The 50"s was a time which was ready for a culture change. At the end of World War II, Americans decided that they no longer wanted to listen to the Big Band Jazz which had carried their spirits during the war. The "Baby Boom" was creating a new generation of teens ready to find their own thing. Movies and Media were creating "ideas" for kids by showing mainstreem America not only what they didn't have, but what they needed to have to be in on the cutting edge. Music was also ready for this new change.
There were four main African American influences and four main White influences which Americans had been listening too. On the African American side there was Jazz, Gospel, Blues, and Rhythm and Blues. On the White American side there was Folk, Country, White Gospel, and Popular. When these four influence combined, Rock and Roll was born.
Not only does Rock and Roll combine the eight genres of music mentioned previously, but it also developed a new instrumental combination. Now, the guitar became an essential element in the music presentation. Most groups included a rhythm guitar, a lead guitar, a bass, and a drum set for rhythm.
The first group to take this combination and create the new sound was Bill Haley and the Comets, recording Rocket 88. The sound combined country guitar along with a non-distorted blues, jazz and rhythm and blues sound. Clearly the black and white elements were merged into something completely new. However, Bill Haley lacked the "look". The music worked but the messenger didn't.
Then, in 1954, Elvis Presley - who wanted to be a Pop singer, although his background was gospel and country - walked into Sun Recording studio to cut his first record. In order to get his sound together, a small R&B - Jazz trio was brought in to help develop his sound. The result was That's Alright Mama. He had the "look", the "sound" and the moves. The world of music had a new style.

Performers of this early Rock and Roll include:

Elvis Presly

Chuck Berry

Little Richard

Buddy Holly

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