History of Rock
Rock Music is a group of related music styles that have dominated popular music in the West since about 1955. Rock music began in the United States, but it has influenced and in turn been shaped by a broad field of cultures and musical traditions, including gospel music, the blues, country-and-western music, classical music, folk music, electronic music, and the popular music of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In addition to its use as a broad designation, the term rock music commonly refers to music styles after 1959 predominantly influenced by white musicians. Other major rock music styles include rock and roll, the first genre of the music; and rythem-and-blues music, influenced mainly by black American musicians. Each of these major genres encompasses a variety of substyles, such as heavy metal, punk, alternative, and grunge. While innovations in rock music have often occurred in regional centers-such as New York City, Kingston, Jamaica, and Liverpool, England-the influence of rock music is now felt worldwide.
The central musical instrument in most kinds of rock music is the electric guitar. Important figures in the history of this instrument include jazz musician Charlie Christian, who in the late 1930s was one of the first to perform the amplified guitar as a solo instrument; Aaron Thibeaux T-Bone Walker, the first blues musician to record with an amplified guitar (1942); Leo Fender, who in 1948 introduced the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar; and Les Paul, who popularized the instrument in the early 1950s with a series of technologically innovative recordings. Rock-and-roll guitarist Chuck Berry established a style of playing in the late 1950s that remains a great influence on rock music. Beginning in the late 1960s a new generation of rock guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Carlos Santana, experimented with amplification, feedback (a type of electronic sound distortion), and various electronic devices, extending the musical potential of the instrument.
Other instruments commonly used in rock music include the electric bass guitar (introduced by Fender in 1951); keyboard instruments such as the electric piano, organ, and synthesizer; and the drum set, an African American innovation that came into rock music from jazz and R&B music. Instruments that play important roles in certain rock-music genres include the saxophone-prominent in jazz-rock and soul music-and a wide assortment of traditional instruments used in worldbeat music. The microphone also functions as a musical instrument for many rock singers, who rely upon the amplification and various effects (such as echo) obtainable through electronic means.
Rock music also shares more complex technical aspects. Most rock music is based on the same harmonies as Western music, especially the chords known as tonic, subdominant, and dominant. The chord progression (series of chords) known as the 12-bar blues is based on these chords and has figured prominently in certain styles, especially rock and roll, soul music, and southern rock. Other common harmonic devices include the use of a drone or pedal point (a single pitch sustained through a progression of chords), and the parallel movement of chords, derived from a technique on the electric guitar known as bar-chording. Many elements of African American music have been a continuing source of influence on rock music. These characteristics include riffs(repeated patterns), backbeats (emphasizing the second and fourth beats of each measure, blue notes (the use of certain bent-sounding pitches, especially those related to the third and fifth degrees of a musical scale), and dense buzzy-sounding timbres, or tone colors.
The musical form of rock music varies. Rock and roll of the late 1950s relied heavily upon 12-bar blues and 32-bar song forms. Some rock bands of the late 1960s experimented with more flexible, open-ended forms, and some rock bands of the 1970s developed suite forms derived from classical music. Another important formal development in rock music has been the so-called concept album, a succession of musical pieces tied together by a loose narrative theme.
Much rock music is performed at high volume levels, so the music has been closely tied to developments in electronic technology. Rock musicians have pioneered new studio recording techniques, such as multi-tracking-a process of recording different song segments at different times and layering them on top of one another-and digital sampling, the reproduction by a computer of the patterns of a particular sound. Rock concerts, typically huge events involving thousands of audience members, often feature high-tech theatrical stage effects, including synchronized lighting.
Rock music has grown to include hundreds of musical styles, some of which define a broad mainstream, while others are supported by small but devoted audiences. As in earlier decades, major record companies have used independent labels to find new trends and locate promising talent.
Heavy metal has remained popular, as evidenced by huge arena concerts featuring such bands as Korn and Limp Bizkit. A style known as alternative rock, popularized in the late 1980s by the group R.E.M., combines heavy-metal guitars, folk and punk influences, and cryptic, introspective lyrics. The alternative style spawned a number of substyles, such as the grunge rock of Seattle-based groups Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Techno, a style of dance music that gained popularity in the 1990s, combines computer-generated, discolike rhythms with digital samples. Acid Jazz is a related style, combining rock, soul, R&B, and jazz influences.
Since its inception in the 1950s, rock music has moved from the margins of American popular music to become the center of a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Closely connected with youth culture, rock music and musicians have helped to establish new fashions, forms of language, attitudes, and political views. However, rock music is no longer limited to an audience of teenagers, since many current listeners formed their musical tastes during the golden age of rock and roll. Similarly, while rock has historically encouraged new creative expressions, the innovations of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix have defined a tradition to which successive generations of musicians have repeatedly turned for inspiration.
