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Events in Rock and Roll
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Billboard Magazine First Publishes
One of the oldest trade magazines in the world. Known especially for the "Billboard Hot 100" -
Robert Leroy Johnson
Considered a forefather of Rock and Roll. He gains fame as a blues musician, who is know for his distinct sound, and remarkable song writing. -
FM Radio Rises
Creates a whole new way for music to be played and heard all over the world. -
Hank Williams
Records 11 songs in the "Top 10" in five years time. "Hey Good Lookin" is one of his biggest hits. -
Alan Freed
A popular disc jockey in the 1950s, coins the phrase "Rock and Roll" to describe the popular sound of music. -
Elvis Presley
Releases his first single, "That's All Right", introducing him to the world of "Rock and Roll". -
American Bandstand
The first airing of a show that goes on to kickstart many notable careers. -
Beatles
The British band performs on The Ed Sullivan Show, which introduces them to American audiences. -
James Brown
Releases "Say it Loud- I'm Black and I'm Proud", a song that challenges racial injustice to African Americans. -
Woodstock
The massive music festival in New York took place, creating 3 days of peace and "Rock and Roll". -
Concert for Bangladesh
A benefit concert put on by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, that brought 40,000 people to Madison Square Garden. -
"Saturday Night Fever"
Brings a lot of fame to the genre of "Disco" music, mostly popular in the 1970s. -
Sony Walkman
A new, more modern way of listening to music is introduced. -
MTV
Music Television launches, and creates an entire new way for music to be spread. -
"Thriller"
An album by Michael Jackson is released, becoming the best selling album of all time. -
Gangster Rap
A rap group named "N.W.A" releases "Straight Outta Compton", taking Gangsta Rap to a whole new level in the music industry. -
Lollapalooza
An annual musical festival, involving Rock and Roll music begins. -
First Website
A 36-year-old Swiss man created the first ever, basic website. -
Ropin' the Wind
An album by Country artist Garth Brooks, reaches No. 1 on the "Billboard 200" for Top Country Albums. -
Napster
An online music-sharing Internet service begins, leading to many legal difficulties due to Copyright issues. -
First iPod
Apple, an innovative electronic business, releases the first ever iPod- a brand new way of listening to music. -
American Idol
A TV singing competition that goes on to launch many notable careers, first airs.