““ROCK AROUND ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK”THE CLOCK”

ROCK ’N’ ROLL, 1954–1959ROCK ’N’ ROLL, 1954–1959

ROCK ’N’ ROLL, 1954–ROCK ’N’ ROLL, 1954–19591959

– The advent of rock ’n’ roll during the The advent of rock ’n’ roll during the mid-1950s brought about enormous mid-1950s brought about enormous changes in American popular music. changes in American popular music.

– Styles previously considered on the Styles previously considered on the margins of mainstream popular music margins of mainstream popular music were infiltrating the center and were infiltrating the center and eventually came to dominate it. eventually came to dominate it.

– R&B and country music recordings R&B and country music recordings were no longer geared toward a were no longer geared toward a specialized market.specialized market.

The Rise of Rhythm & Blues The Rise of Rhythm & Blues and the Teenage Marketand the Teenage Market

The target audience for rock ’n’ roll The target audience for rock ’n’ roll during the 1950s consisted of baby during the 1950s consisted of baby boomers, Americans born after World boomers, Americans born after World War II.War II.

Much younger target audienceMuch younger target audience Shared some important characteristics of Shared some important characteristics of

group cultural identitygroup cultural identity New levels of racial tension in America New levels of racial tension in America

– 1954 Supreme Court decision in 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Brown v. Board of EducationBoard of Education mandating the end of mandating the end of racial segregation in public schools racial segregation in public schools

Alan Freed and Rock ’n’ Roll Alan Freed and Rock ’n’ Roll

Alan Freed (1922–1965) Alan Freed (1922–1965) – Disc jockey and concert promoterDisc jockey and concert promoter– Dubbed the “Pied Piper of rock ’n’ roll”Dubbed the “Pied Piper of rock ’n’ roll”– Supporter and champion of R&B Supporter and champion of R&B

““Rock ’n’ Roll” Rock ’n’ Roll”

Term derived from the many Term derived from the many references to “rockin’” and “rollin’” references to “rockin’” and “rollin’” in R&B songs and race records in R&B songs and race records

Sexual implications, which eventually Sexual implications, which eventually faded faded – Came to refer simply to a type of musicCame to refer simply to a type of music

The Moondog Rock and Roll The Moondog Rock and Roll PartyParty

In 1951, Freed hosted a radio In 1951, Freed hosted a radio program on the independent station program on the independent station WJW in Cleveland called WJW in Cleveland called The The Moondog Rock and Roll PartyMoondog Rock and Roll Party..

WINS and New York City WINS and New York City – Freed moved his very successful radio Freed moved his very successful radio

show to WINS in New York in 1954. show to WINS in New York in 1954.

Alan FreedAlan Freed A national celebrity by 1958, but not for long A national celebrity by 1958, but not for long Preference for original R&B records instead of the Preference for original R&B records instead of the

white cover versions put him at odds with the white cover versions put him at odds with the music industry music industry

Rock ’n’ Roll Dance Party Rock ’n’ Roll Dance Party TV show cancelled in TV show cancelled in 1958 when the camera showed a black teenage 1958 when the camera showed a black teenage singer dancing with a white girl singer dancing with a white girl

Charged with inciting a riot at a concert in Boston Charged with inciting a riot at a concert in Boston Accused of accepting bribes from record Accused of accepting bribes from record

companies; fired by WABC in 1959companies; fired by WABC in 1959 In 1962, found guilty of commercial bribery In 1962, found guilty of commercial bribery In 1964, unemployed and suffering from In 1964, unemployed and suffering from

alcoholism, charged with income tax evasion alcoholism, charged with income tax evasion Died before his case came to trial Died before his case came to trial

Cover Versions and Early Cover Versions and Early Rock ’n’ RollRock ’n’ Roll

Cover versionsCover versions– Copies of previously recorded Copies of previously recorded

performances; often adaptations of the performances; often adaptations of the originals’ style and sensibility, and usually originals’ style and sensibility, and usually aimed at cashing in on their success aimed at cashing in on their success

– Often bowdlerized imitations of R&B songsOften bowdlerized imitations of R&B songs– Usually performed by white singers such Usually performed by white singers such

as Pat Boone as Pat Boone – Helped fuel the market for rock ’n’ rollHelped fuel the market for rock ’n’ roll

The “Little Bird Told Me” The “Little Bird Told Me” decisiondecision

A 1947 recording of “A Little Bird Told A 1947 recording of “A Little Bird Told Me” by R&B star Paula Watson for the Me” by R&B star Paula Watson for the independent label Supreme was covered independent label Supreme was covered in 1951 by singer Evelyn Knight for in 1951 by singer Evelyn Knight for Decca Records. Decca Records.

Supreme sued Decca and lost the case. A Supreme sued Decca and lost the case. A judge ruled that musical arrangements judge ruled that musical arrangements are not copyrightable property. are not copyrightable property.

This case opened the gates for cover This case opened the gates for cover versions.versions.

