All in the name of rock and roll. Elvis Presley - King of Rock and Roll

Rock'n'roll was the result of a synthesis of various styles of American music. Almost simultaneously, independently of each other, unknown black musicians of the American South began to mix rhythm and blues, boogie-woogie, country and gospel, achieving hitherto unknown sounds.

Bill Haley used Negro slang with might and main in the early 1950s. in their rhythmic songs built on country music with an admixture of jazz and boogie-woogie. His two singles "Rock Around The Clock" (recorded in April 1954) and "Shake Rattle And Roll" played a decisive role in the mass popularity of rock and roll, until then only a musical experiment known only to listeners of local radio stations.

Despite the fact that it is impossible to clearly indicate the temporal beginning this style, experts often give the championship of the first rock and roll song "Rocket 88", recorded by Ike Turner in the studio of Sam Phillips in 1951.

It is believed that the term "rock and roll" in its modern understanding was introduced by Alan Fried, an energetic disc jockey (DJ) from Cleveland, who did a lot to popularize new music, which at that time met with a fairly wide rebuff from the conservative society of the United States.

Rock'n'roll was the first style in contemporary pop ular music, developed and played equally by both white and black performers, which eventually led to a partial decrease in the racial tension of those years (despite the fact that this genre was purely apolitical). In addition to songs originally written in the new style, early rock and roll artists also played old blues, country, jazz, folk songs- giving them, however, the style of rock and roll sound. Classic sound Rock and roll was formed in 1954-55 when Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Fats Domino recorded the songs that laid the foundation for rock and roll.

Each of these unique musicians brought something special to the new music: Elvis Presley boldly experimented with country and blues; Fats Domino finally proved that his New Orleans piano boogie woogie was rock 'n' roll; pianist Little Richard's whirlwind rhythms and frenzied screams are the quintessence of rock's rebellious nature, while Chuck Berry's guitar chords and witty lyrics are examples for countless imitations. The personification of rock and roll is still Elvis Presley, dubbed the “king of rock and roll” and who had a huge musical and stylistic influence on the younger generation not only in America, but all over the world. After the unprecedented commercial success of Presley, rock and roll instantly became the object of interest of the cinema, as well as major labels that tried to lure young talented performers from small studios.

In 1956-57. rock and roll was replenished with new stars - Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran - who brought innovative playing techniques and had more greater influence for the next generation of musicians. A special place in the history of instrumental rock and roll was occupied by Link Ray, whose composition "Rumble" had a huge impact on the development of subsequent guitar music. By the late 1950s, rock and roll records were among the best-selling records in the US music industry. The development of rock and roll was rapid, but it also quickly found itself on the verge of self-exhaustion: Little Richard left pop music already in 1957, two years after his first success; Elvis Presley was drafted into the army for two years and on his return in 1960 was more involved in his film career; Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Eddie Cochran died in 1959-60; Chuck Berry was sentenced to prison. Other singers began to master extraneous styles (country, rhythm and blues, etc.). In parallel, there were many commercially successful artists who diligently polished rock and roll (especially in the doo-wap genre), but contributed little to musical development. By the beginning of the 1960s. rock 'n' roll found itself on the path of a dead end of self-repetition, and neither the trendy twist (Chubby Checker) nor the Californian surf rock of The Beach Boys saved it from final extinction, despite the latter's obvious desire to update the style. Fresh ideas that inspired rock and roll new life, were brought from the Old World by the "British Invasion" ( The Beatles) in the mid-1960s. Almost all rock and roll hits of the 50s. (especially Chuck Berry and Little Richard) have been re-covered by British bands. Then the general term - "rock" begins to be used.

Rock'n'roll in the Soviet Union and Russia American rock and roll penetrated into the USSR in the mid-1950s, although his Soviet listeners were a very narrow group of people.

The first, very small, rock and roll performers in the USSR, who played, as a rule, English-language hits, appeared in the early 1960s. in the Baltic States, Moscow and Leningrad. Their music was quite amateur in nature, and soon rock and roll proper was replaced in their repertoire by the "British Invasion" ( songs The Beatles Rolling Stones etc.).

