Question | Answer |
Ricky Nelson | The Adventure of Ozzie and Harriet, Put R&R music in America’s living room, “LA Rockabilly” style in some of his music (not from the south) |
Buddy Holly | Last of the 50’s giants, Pointed the music toward the first Rock Band, First major white artist to write/produce his music, First to use the studio as an instrument, Explored the techniques of sound and production, Popularized the Fender Stratocaster |
The Crickets | Prototypes for a self-contained rock band, The two guitar/bass/drums combination – set the standard for British Bands |
Rock Styles Expand: The Push Toward Pop (1958-1963) | Late 50’s transitional period between initial R&R and teen idol period, Newcomers had clean-cut images – broadened the appeal |
The 1968 Comeback Christmas TV Special | Brought back the “Elvis Rocker” |
Carl Perkins | Known as the “King of Rockabilly”, Remained true to his style |
Perkins at Sun | Music is an extension of his hillbilly roots than a rebellious break of tradition |
Jerry Lee Lewis | Influenced by the great barrelhouse piano players New Orleans |
Lewis’ Success | Lewis was viewed as Elvis’ rival |
Memphis/Rockabilly | Invented by Elvis, Frenzied mix of country, blues, gospel and pop |
Rockabilly Style Traits | No drummer used in band, Use of slapping bass, Classic rockabilly was almost entirely the product of Sun Records and Sam Phillips |
Sam Phillips | Owner and operator of Sun studios, Important figure in the development of R&R |
History of Elvis | Gospel remained a part of Elvis’ repertoire throughout his career |
The Sun Studio Years of Elvis (53-55) | Sun recordings reflect discovery for Elvis, Dubbed the “hillbilly cat” |
Presley/Important Observations | The first rock hero, Forced R&R down the mainstream’s throat, Made it R&R more than a passing fad for R&B, Opened the gates for black R&B artists |
Elvis with RCA | Col. Tom Parker became new manager, Reached national status with Heartbreak Hotel, Defined the rock image of the fifties, Helped link R&R with television, Created an acceptance for black music |
AM Radio - Disc Jockeys | Ignored mainstream white major labels, Played small independents labels |
Nat D. Williams | First black disc jockey, known as radios "Jackie Robinson" |
William "Hoss" Allen/John R. Richbourg Gene Nobles/Herman Grizzard | White disc jockeys of WLAC (Nashville), The "50,000 Watt Quartet" |
New Orleans | Major contributor to crossover R&B, Emphasis on piano/bass/sax, Bass lines derived from the cultural mix of New Orleans population |
Cosimo Matassa | Owner of J&M recording studio (The only studio in New Orleans |
Dave Bartholomew | Played a crucial role in the development of R&R in New Orleans, Collaborations with Fats Domino |
Fats Domino | Ambassador of the New Orleans sound, Offered white kids an easy first step into the world of Black music |
Little Richard | Direct Opposite to the music of Fats Domino, Total extravert (The "Bronze Liberace"), Has written some of rock's landmark songs |
Early R&R in Chicago | Delta blues became amplified in Chicago, Chess Records began in the late fourties by Leonard and Phil Chess |
Bo Diddley | Frank Kirkland (drums)/Jerome Green (Maracus), Green was his sidekick and alter ego |
Chuck Berry | Influenced by Johnny Johnson (pianist) |
Important Innovations of Chuck Berry | Helped establish R&R as a musical form in itself, established the guitar as THE rick instrument, First great rock poest (excellent lyricist), Broke through the color barriers, Played to integrated audience |