In this essay I want to discuss why rocknroll emerged at all and also why it did so at a certain time. When did the rocknroll era really begin? Was it when the first rocknroll record was released or was it when a certain song was named “a rocknroll song” for the first time? If you prefer the second option, the date is pretty easily marked. The story is, that in 1952 Billy Ward was giving an interview to the disc jockey Allan Freed at a radio station. When Wards Song “Sixty Minute Man” was running, Freed tried to find a name for this totally new kind of music and did so when he heard the lyrics of the song saying “I rock ‘em roll ’em all night long” (see Ennis 18). But you could just as well take the release of “Rocket 88” in 1951 as the beginning of the rocknroll era, because that was the first rocknroll song. So far we have the years 1951 and 1952 to choose from. Maybe a certain date will turn up while we examine why rocknroll emerged at all. Starting with an essay by Richard Peterson this leads us to the question: In how far is the situation of the music industry of the 1950s responsible for the emergence of rocknroll? [...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Influence of the Music Industry (Peterson's Perspective)
3. Cultural and Political Context (Sullivan's Perspective)
4. Convergence of Factors (Ennis's Perspective)
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This essay explores the origins of the rock 'n' roll era, specifically investigating why this genre emerged during the mid-1950s by analyzing the interplay between structural changes in the music industry and the broader socio-political climate of the time.
- Analysis of music industry factors including law, technology, and market structure.
- Examination of the cultural and political "threats" influencing teenage rebellion.
- Integration of divergent academic perspectives on musical evolution.
- Evaluation of the significance of the year 1954/1955 as a historical watershed.
- Investigation into how the "father-son" generation gap contributed to musical shifts.
Excerpt from the Book
Why did the rock ’n’ roll era begin in 1955?
In this essay I want to discuss why rocknroll emerged at all and also why it did so at a certain time. When did the rocknroll era really begin? Was it when the first rocknroll record was released or was it when a certain song was named “a rocknroll song” for the first time? If you prefer the second option, the date is pretty easily marked. The story is, that in 1952 Billy Ward was giving an interview to the disc jockey Allan Freed at a radio station. When Wards Song “Sixty Minute Man” was running, Freed tried to find a name for this totally new kind of music and did so when he heard the lyrics of the song saying “I rock ‘em roll ’em all night long” (see Ennis 18). But you could just as well take the release of “Rocket 88” in 1951 as the beginning of the rocknroll era, because that was the first rocknroll song. So far we have the years 1951 and 1952 to choose from. Maybe a certain date will turn up while we examine why rocknroll emerged at all. Starting with an essay by Richard Peterson this leads us to the question: In how far is the situation of the music industry of the 1950s responsible for the emergence of rocknroll?
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author poses the central research question regarding the emergence of rock 'n' roll and evaluates potential starting dates like 1951 or 1952.
2. The Influence of the Music Industry (Peterson's Perspective): This section details six factors—including law, technology, and market structure—that facilitated the rise of independent record companies and new musical styles.
3. Cultural and Political Context (Sullivan's Perspective): The text discusses the "three threats" (Red, Black, and Atomic) and the psychological crisis between generations that allegedly pushed teenagers toward rock 'n' roll rebellion.
4. Convergence of Factors (Ennis's Perspective): This chapter synthesizes the industry-focused and culture-focused arguments, suggesting that rock 'n' roll emerged from both internal industry changes and external societal shifts.
5. Conclusion: The author confirms that rock 'n' roll was the result of a dual development in industry and culture, peaking in popularity due to the specific conditions of the mid-1950s.
Keywords
Rock 'n' Roll, Music Industry, 1950s, Richard Peterson, Henry Sullivan, Phillip Ennis, Cultural History, Technology, Radio, BMI, ASCAP, Generation Gap, Social Change, Rebellion, Music Market
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the origins of rock 'n' roll and the specific reasons why it became a dominant cultural force during the mid-1950s.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the evolution of the American music industry, the impact of radio and recording technology, and the socio-political anxieties of the 1950s.
What is the author's primary research question?
The author seeks to determine if the emergence of rock 'n' roll was driven more by industry-specific developments or by the broader cultural and political environment of the era.
Which scientific methods are applied here?
The author employs a comparative literature review, analyzing and synthesizing the historical arguments of scholars such as Richard Peterson, Henry Sullivan, and Phillip Ennis.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body breaks down the structural changes in the music industry (like the FCC licensing and the 45 rpm record) and contrasts them with the cultural theory of generational alienation.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Significant keywords include rock 'n' roll, 1950s history, music industry structure, cultural rebellion, and the sociological impact of the Cold War era.
How does Sullivan interpret the role of "fathers" in the emergence of rock 'n' roll?
Sullivan argues that the "fathers" of the 1950s were in a state of crisis due to past wars, which created a sense of shame and anger that was unconsciously transferred to their teenage children, fueling their rebellion.
What role did the 45 rpm record play in the music industry shift?
The 45 rpm vinyl record was a key technological innovation that allowed small, independent record companies to bypass major networks and distribute music nationally, undermining the previous oligopoly.
- Citation du texte
- Sebastian Wolf (Auteur), 2004, Why did the rock 'n' roll era begin in 1955?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/40510
