Rock & Roll Music (R'n'R / Rock'n'Roll)

Rock'n'Roll Music CDs available to buy at music-cd

Welcome to our rock and roll information page, hopefully you can learn about this music genre, we are talking early rock and roll music.

Rock'n'Roll marked a significant shift in popular music and became a cultural phenomenon.

Pop	Jive	Rockabilly
Country	Swing	Jump

 

Some key characteristics of early rock and roll:

Upbeat Rhythms: Early rock and roll was known for its energetic and danceable beats. The rhythm often drew from the 12-bar blues structure but with a faster tempo, creating a lively and infectious sound.

Blues and R&B Influences: Many early rock and roll artists were heavily influenced by African American musical traditions, especially rhythm and blues. This influence is evident in the use of bluesy guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a strong emphasis on rhythm.

Boogie-Woogie Piano: Boogie-woogie piano, characterized by a repetitive and driving left-hand bass pattern, played a significant role in early rock and roll. Pianists like Jerry Lee Lewis were known for their energetic and virtuosic boogie-woogie playing.

Guitar-Driven Sound: The electric guitar took a central role in early rock and roll, producing iconic riffs and solos. Artists like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley were pioneers in shaping the guitar-driven sound of rock and roll.

Youthful Rebellion: The lyrics often focused on themes of teenage rebellion, love, and freedom. The music was targeted towards a young audience, and the artists themselves often embodied a rebellious and youthful spirit.

Jive, Jump and Swing Music styles.

Jive:
Jive is a dance style that evolved from swing dances in the early 20th century. It is often danced to uptempo swing or rock and roll music.
Characteristics: Jive is characterized by lively and energetic movements, with quick footwork and plenty of kicks and flicks. The music is typically fast-paced, and the dance style is associated with ballroom and Latin dance.

Swing:
Swing music originated in the late 1920s and became widely popular during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. It features a distinctive swing rhythm and is often associated with big bands.
Characteristics: Swing music has a lively, rhythmic feel, and it's known for its emphasis on improvisation. Swing dancing encompasses various styles, including the Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Balboa. Swing music is diverse and can range from smooth big band sounds to more energetic, jump blues styles.

Jump Blues:
Jump blues is a subgenre of blues and swing that emerged in the 1940s. It features a faster tempo and often incorporates elements of boogie-woogie and early rock and roll.
Characteristics: Jump blues typically has a lively, danceable feel. It often includes horn sections, a driving rhythm, and energetic vocals. Artists like Louis Jordan are associated with jump blues.

These genres are intertwined, and music from one category might easily overlap with another. Jump blues, in particular, played a crucial role in bridging the gap between swing and early rock and roll.

The music from these styles is not only enjoyable to listen to but also serves as a vibrant backdrop for various dance forms.

Rockabilly Music

Rockabilly is another genre of music that emerged in the early 1950s, blending elements of rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues. It is often characterized by its upbeat tempo, twangy guitar sounds, and a strong rhythm section. Rockabilly played a crucial role in the development of rock and roll and has continued to influence various genres over the years. Here are some key features and notable aspects of rockabilly music:

Origins:
Rockabilly originated in the southern United States, particularly in the Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. It drew inspiration from the fusion of country music with rhythm and blues, creating a distinct and energetic sound.

Instruments:
Guitar: The guitar is a central instrument in rockabilly, often featuring a distinctive "slapback" echo effect. Guitarists use techniques like fingerpicking, fast picking, and innovative solos.
Double Bass: Rockabilly bands commonly use a double bass (stand-up bass) for its deep, rhythmic thumping sound.
Drums: The drums in rockabilly music typically have a driving, steady beat, contributing to the genre's danceable and lively nature.
Vocals:
Rockabilly vocals are characterized by a raw, passionate, and sometimes hiccup-like delivery. Many rockabilly singers were known for their expressive and dynamic vocal styles.

Themes:
Lyrically, rockabilly songs often revolve around themes of love, teenage rebellion, cars, and the carefree spirit of the time. The lyrics often reflected the experiences and attitudes of the youth culture in the 1950s.

Rock'n'Roll Dance types

Rock and roll music has inspired various energetic and expressive dances over the years. These dances evolved alongside the music, with each era contributing its own style and flair. Here are some of the iconic rock and roll dances:

Jitterbug/Lindy Hop:
Era: Late 1930s to 1950s
Characteristics: Jitterbug is a fast, lively dance that evolved from the Lindy Hop. It involves energetic spins, lifts, and aerials. Couples often showcase impressive footwork and synchronized movements. Lindy Hop, which originated in Harlem, New York, is considered the grandfather of swing dances.

Jive:
Era: 1940s to 1950s
Characteristics: Jive is a lively and spirited dance that originated in the United States and became popular in Europe. It features quick footwork, triple steps, and a lot of energetic kicks and flicks. Jive is often associated with ballroom dancing and is danced to fast-paced swing or rock and roll music.

Twist:
Era: Early 1960s
Characteristics: The Twist is a solo dance characterized by swiveling hip movements and twisting footwork. It gained popularity in the early 1960s, especially with Chubby Checker's hit song "The Twist." The dance is simple, allowing for individual expression and creativity.

Stroll:
Era: Late 1950s to early 1960s
Characteristics: The Stroll is a line dance that involves a choreographed routine performed in a single file. Dancers move forward, then backward, while executing specific steps. It was often done in groups, with couples taking turns performing in the center.

Hand Jive:
Era: Late 1950s
Characteristics: The Hand Jive is a dance performed with the hands and arms, often accompanied by intricate hand claps and slaps. It gained popularity in the late 1950s and was featured in songs like Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive."

Boogie-Woogie:
Era: 1940s to 1950s
Characteristics: Boogie-woogie is a lively partner dance characterized by rapid footwork and energetic movements. It is often danced to boogie-woogie music, a style of blues characterized by a strong, upbeat rhythm.

Rockabilly Jive:
Era: 1950s
Characteristics: This dance style emerged with the rise of rockabilly music. It combines elements of Jive with the stylistic elements of the rockabilly subculture, featuring lively footwork and playful partner interactions.

Swing Dance:
Era: 1930s to 1950s
Characteristics: Swing dancing encompasses a variety of styles, including the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug. It is characterized by its energetic and improvisational nature, with dancers often incorporating spins, flips, and other acrobatic moves.
These dances continue to be celebrated and enjoyed through social dance events, swing dance clubs, and vintage-themed parties, showcasing the enduring appeal of rock and roll music and its associated dance styles.