From its origins, rock music has been shaped by a complex relationship between freedom-symbolized by the image of the rebellious rock musician-and corporate control. Originally a mixture of styles outside the mainstream of white middle-class popular taste, rock and roll soon became a mass-produced commodity. This tension between individuality and commercialism still looms large in rock music and is reflected in fan distaste for musicians who compromise, or sell out their musical values in order to secure multi-million-dollar recording contracts. Shaped by technology, the growth of the mass media, and the social identities of its artists and audiences, rock music continues to play a central role in the popular culture of the United States and, increasingly, the world.
Другие работы по теме:
Folk Vs Rock Essay Research Paper Music
Folk Vs Rock Essay, Research Paper Music is the way we speak, who we are, where we came from, what we feel, the things we remember, and music often communicates the things we are unable to. I have an extensive group of friends. The biggest difficulty I?ve noticed about this is our music tastes. Riding in the car is often like attending a court hearing over control over the c.d. player.
A Rock Concert Essay Research Paper A
A Rock Concert Essay, Research Paper A Rock Concert Have you ever experienced an overload of every sense at once? Well, rock concerts can almost take you there. I went to see AC/DC in the spring of 1991, and it was truly a festival of sensory overloads. My body felt as if they stimulated it in every area to its complete capacity.
Mick Rock Essay Research Paper A while
Mick Rock Essay, Research Paper A while ago, I had occasion to reflect on this relationship: I was the man who frame Ziggy Stardust and who, one singular afternoon, not so may manic years later realized that, in the end, Ziggy Stardust had framed me. I was only the camera eye, but my vision would never be the same again -Mick Rock
McCartney Songwriter Essay Research Paper When someone
McCartney Songwriter Essay, Research Paper When someone mentions the Beatles, most people who know of the band would think of Lennon, McCartney, Ringo and Harrison playing great music on stage. The Beatles still are the best pop rock group ever and it has been said that no other pop rock band will come close to their level of success.
Punk History Essay Research Paper Punk began
Punk History Essay, Research Paper Punk began over in britin in the 1960 what most of us know to be the “Hippy ara”. Britin was not as america at the time, peace, love, and happy ness. Britan’s bums dresses in mohaks and leather gakets with a ragy look full of hatred had a message to send to every one.
Rock And Roll Essay Research Paper It
Rock And Roll Essay, Research Paper It is common belief that ?rock? music fosters bad behavior. This statement has no basis; there are no facts whatsoever to support such an accusation. The word ?rock? is a very general term, a wide variety bands fall under the label of ?rock?, bands that range from The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac to Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson.
Radishes Respond To Music Essay Research Paper
Introduction The question I will be addressing is “Does music affect radish growth?” This seemed like a good idea to research and experiment on because I wanted to know if a plant could really “hear” or if vibrations through the air, which is sound, really affects the growth of the plant. I will be testing this using different types of music including rock, jazz, and classical music.
Rap Kills The Brain Essay Research Paper
“ROCK MUSIC AND RAP MUSIC IS SUPPOSED TO DESTROY THE MIND” An idea believed by many people is that music has a significant effect on the way people think. Professional psychologists say that the lyrics used in music today has a brain washing effect. This brain washing effect is supposed to make the listener become so overwhelmed with the lyrics of the song, that the person feels that they have to act on what was heard.
Rock N Roll Essay Research Paper From
Rock N Roll Essay, Research Paper From jazz and boogie of the thirties moved popular music away from the light entertainment of the theater toward a more exiting and dance oriented style that made the swing era a golden age. Do to jazz moving into rhythm and blues black people were recognized for talents in music and dance.
Rock And Roll Essay Research Paper History
Rock And Roll Essay, Research Paper History of Rock and Roll Punk rock developed in the United States out of the raw and energetic music adored and played by garage bands of the mid-sixties. Many of these garage bands were started by kids in their teens who hardly knew how to play simple chords on a guitar or bang away at drums or cymbals in their own garages.
Music Censorship Essay Research Paper What are
Music Censorship Essay, Research Paper What are some advantages and disadvantages of music censorship? Many bills have been passed to stop explicit messages in music from getting out. Censorship limits the amount of lyrics that get out to the community about violence. (History of Music Censorship) It may also limit anything in music that a community might find offensive to its values or beliefs.
Important Events Essay Research Paper There are
Important Events Essay, Research Paper There are many important things that happened in history. One of them would be World War II. This was a very important time in America. Many men and women during the holocaust were losing their lives because of one man s beliefs of ethnic cleansing. This was one of the lowest points in the history of the world.
Enfluening OF Music Essay Research Paper This
Enfluening OF Music Essay, Research Paper This Essay is about how music can influence the emotions and effects of a person. I will be giving you precentages. I will also be giving you quotes of students
How American Music Has Changed Over The
Past 50 Years Essay, Research Paper How American Music Has Changed Over The Past 50 Years People have often wondered if music has always been around. Well, to answer that question I did some research to find out where our music originated. Our first reliable music records came from the Greeks and the Romans.
Rock N Roll Essay Research Paper title
Rock N Roll Essay, Research Paper title: Rock N RollWhile the exact time frame that the first strains of rock and roll music came bursting forth is nearly impossible to pinpoint, 1955 is arguably the year that it all began. On July 9 of that year, the new #1 single on the Best Sellers in Stores chart was (We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets.