Big Joe Turner, Bill Haley, and Big Joe Turner, Bill Haley, and “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll”

Big Joe Turner (1911Big Joe Turner (1911––85)85) Called a “blues shouter” because of his Called a “blues shouter” because of his

spirited, sometimes raucous vocal delivery spirited, sometimes raucous vocal delivery Born in Kansas City, started out singing Born in Kansas City, started out singing

with local bands with local bands Partnership with boogie-woogie pianist Partnership with boogie-woogie pianist

Pete Johnson in the late thirties made him Pete Johnson in the late thirties made him nationally famous nationally famous

From 1945 to 1951, made recordings with From 1945 to 1951, made recordings with many different labels before signing with many different labels before signing with Atlantic in 1951Atlantic in 1951

““Shake Rattle, and Roll” was Turner’s Shake Rattle, and Roll” was Turner’s biggest rock ’n’ roll record for Atlantic. biggest rock ’n’ roll record for Atlantic.

The Original “Shake, Rattle, and The Original “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” Big Joe Turner (February Roll,” Big Joe Turner (February

1954)1954)AA Get out of that bed, wash your face and hands Get out of that bed, wash your face and hands AA Get out of that bed, wash your face and hands Get out of that bed, wash your face and hands BB Well you get in that kitchen, make some noise with the Well you get in that kitchen, make some noise with the

pots and panspots and pans

A A Well you wear those dresses, sun comes shinin’ throughWell you wear those dresses, sun comes shinin’ throughAA Well you wear those dresses, sun comes shinin’ throughWell you wear those dresses, sun comes shinin’ throughB B I can’t believe my eyes—all of this belongs to youI can’t believe my eyes—all of this belongs to you

A A I believe to my soul you’re the devil, and now I knowI believe to my soul you’re the devil, and now I know AA I believe to my soul you’re the devil, and now I knowI believe to my soul you’re the devil, and now I knowBB Well the harder I work, the faster my money goesWell the harder I work, the faster my money goes

The Original “Shake, Rattle, and The Original “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” Big Joe Turner (February Roll,” Big Joe Turner (February

1954)1954)Chorus: Chorus:

Shake, rattle, and rollShake, rattle, and roll (4 times) (4 times)Well you won't do right to save your dog gone soulWell you won't do right to save your dog gone soul

A A I’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood storeI’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood store A A I’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood store I’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood store B B Well I can look at you and tell you ain’t no child no moreWell I can look at you and tell you ain’t no child no more

ChorusChorus

A A I said over the hill, and way down underneathI said over the hill, and way down underneathAA I said over the hill, and way down underneathI said over the hill, and way down underneathBB You make me roll my eyes, baby make me grit my teethYou make me roll my eyes, baby make me grit my teeth

ChorusChorus

Listening: “Shake, Rattle, and Listening: “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” Bill Haley and the Comets Roll,” Bill Haley and the Comets

(June 1954) (June 1954) The lyrics were bowdlerized by The lyrics were bowdlerized by

producer Milt Gabler to ensure producer Milt Gabler to ensure airplay on white radio stations.airplay on white radio stations.

This song was only a minor hit when This song was only a minor hit when it was released. it was released.

Listening: “Shake, Rattle, and Listening: “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” Bill Haley and the Comets Roll,” Bill Haley and the Comets

(June 1954)(June 1954)A A Get out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pansGet out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pansAA Get out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pansGet out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans BB Well roll my breakfast cause I’m a hungry manWell roll my breakfast cause I’m a hungry man

Chorus:Chorus:Shake, rattle, and rollShake, rattle, and roll (4 times) (4 times)Well you never do nothin’ to save your dog gone soulWell you never do nothin’ to save your dog gone soul

A A Wearin’ those dresses, hair done up so nice Wearin’ those dresses, hair done up so nice A A Wearin’ those dresses, hair done up so nice Wearin’ those dresses, hair done up so nice BB You look so warm, but your heart is cold as iceYou look so warm, but your heart is cold as ice

Listening: “Shake, Rattle, and Listening: “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” Bill Haley and the Comets Roll,” Bill Haley and the Comets

(June 1954)(June 1954)ChorusChorus

A A I’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood storeI’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood storeAA I’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood store I’m like a one-eyed cat, peepin’ in a seafood store BB I can look at you and tell you don’t love me no I can look at you and tell you don’t love me no

moremore

A A I believe you’re doin’ me wrong and now I know I believe you’re doin’ me wrong and now I know AA I believe you’re doin’ me wrong and now I know I believe you’re doin’ me wrong and now I know BB The more I work, the faster my money goesThe more I work, the faster my money goes

ChorusChorus

The Chords and “Sh-Boom”The Chords and “Sh-Boom”

Original version composed and Original version composed and performed by the Chordsperformed by the Chords

Good example of the R&B black Good example of the R&B black vocal group style vocal group style