At the official level, rock and roll was ignored, although it was often the subject of anti-Western propaganda. Paradoxically, the twist turned out to be quite acceptable and popular genre. In Russian, rock and roll, in its traditional sense (except for the twists of M. Magomaev, T. Miansarova and others), began to be played in the early 1980s. (simultaneously with the next western revival style).

There are names in the history of music that are strongly associated by the public with the genre they made famous. Elvis Presley remains the king of rock and roll decades later. It was this unspoken title that he received at the zenith of his career. Elvis died in 1977, but for all the years that the singer is not with us, no one has managed to overshadow his glory. During this time, over 1 billion discs with recordings of the great artist have been sold. Rock and roll chose its king in the distant 50s, and has remained faithful to him for more than sixty years.

It all started in 1953, when 19-year-old Elvis decided to record a few songs on music studio in Memphis - the city where the family future star lived since 1948. Having paid the established fee, the guy was able to fulfill his dream, and at the same time be remembered by the owner of the studio, who noted his vocal abilities young performer. While still a teenager, Elvis became interested in popular music, played in an amateur band and desperately dreamed of becoming famous singer. He was fascinated by blues and country, although from the age of 10 Elvis sang in the church choir. The combination of trendy melodies and gospel music formed Presley's special stylistic preferences: echoes of both will always be present in his repertoire.

However, recording at the Sun Records studio did not become an instant pass for the young artist into the world. great music, even though his name was remembered by the producer. Six months later, Elvis decided to try his luck again and recorded two more songs. And again, the singer's expectations were not justified: there was no job offer. Deciding to take a different path, Elvis tries to get a job in music Club and tries out for a vacancy in a gospel quartet. But here, too, luck turns away from Presley: failures follow one after another. Desperate, Elvis is already beginning to think that music is not his destiny. And when the guy was already almost convinced that the driver's job was the only thing he was capable of, a call came from the Sun Records studio. Elvis was invited to record the song "Without You". The work went from bad to worse: the owner of the studio, Sam Phillips, was dissatisfied with the result. In between recordings, Elvis began to play another song - the song "That's All Right" by Arthur Crudup. The musicians involved in the work played along with Presley. Hearing the melody, Phillips realized that this was exactly what he wanted to hear and had been looking for for a long time in vain.

Having made a full-fledged recording, the producer took the song to the radio, where it began to be played several times a day. It was a success. Calls rained down: everyone wanted to know more about who performs new hit. Offers began to come from clubs: the musician was invited to take part in the performance program. Elvis began to be called to radio programs, where he instantly managed to win over the audience. In the wake of the first success, Presley recorded several more singles, which immediately became popular.

But the real breakthrough came in 1956, when debut album under the uncomplicated title Elvis Presley". The record was released by the most authoritative label "RCA Records", which shortly before that signed a contract with the singer. Elvis Presley was the first true rock 'n' roll album in the history of music. And although long before this event, the genre had successfully developed and had its idols (in this sense, Elvis was not a pioneer), it was Presley's debut album that became a real standard of style and the quintessence of all previous developments. The album included such great hits as "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Tutti Frutti". In addition, the disc "Elvis Presley" was released simultaneously with the single "Heartbreak Hotel" - one of the most famous songs artist, which it was decided to release as a separate disc. The album and single instantly shot up to the top of the Billboard, which meant a real full-blown success.

This event was followed by an invitation to television. In just a few months, Elvis turned from a small-town celebrity into national hero. Presley's personal charisma also added fuel to the fire of popularity. Instantly, his flamboyant style and peculiar manner of movement are recognized as true symbols of rock and roll. A general "persecution" began - young people tried to resemble their idol in everything, copying his image in everyday life.
In October 1956, Elvis received his famous title - the magazine "Variety" was the first to name the singer the king of rock and roll, forever securing this title for him.