Punk Rock Essay Research Paper The 1980s
Punk Rock Essay, Research Paper The 1980?s are mostly known for its cheesy new wave music, with keyboards and big hair. One of the turning points in music, punk rock, was also recognized in the early 80?s. Though it was less popular then, punk rock has stuck around and managed to become a very well-known and popular music genre.
An Understanding Of Punk Rock Essay Research
Paper What do most people think of when they hear the words Punk Rock? Some people may think of delinquents sporting dyed hair, leather jackets, and chains. Although this may be true among some punk rock enthusiasts, there is much more to punk music and culture.
Our Life Is Effected By Music Essay
, Research Paper Research Proposal: Our everyday lives are effected by music. People listen to it in the car, while grocery shopping, in the movies, at home, and practically anywhere else possible. There are many different types and styles of music such as: rock and roll, classical, rap, hardcore, Christian, jazz, reggae, country, and the list goes on.
Gangsta Rap Essay Research Paper HISTORY OF
Gangsta Rap Essay, Research Paper HISTORY OF RAP Before we are able to understand the history of rap we must first understand the actual definition of rap music. According to the Rap History Homepage rap is defined as “Spoken words with an underlying rhythm section of bass, drums and keyboard sounds. Words are spoken rhythmically over the music and and the accents in speaking are very important.” Hip Hop is the “spouse” of rap.
Jimmy Page Essay Research Paper Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page Essay, Research Paper Jimmy Page ’s incredible career spans four decades, appearing on an innumerable list of recordings. Best known for his trademark Les Pauls, double-neck guitar and riff-master deluxe, his contributions to rock history are nearly unmatched. He first picked up a guitar as a child, curiously plucking away on a Spanish acoustic given to the family.
Essay 2 Essay Research Paper Threatening Forces
Essay 2 Essay, Research Paper Threatening Forces Oct. 22 Threatening forces are every where we look in life. Almost anything could be considered a threat in today s society. The poem by James Joyce, I hear an Army Charging Upon the Land, contains evidence of a threatening force. The threatening force in this poem is punk rock kids at a punk rock show.
Rock Music Essay Research Paper ROCK
Rock Music Essay, Research Paper ROCK Rock does mean any relatively hard mass of mineral or petrified matter, or stone, but it is also a type of music. Rock is a type of music in which teens have always been associated with. Rock music has been around since the early to mid nineteen fifties and has emerged and changed throughout the years.
Country Music Essay Research Paper Country MusicToday
Country Music Essay, Research Paper Country Music Today, many people in the United States listen to country music. People have almost always listen to this type of music, from early rebels, to the families of today. The topic of true country music usually remains the same in all songs. The country atmosphere is more family oriented and provides children and all people with good role models.
Rock 2 Essay Research Paper The music
Rock 2 Essay, Research Paper The music genre of Rock, thought by some to be the devil s music, to me is an inspiration and it helps me deal with situations going on in my life. If you listen to Rock you know what I m saying, but by most people who do not, they are so put in there ways of believing that anybody even listening to it is a devil worshipper, or some drug addict and is out casted because of what they listen to.
Music In The 80
′S Essay, Research Paper Music The 80 s were very important years in music history. Known as the decade of excess, the 80 s brought a more visual experience to music. From fireworks at concerts to MTV, the 80 s made sitting next to the radio a thing of the past. Musicians became more into their image then ever before.
A Large Collection Essay Research Paper A
A Large Collection Essay, Research Paper A Large Collection Today, many people have become attached to popular music, because it can easily stimulate their curiosity. In addition, many people buy popular music because it is popular not because it has artistic value. However, in my music compact disc collection, I have mostly underground music that many people do not know about or like, such as heavy metal and jazz.
Music 2
Music & Movies Essay, Research Paper Music & Movies This paper is based on what I know about music. Music is a way of life, and life would be a mistake without music. Music can encourage ones emotions, thoughts, and feelings.
The Beatles Essay Research Paper Music is
The Beatles Essay, Research Paper Music is an entertainment. yet, sometimes it can make history. A song is simply just words with sound. Yet, sometimes it can be passionate. A band is simply just people who transport music. Yet, sometimes they can be a big influence to others. They are the most popular musical artists in Rock and Roll through out the century.
How The Beatles Changed Rock Music Essay
, Research Paper How The Beatles Changed Rock Music Rock music consists of many individual styles. Even though there is a common spirit among all music groups, all music made by them are very different.
Purpose Essay Research Paper MusicIn Aaron Copland
Purpose Essay, Research Paper Music In Aaron Copland s essay How We Listen to Music, he examines the three ways people listen to music. He calls the ways we listen to music planes . The three planes he examines are the Sensuous Plane, Expressive Plane, and Sheerly Musical Plane (400). He uses examples of each plane and how people use it.
What Is Oil Essay Research Paper There
What Is Oil? Essay, Research Paper There are three essentials in the creation of a crude oil field: First, a “source rock” whose geologic history allowed the formation of crude oil. This usually is a fine-grained shale rich in organic matter.