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The 1950's - The Birth of Rock and Roll!
Rock & Roll music was born in the 1950's from a fusion of electric blues, country and gospel music. Confined to the Rhythm & Blues charts early in the decade, rock crosses over to the Pop charts from 1955 onward. Elvis Presley performs for his third time in three months on US prime time TV show Ed Sullivan. It would be his final appearance on the popular live variety program. (http://www.rockmusictimeline.com/) -
The 1960's - Expanding The Boundaries of Rock!
In the 60s, rock music comes of age and dominates the popular music charts. Rock diversifies with new styles such as soul, surf, folk rock, the British Invasion, psychedelic and hard rock. Television becomes a factor as prime time variety shows feature rock. The Rolling Stones appear on US TV show Ed Sullivan and are forced to change the lyrics to "Let's Spend The Night Together" to Let's Spend Some Time Together. (http://www.rockmusictimeline.com/) -
The 1970's - Rock Becomes Big Business!
The early 70s are marked by the deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison. Psychedelic music declines, but morphs into hard rock, progressive rock and heavy metal. Touring bands move from playing clubs and theaters, to playing sports arenas. Former Hawkwind member Lemmy Kilmister forms Motorhead and speeds up heavy metal on their self-titled debut album, produced by Dave Edmunds. (http://www.rockmusictimeline.com/) -
The 1980's - CD's, Synths, and the Rise of MTV!
MTV (Music Television) is launched on 300 cable TV systems in 1981. By 1983 MTV is available on 2,000 cable systems. The prevalence of music videos as a 24/7 marketing tool is influential in bringing numerous new bands and music styles to the mainstream. Michael Jackson releases the album Thriller #1 US & UK. Thriller goes on to become the best selling album of all time. Seven of the albums ten tracks were released as singles and all went Top Ten in the US. (http://www.rockmusictimeline.com/) -
The 1990's - The Internet and Digital Music!
The internet and sound compression allow for digital distribution of music both legally and through peer to peer file sharing, threatening the dominance of major record labels. Hip hop, alternative rock, and jam bands no longer play by record label rules. Tal Bachman, son of Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive member Randy Bachman, has a #14 US, #30 UK hit with the single "She's So High" from his debut album. (http://www.rockmusictimeline.com/) -
The 2000's- The Futuring of It All!
The futuring of rock and roll is being commensed. Rock is changing and being whatever people make of it. Canadian singer songwriter Avril Lavigne has her fifth US Top Ten hit and her first #1 (#2 UK) with her single "Girlfriend", co- produced by hit maker Dr. Luke. (http://www.rockmusictimeline.com/)
