Rock music is a genre known for its powerful rhythms, strong beats, and use of electric guitars, bass, and drums. Emerging in the 1950s from a blend of blues, country, and rhythm and blues, rock music quickly gained popularity for its energetic sound and rebellious spirit. The genre is diverse, encompassing subgenres like classic rock, punk, alternative, and hard rock, each with its unique style and message.
Resources
All Music
A music database with biographies, discographies, and reviews of rock and roll artists.
Music Map
An interactive tool that shows the evolution and connections between genres, including rock.
Teach Rock
Offers lesson plans and resources for the culture impact of rock and roll music. Created by the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation
Museums and Awards
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
An organization that recognizes the impact of Rock and Roll
Rolling Stone
An online and magazine platform that covers multiple genres of music including rock
The Beatles Story
Dedicated to The Beatles, this museum in their hometown offers an immersive experience into the band’s history, influence, and legacy
Scholars
Elijah Wald
Gives a look into Rock and Roll History, arguing that rock and roll evolved through shifts in American society and that influential artists
Known for How the Beatles Destroyed Rock ‘n’ Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music (2009)
Greil Marcus
Known for having a deep analysis of rock music culture and connection it to American identity and history
Known for Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock ’n’ Roll Music (1975)
Simon Frith
both a sociologist and music critic, examines the social aspect of rock and its role on society particularly among youth
Known for Sound Effects: Youth, Leisure, and the Politics of Rock ‘n’ Roll (1981)
Susan Fast
Talks about how Led Zeppelin’s influence and how it can go beyond just listening to rock music
Known for In the Houses of the Holy: Led Zeppelin and the Power of Rock Music (2001)
Podcast
Rock n’ Roll English
A podcast to learn about Rock n’ Roll
Videos
Known Artist
Linkin Park
My Chemical Romance
Nirvana