After the release of the album, Elvis was bombarded with offers from film studios. Hollywood was eager to receive its dividends from the fame of the singer. One after another, musicals with Presley's participation are released, which immediately became box office hits. For each film, Elvis recorded soundtracks - no less popular than his full-length albums.
In 1958, Presley is drafted into the army, and he is forced to suspend his career at its peak. Despite the fact that the singer served in Germany, records continue to be released in the States, which he prudently recorded during his vacation.

Returning from the army in 1960, Elvis begins to catch up: he is actively recording new songs. The album "Elvis Is Back!" Is released, which took the second line of the hit parade. At this time, the producers and the singer himself decided to bet on a film career - films with the participation of the singer come out one after another. In some of them, he performs songs that have forever entered the history of music, including the famous "Can't Help Falling In Love" and "Jailhouse Rock".

However, despite being in demand, Elvis gradually began to lose his popularity. New names are beginning to appear in music, including such cult names as The Beatles. Presley's songs began to be perceived as echoes of the past, and his film work ceased to be profitable. In the late 1960s, the king of rock and roll made an attempt to change his style: Elvis filmed a very successful TV concert and received an engagement for a series of performances in Las Vegas. Especially for the upcoming concerts, Elvis came up with for himself a new style: he began to appear in a white flared jumpsuit with an elaborate decor of rhinestones and stones. At this time, the king of rock and roll is actively touring, but hardly records at the studio. True, over time, endless shows began to be given to Elvis more and more difficult. Health problems began to affect, which appeared due to addiction to medicines. Elvis became stout, became suspicious, he was tormented by chronic ailments.

In 1977 great singer died suddenly at the age of 42, leaving behind hundreds of beautiful songs and the legend that his death was just a production. To this day, thousands of fans around the world are sure that Elvis is alive. Well, be that as it may, one thing remains obvious: the songs of the king of rock and roll remain popular to this day, which means that Elvis Presley really continues to live in each of his records, sounding in different parts of the world.

Seems, no matter how much time passes and no matter how tastes change, a huge number of people will love this music, listen to it and dance to it. Today is celebrated unusual holiday - world day bands The Beatles. I propose on this day to remember the songs that make us spin and spin. In a word, the most rock and roll songs.

Rock and roll originated in America in the 1950s. It was formed from living in the neighborhood, but completely different musical styles: rhythm and blues, which was performed by black musicians, and country music by white farmers. P the resulting style, like a child from a mixed marriage, turned out to be a talented and handsome brainchild.

Bill Haley - "Rock Around the Clock", 1954

One of the first rock and roll hits was the song "Rock Around the Clock". Although rock and roll was then considered a rebellious youth style, it was written by middle-aged people at that time - Max Friedman and James Myers, and performed by 28-year-old Bill Haley, who did not look much like a young man, a rebel, or, moreover, black. But who cares if the single entered the Guinness Book of Records as one of the best-selling.

True, success did not come immediately - at first, few people were interested in the song. But a year after the recording, she sounded in one youth film and became a real hit. And how could it have been missed?

Little Richard - "Tutti Frutti", 1955

"Kid" Richard, without too much modesty, called himself the founder, king and architect of rock and roll, leaving Elvis Presley the modest role of "builder".

I must say, Little Richard was the perfect rebel - a black homosexual with an inimitable stage image and violent behavior on stage. He sold the song, which became a rock and roll classic, to a record label for just $50.

Carl Perkins - "Blue Suede Shoes", 1955-1956

To many, this song is more familiar from the Elvis Presley cover, but it was written by poor boy Carl Perkins, who learned to play a homemade guitar made from a cigar box, mop and wire. He wrote down the words on a potato bag - they didn't have writing paper in his house. To how could not a real poor man seriously sing and dream of blue suede boots?

The song became an instant hit, but Perkins himself did not enjoy the success for long. Car accident, long recovery. Then Elvis covered his song and the real author was gradually forgotten in the USA. But in England, Perkins was greeted with enthusiasm - it turned out that in the Old World he is remembered and loved not only by ordinary music lovers, but also by young, although already wildly popular "Beatles".

