The first sounds of rock and roll were heard in the 1950’s when a man named Chuck Berry gave rock and roll its style and persona. This prototype sound had been evolved from previous era’s folk music. His impact on society was rather interesting since he was a black man making an emotional impact to young white teens during a period of serious racial tension throughout the country. His lyrics talked about new ideas in a new way to a new audience. His music also began the era in which many parents of young teens pleaded to their children that the music he played

At the turn of the 70’s and into the 80’s rock music began to evolve once again due to the fact that civil movements had been resolved and LSD was now on the decline with people in America. The Vietnam War had now ended, and only a cold war existed between the United States and Russia. African-American rights were resolved now and gave way to women’s rights. At about the same time, homosexuality began to come out of the closet, and people demanded rights for them as well. During this time, corporate rock, music videos, and rock in the movies began to revolutionize the music industry. Another addition to rock music was the use of synthesizers in some musical pieces. They were basically added to provide the artist with more than one way to produce a distinct sound. However, Bruce Springsteen still provided society with genuine power rock music. His song, Born in the U.S.A., brought about a wave of patriotism yet to be felt in the States. U2, an Irish based band, brought about the problems of their world to our society. Their songs such as Sunday Bloody Sunday, exemplifies a bloody incident on the conflict between the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland in their time.

The 90’s brought about a grunge look that was first developed by two influential bands in Nirvana and Pearl Jam. These bands developed from the city of Seattle and caught a grasp of most of the country with their mix of punk attitude, the power of heavy metal, and the activity of funk. Their music was intended to reach out to those in society who were apart of an alienated generation. Two other influential bands in the Nine Inch Nails and Tool developed a new sound in a heavy metal/rock. These groups mainly played powerful music with dark lyrics towards life, intended to infuriate and/or depress the listener. Getting the emotions of the listener was one of the catches of rock in the 90’s, but arousing emotions created understanding and/or hatred.

The 60’s are pretty much summed up by the society that developed around the music of The Beatles and Bob Dylan. That summation deprives the 60’s of its true elusiveness and variety that existed in the era. Dylan was a re-creator of folk music that established the groundwork for many other musicians, including The Beatles. His music came at a time when the focus around the nation was protest movements on civil rights. The songs created by Dylan focused on the situations that were occurring around him and to the society that was listening to his music. His songs, such as “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll,” were one of several songs about the mistreatment of African-Americans. His easy-going folk music with incredible lyrics was altered when he decided to go completely electric and escape the folk route. Society’s reaction to his decision came with many cold rejections and a new acceptance to a n

Some topics in this essay:
Beatles United, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, Chuck Berry, Nails Tool, Van Halen, Mothers Invention, Buddy Holly, Russia African-American, rock roll, rock music, heavy metal, music rock, folk music, elvis presley, peace love, music rock roll, era music, evolution rock, king rock, king rock roll, led lead singer, nine inch nails,