Rock and Roll in the 1950's
by Krista Freed
How did the birth of Rock 'n' Roll influence American society in the 1950's?
First of all, I chose this topic mainly because my best friend (Melissa) has greatly influenced my prefered genre of music and I hoped that, by doing this project, I would further appreciate and enjoy the music that my best friend loves. Additionally, I chose this topic because I thought I would enjoy learning about how the music of the 50's sounded the way that it did.
The 50's was was right after the war ended (WWII 1945) and people no longer had to fear communism. Americans then believed that there would be no more conflict for the rest of their lives, and all they wanted to do was dance and live carefree lives. With the booming economy and the civil rights movements getting legislations passed, the only thing people really had to care about was their romantic lives.
Just For Fun :)
Real 1950s Rock & Roll, Rockabilly dance from lindy hop !
Elvis
Elvis Presley - Don't Be Cruel
Elvis's song “Don’t be Cruel” is a lover’s most sincere attempt to say he’s sorry for “something he might have said” and to get his girlfriend back. Furthermore, the lover professes his affections for the girl in the song and he constantly reminds her that his heart is true. This is reflective of the society because love was the main focus of the 1950’s.
The Penguins
The Penguins - Earth Angel
“Earth Angel” by The Penguins was also a song about love. Over and over again, the singer repeats that he is only a “fool in love” with the girl who he is singing to, and he only wants to be the “vision of her happiness”. This is a good portrayal the only desire of those in the 1950s.
Little Richard
LITTLE RICHARD - Tutti Frutti
Little Richard - Good Golly Miss Molly
Little Richard, who was an African American singer that helped improve the view of his race, wrote songs like “Tutti Fruitti” and “Good Golly Miss Molly”. Both of which are rebellious songs that embrace love of different kinds. Apparently, the meaning behind the song “Tutti Frutti” is about scandalous gay relationship and the original lyrics had to be revised due to its explicitness, and “Good Golly Miss Molly” is about a rebellious teen who loves to do things that her parents would not approve of.
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode (Live 1958)
“Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry is a song about a young boy who only wants to escape his country home and go to the big city and experience being famous with his name in the fights and in the hearts of many. The boy in the song wanted to go against the world and be successful despite the fact that he was poorly educated. Theoretically, this can be seen as another form of love: a love of self, which rock and roll had a major impact on.
Eddie Cochran
Eddie Cochran - Summertime Blues - Town Hall Party 1958
Lastly, the song “Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran also portrays love, but the singer displays an irritation because he must work, so he cannot dance with his lover (that is why he has the Blues).
Conclusion
Overall, the 1950’s was a great time in history. Both its music and its people greatly reflected and influenced Americans to be free and to only worry about love. In close relation to the 1920’s, the 1950’s was all about good feelings and dancing. Whether it’s on the dancefloor or in your headphones, the influence of rock and roll can still be seen today.