ith the birth of Rock 'n' Roll, popular culture was changed completely. Before the 'rebellious' sounds of Bill Haley and the Comets, Buddy Holly or Elvis Presley, the music scene was far more conventional - as was the lifestyle. Activities such as unwed sexual relations, motorcycle rides and certain types of dancing were socially prohibited. Middle-class white society prospered, resigned, self-satisfied and suspicious of its neighbours - particularly its black neighbours.
      Rhythm and blues music dominated the American south and targeted a black audience in the late 1940s. The catchy tunes and suggestive lyrics were thought improper in the mainstream, until white entertainers began to cover rhythm and blues songs. During the 1950s the term rock and roll was actually a synonym for black R&B music. Rock 'n' roll was first released by small, independent record companies and promoted by radio disc jockeys like Alan Freed, who used the term rock 'n' roll to help attract white audiences unfamiliar with black music. Indeed, the appeal of rock 'n' roll to white middle-class teenagers was immediate and caught the major record companies by surprise. The new genre was a combination of rhythm and blues, known as jump blues, the gospel-influenced vocalgroup style known as doo wop, the piano-blues style known as boogie-woogie (or barrelhouse), and the country-music style known as honky tonk.
      Music That Rocked The World features over 270 artists who have influenced music over four decades. This book is a must for any music fan.

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