Elvis Presley - "hound dog", 1956

Whatever Little Richard says, and Only Elvis Presley could become king in the kingdom of rock and roll. Everything in it somehow converged: voice, appearance, manner of performance and dancing - all this is so inimitable that for more than half a century it has generated a huge number of imitators. Producer Sam Phillips felt that the image of the new music would be best expressed by a white musician with "a black voice and soul". He found such a guy in a young truck driver, Elvis Presley.

Elvis himself did not write music. He was not the first with the song "Hound Dog" - it was originally written for the blues performer Big Mama Thornton, then several country bands covered it, then the team performed it in a rock and roll manner Freddy Bell and the Bellboys, and only after that he took over the hands of Presley. It's funny that in all the charts this song was held in three categories: "pop", "country" and "rhythm and blues", because the rock and roll category did not yet exist.

Jerry Lee Lewis - , 1957

Jerry Lee Lewis is a man who can sing, play the piano and dance at the same time. Him creative biography I knew a lot of falls and scandals, which does not prevent the musician from sometimes giving concerts.

Recorded by him song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" took first place in the charts at the same time as "rhythm and blues" and "country". And this mixture is real rock and roll.

Chuck Berry - "Johnny B. Good", 1958

Movie version Back to the Future this song came from a time loop. Marty played it on graduation party their parents, and one of the listeners at that moment called on the phone and said to the interlocutor: "Chuck, were you looking for a new sound? Listen to this!"

This song is one of the most cheerful and provocative on a cosmic scale. Seriously, the scientists even sent her outside solar system, recording Voyager along with other samples of human culture on the Golden Record.

Ritchie Valens - "La Bamba", 1958

The life of this musician was tragic. He really did not have time to do anything - his musical career lasted only eight months.Ritchie Valens did not live to see his own 18th birthday- the small plane that was taking him on tour crashed, killing three musicians at once: Valens, Buddy Holly and Big Bopper . Since then, February 3, 1959 in the United States is called "the day the music died"

But the rock and roll version of the Mexican folk song "La Bamba", recorded by Valens, is still alive and popular and falls into the ratings of the greatest songs of rock and roll.

The Beatles - "Rock And Roll Music", 1964

When rock and roll was already being buried in America, he suddenly returned from England in the faces of the famous Liverpool Four. The fact that in the Old World everything comes with some delay has benefited the music. And although "Rock And Roll Music" is a cover of a Chuck Berry song, the Beatles performed it with amazing drive and artistry.

Do you like rock and roll?

Rock and roll was the result of a mixture of different styles of music common at the time in America. Almost simultaneously and independently of each other, black musicians of the South of the USA, unknown at that time, began to mix rhythm and blues, boogie-woogie, country and gospel, achieving a sound that had not been heard before. Bill Haley used Negro slang with might and main in the early 1950s. in their songs, based on country styles with a touch of jazz and boogie-woogie.

His two singles "Rock Around The Clock" (recorded in April 1954) and "Shake Rattle And Roll" played a decisive role in popularizing rock and roll, until then only a musical pampering known only to listeners of local radio stations. Although it is impossible to clearly determine the beginning of this style, connoisseurs often give the primacy of rock and roll to the song "Rocket 88", recorded by Ike Turner in the studio of Sam Phillips in 1951.

It is believed that the term "rock and roll" in its current sense was introduced to the masses by Alan Freed, an energetic disc jockey from Cleveland, who did a lot to spread the new style, which at that time met with enough great denial from the conservative society of America.

Rock and roll was the first style in modern pop music developed and played equally by both white and black performers, which slightly reduced the racial tension of those years, despite the fact that this genre was completely out of politics. In addition to songs originally written in the new style, early rock and roll artists also played a lot of old blues, country, jazz numbers, folk songs - giving them a rock and roll sound.

