 1954whites around the US by 1954

Soon, music as the world knew it was going to Soon, music as the world knew it was going to be turned on it’s headbe turned on it’s head