An Intro to Rock

Rock music, though loosely defined, encompasses many different subgenres, similar to Jazz. The term itself is credited to Ohio DJ Alan Freed, who was the first to use the term “rock and roll” to describe what it felt to listen to the music. The style of rock gathered its roots from early 1940’s and 50’s musical styles, such as rhythm and blues, country, folk, Jazz and classical music. Rock music was seen as a “multi-racial” music, emphasizing the loose and free feel of the music. Rock began to have a mainstream appeal during the 1950’s and the rising popularity of the electric guitar and with it a developing style of play that characterized the Rock feel. Rock music became a social icon as well, influencing many cultural aspects, such as lifestyles, fashion, and language.