The classic sound of rock and roll developed in the early 50s (1954-55), when Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Chuck Barry, Little Richard and Fats Domino recorded songs that laid the foundation for rock and roll. Each of these unique musicians brought something special to this music: Elvis Presley experimented with country and blues; Fats Fats Domino finally proved that his New Orleans piano boogie woogie was rock 'n' roll; the hurricane rhythm and crazy screams of pianist Little Richard became part of the rebellious nature of rock, and the guitar chords and witty lyrics of Chuck Barry became an example for countless imitations.

The embodiment of rock and roll is still Elvis Presley, dubbed the "king of rock and roll" and who had a huge musical impact on the young generation not only in America, but all over the world, and the style of rock and roll

After the unprecedented commercial success of Presley, rock and roll naturally immediately became an object of interest for film studios, as well as major labels that tried to lure young talented performers from small studios.

In 1956-57. rock and roll was replenished with new stellar performers - Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran - who introduced new playing techniques and had an even greater influence on the next generation of musicians.

A special place in the history of rock and roll was occupied by Link Ray, whose composition "Rumble" had a huge impact on the development of guitar music. By the late 1950s, rock and roll records were among the best-selling records in the US music industry.

The rise of rock 'n' roll was swift, but it also quickly found itself on the verge of falling: Little Richard left pop music already in 1957, two years after his first success;

Elvis Presley was drafted into the army for two years, and on his return in 1960 was more preoccupied with his film career;

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Eddie Cochran died 1959-60;

Chuck Berry was sentenced to prison.

Other singers began to master other styles (country, rhythm and blues, etc.). At the same time, there were many commercially successful performers who diligently polished rock and roll (especially in the doo-wap genre), but did little to contribute to musical development. By the beginning of the 1960s. rock 'n' roll was at an impasse, coming back to First stage, and neither the trendy twist (Chubbie Checker) nor the Californian surf rock of The Beach Boys kept him from eventual extinction, despite the latter's great desire to update the style.

Fresh ideas that breathed new life into rock and roll were brought from the Old World by the “British Invasion” of The Beatles in the mid-1960s. Almost all rock and roll hits of the 50s. especially Chuck Berry and Little Richard were re-covered British groups, At the same time, the general term “rock” begins to be used.

More than 30 years ago, back in 1983, Boris Grebenshchikov and the Aquarium group recorded the hit "Rock and Roll is Dead ...", which was unconditional for that time. But it seems that BG and his hits are more likely to be forgotten than ROCK and ROLL, which has become an immortal legend! So, where and how did His Majesty Rock and Roll appear?

Brief background

The beginning of the 1950s became the atmosphere of jazz parties, where the idea of ​​something "such" was already in the air. Closely and constantly intersecting musicians of that time in the States constantly shared their thoughts with each other and now and then played their findings to each other and for a mass audience.

The entertainment of Americans in those days was inextricably linked not with jazz, but with commercial orchestras, sugary-sweet and neatly sleek both musically and visually. It looked very respectable, but there was no talk of improvisation, as well as what is called “drive” today. The white youth of that time, looking for sharp emotions (they were also called bobby-sockers), persistently and methodically searched for more, and since the radio had a strong influence, the immersion in the "black" radio stations became stronger and deeper.

And while it was in its infancy, there was no particular hysteria, but the trend was seen by the one who became the "pioneer" - DJ Alan Freed. In fact, no one can name the exact date of the birth of rock and roll, but we know the year absolutely exactly: rock and roll was born in 1952, how?

Birth and giving a name

Alan himself was then 30 years old, in search of his place in show business, he "flew" in an attempt to become a radio commentator in New York, but succeeded in getting a job as a disc jockey in Cleveland (radio station WJW). And it was here that a historical musical event took place: the words from the then popular song in the style of rhythm and blues, which sounded like “ We'll rock, we'll roll and the growing fascination of "white youth" with "black rhythms".

Without stating anything, we will nevertheless inform you that two musicians are traditionally called as contenders for the title of "daddy": Ike Turner with his composition Rocket 88" or Little Richard with written around the same time, but recorded and promoted later " Tutti-Frutti". The popularizer and promoter of style is considered Chuck Berry.