– Number Two R&B, Number Five pop in Number Two R&B, Number Five pop in 19541954

– Standard AABA love ballad with Standard AABA love ballad with unexpected elements in the unexpected elements in the arrangement and performancearrangement and performance

Cover Version by The Crew Cover Version by The Crew Cuts Cuts

One of the most famous cover One of the most famous cover versions of the eraversions of the era– Number One for nine weeks in 1954Number One for nine weeks in 1954– Begins with scat singingBegins with scat singing– No sax solo—group nonsense-syllable No sax solo—group nonsense-syllable

singing and timpani strokesinging and timpani stroke– Sounds more like a novelty record Sounds more like a novelty record – Crooner styleCrooner style

Herman (“Little Junior”) Parker, Herman (“Little Junior”) Parker, Elvis Presley, and “Mystery Elvis Presley, and “Mystery

Train” Train” Original version recorded in 1953 by Original version recorded in 1953 by

Herman (“Little Junior”) Parker (1927–71)Herman (“Little Junior”) Parker (1927–71)– Singer, songwriter, and harmonica playerSinger, songwriter, and harmonica player– His R&B band, Little Junior’s Blue Flames, His R&B band, Little Junior’s Blue Flames,

recorded “Mystery Train” for Sam Phillips’s recorded “Mystery Train” for Sam Phillips’s Sun label in Memphis, Tennessee.Sun label in Memphis, Tennessee.

R&B instrument lineup typical of the era: R&B instrument lineup typical of the era: electric guitar, acoustic bass, piano, electric guitar, acoustic bass, piano, drums, and saxophone drums, and saxophone

– The “chugging” rhythm conveys a train’s The “chugging” rhythm conveys a train’s steady, inexorable momentum. steady, inexorable momentum.

Cover Version—1955 by Elvis Cover Version—1955 by Elvis Presley for Sun RecordsPresley for Sun Records

The last record that Elvis made with Sam The last record that Elvis made with Sam Phillips before he signed with RCA VictorPhillips before he signed with RCA Victor

More aggressive and “raw” than the originalMore aggressive and “raw” than the original The expression of a young white singer The expression of a young white singer

looking with optimism toward an essentially looking with optimism toward an essentially unbounded future, flush with new unbounded future, flush with new possibilities for stylistic synthesis that would possibilities for stylistic synthesis that would help ensure both intensely satisfying help ensure both intensely satisfying personal expression and an unprecedented personal expression and an unprecedented degree of popular successdegree of popular success

The Rock ’n’ Roll BusinessThe Rock ’n’ Roll Business

Sales of record players and radios Sales of record players and radios expanded significantly after the war. expanded significantly after the war.

Total annual record sales in the Total annual record sales in the United States rose from $191 million United States rose from $191 million in 1951 to $514 million in 1959.in 1951 to $514 million in 1959.

Gradual diversification of Gradual diversification of mainstream popular taste and the mainstream popular taste and the reemergence of independent reemergence of independent (“indie”) record companies(“indie”) record companies

Bill Haley (1925–81)Bill Haley (1925–81)

Former DJ and western swing Former DJ and western swing bandleader from Pennsylvaniabandleader from Pennsylvania

Dropped his cowboy image, changed Dropped his cowboy image, changed the name of his accompanying group the name of his accompanying group from the Saddlemen to the Cometsfrom the Saddlemen to the Comets

In 1954, the Comets were signed by In 1954, the Comets were signed by Decca Records.Decca Records.

Moved toward the R&B jump band Moved toward the R&B jump band sound sound

– Encouraged by A&R man Milt GablerEncouraged by A&R man Milt Gabler

Bill Haley and the CometsBill Haley and the Comets

Recorded commercially successful Recorded commercially successful cover versions of R&B hits in the cover versions of R&B hits in the mid-1950smid-1950s

Largest success came in 1955 with Largest success came in 1955 with “Rock around the Clock” “Rock around the Clock”

Recorded in 1954 and not a big hit Recorded in 1954 and not a big hit when first released when first released

– Popularized in 1955’s Popularized in 1955’s Blackboard Blackboard JungleJungle, a film about inner-city teenagers , a film about inner-city teenagers and juvenile delinquencyand juvenile delinquency

The Electric GuitarThe Electric Guitar Rock ’n’ roll elevated the electric guitar to a Rock ’n’ roll elevated the electric guitar to a

central position in American popular music. central position in American popular music. Engineers began to experiment with Engineers began to experiment with

electronically amplified guitars in the 1920s.electronically amplified guitars in the 1920s. The solid-body electric guitarThe solid-body electric guitar

– Developed after World War IIDeveloped after World War II– First used in R&B, blues, and country bandsFirst used in R&B, blues, and country bands

Came into the mainstream with a somewhat Came into the mainstream with a somewhat dubious reputationdubious reputation

– Carryover from the medieval European Carryover from the medieval European association of stringed instruments with the Devilassociation of stringed instruments with the Devil

– Associated with the music of marginalized Associated with the music of marginalized regions and people regions and people