Rock Music

Rock music made its appearance in the early 1950s, evolving from the blues of the American south. One of the earliest forms of rock music was rockabilly, which combined elements of delta blues and Chicago blues with country music to create a unique new sound.Rockin' In Time: A Social History of Rock-And-Roll; David P. Szatmary, 2000. ISBN 0-13-002636-X The popularity of early rockabilly performers such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis cemented its place in American culture.

After the early successes of rock and roll in the early 1950s, its popularity waned as the 1960s approached. Rhythm and blues and soul music began dominating the charts as stars like Elvis, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry left the public spotlight. The death of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens in a plane crash in 1959 also contributed, leaving a hole that some thought would be impossible to fill.Popular Music in America: and the Beat Goes on; M. Campbell, Ed., 2008. ISBN 0-495-50530-7

But while rock music seemed to be losing ground in the United States, it wasn't disappearing entirely. Surf music was becoming a regional favorite on the west coast of the United States, originating California.The Illustrated Discography of Surf Music, 1961-1965; J. Blair, 1985. ISBN 00-87650-174-9 Rock music was also taking hold in Great Britain, inspired by American blues and rockabilly.From Blues to Rock: an Analytical History of Pop Music; D. Hatch & S. Millward, 1987. ISBN 0-71901-489-1 With the so-called British Invasion in the mid-1960s, bands like The Beatles helped re-ignite rock music in the United States.All Music Guide to Rock: the Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul; V. Bodanov, C. Woodstra and S.T. Erlewine, 2002.