Interesting fact: those who carefully watched the famous film-trilogy "Back to the Future" remember that according to the plot, rock and roll is "born" as a result of the main character playing the guitar, who got into the past and "gave" the sound and rhythm of his favorite rock and roll to Chuck Berry's brother, who played traditional jazz and blues at the "sweet prom". The time loop is, of course, a funny and original idea, but ...

And then, literally hard of hearing, but not on quick wit and commercial acumen, Alan Fried begins to actively promote the one he called " rock and roll» all accessible ways! First, Alan talks WJW's director into airing new program and on a weekly basis. Secondly, he arranges real rock parties. But then “older white America” rises up and strictly indicates the place for blacks ... After that, literal hostilities are unleashed against music that unites whites and blacks, moreover, not only listening to music, but sometimes behaving inadequately, and sometimes even aggressively.

Clearly an "unwanted baby"

This is not everyone's opinion, but still the American (or rather racist) audience rebelled, and stones fell on the "baby". Radio and television literally flooded enough famous people who claimed:

1. That rock and roll will ruin and destroy America and its culture.
2. That rock and roll is a black and even communist infection!
3. That rock 'n' roll should be banned forever (here it is, democracy ...).
4. Jeans should also be banned!

In such an unfriendly, even hostile atmosphere, Alan Freed does not give up and continues to fight, how?

Rock-n-roll confidently rises to its feet and goes, and then - flies!

Freed calls his weekly radio program "Rock and Roll Party". Moon Dog"(in English: Moondog`s Rock And Roll Party), since he chooses for himself the pseudonym Moon Dog or Moon Dog, which was successful for those gloomy times. Good move: this is the image of a lonely howling wild beast, which is very romantic, but on the other hand - if the transfer flies, then it will not be his name that will suffer, but only the pseudonym, which, if anything, can be changed!

Very little time passed in such a heat of passions, and the violent “twist and turn” (this is how the rock-n-roll combination can be literally translated) literally broke through the line of defense and won its place under the sun. The movie contributed a lot to this. "Slate Jungle" in which rock and roll was launched into the minds of the masses "Rock Around the Clock" performed by the orchestra Bill Haley, who became one of the "white" performers of driving music. Yes, and far from adolescence Bill, and he was then about 30 years old, did not really like the youth, who were eager to see one of their peers in the forefront.

Here Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Bo Diddley, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and many others appeared, fledged and became luminaries. We make no claim to the logic or chronology or level of popularity of this list. Someone will still be at the beginning, and someone at the end. Yes, and it is also impossible to list all the “heroes of rock and roll”, however, these are traditionally included in all conceivable collections of hits, for which we thank them and respectfully bow.

What is rock 'n' roll musically? In essence, this is a traditional twelve-bar blues, but with an even and accelerated rhythm (without swing), consisting, like the classic blues, of small major seventh chords. Many musicians talk about it as a harmonious combination of rhythm and blues with country and some part of samba. We will not argue.

So is rock-and-roll dead or not yet?

Why did this question even arise? In the late 50s and early 60s, there were reasons for the appearance of rumors "about the funeral of rock and roll": in the 57th, for religious reasons, Little Richard left the stage, within two years - 59th and 60th - B. Holly, R. Valens and E. Cochran die, in the same 60th, Elvis is drafted into the army for 2 years, who returned as a different person ... And add to this a long imprisonment Chuck Berry and the boycott of Jerry Lee Lewis over marrying an "over-young bride" makes it clear that this is serious stuff.

But rock and roll continues to live in numerous compositions of famous rock bands: starting with " Roll Over Beethoven"The Beatles, continuing" Are You Ready, Eddie?"from E, L&P," Long Live Rock'n'roll" and " If You Don't Like Rock'n'Roll by Rainbow and others. And if not pure rock and roll, then at least covers of hits sounded, sound and will sound.

And although after the 60s the luminaries of the genre ended their performances, rock and roll will not die as long as those who listen to it and love it are alive, no matter what its opponents say!