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The origin of rock n roll
Posted on 12/28/25 at 10:55 pm
Posted on 12/28/25 at 10:55 pm
Looking to dive into a musical exploration. New Orleans heavily influenced the music of the 20th and 21st centuries but doesn’t get its credit for the most part.
“Rock and Roll” catchphrase was popularized by some DJ in Cleveland and they are suddenly the capital city of RR. Doesn’t seem right. That style of music was already being played by a generation in New Orleans.
Does anyone have any recommendations for books that may shine some light on this subject?
“Rock and Roll” catchphrase was popularized by some DJ in Cleveland and they are suddenly the capital city of RR. Doesn’t seem right. That style of music was already being played by a generation in New Orleans.
Does anyone have any recommendations for books that may shine some light on this subject?
Posted on 1/1/26 at 4:31 pm to TurdAndChavis
“Some DJ” was Alan Freed who had The Moondog Show in Cleveland.
He never claimed to invent the name. He just started using it because he had heard it and he had an audience so it stuck.
Cleveland Rocks
Not sure of a book. But a great song.
He never claimed to invent the name. He just started using it because he had heard it and he had an audience so it stuck.
Cleveland Rocks
Not sure of a book. But a great song.
Posted on 1/2/26 at 4:21 pm to TurdAndChavis
This doesn't get at your question. More like a follow-up question or a subquestion you might have - but if you can find it there was a great 4 or 5 part documentary VH1 put out years and years ago called Heavy: The Story of Metal. It pretty much traces the history rock'n'roll right before Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin hit the scene all the way to about when the doc. was released (mid 2000s). So, it doesn't quite get at its direct origins. However, you have what you might call your early rock Gods episode, with a heavy focus on Led Zeppelin and Sabbat and earl shock rockers like Alice Cooper and KISS in episode 1, all the way to Marlyin Manson and Nu Metal - with everything in between (hair metal and have their own episodes I think). Anyway, they interview damn pretty much at least one member of every recognizable band over that time span.
ETA: Sorry - I didn't really answer your question nor did I recommend a book, but if you're interested in the history of the genre, that is a great documentary.

ETA: Sorry - I didn't really answer your question nor did I recommend a book, but if you're interested in the history of the genre, that is a great documentary.
This post was edited on 1/2/26 at 4:27 pm
Posted on 4/11/26 at 3:26 pm to TurdAndChavis
Sorry for the delayed reply
The History of Rock & Roll, Volume 1: 1920-1963 by Ed Ward
What Was the First Rock 'n' Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Prope
The essay "Rock Begins" by Robert Palmer (not the singer) gives a pithy rundown on the subject. I can't find it online. It is the opening chapter in The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll
I'd also recommend Country: The biggest music in America and Unsung Heroes of Rock and Roll, both by Nick Tosches

quote:Before Elvis: The Prehistory of Rock ‘n’ Roll by Larry Birnbaum
Does anyone have any recommendations for books that may shine some light on this subject?
The History of Rock & Roll, Volume 1: 1920-1963 by Ed Ward
What Was the First Rock 'n' Roll Record? by Jim Dawson and Steve Prope
The essay "Rock Begins" by Robert Palmer (not the singer) gives a pithy rundown on the subject. I can't find it online. It is the opening chapter in The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll
I'd also recommend Country: The biggest music in America and Unsung Heroes of Rock and Roll, both by Nick Tosches

Posted on 4/11/26 at 10:04 pm to TurdAndChavis
Legend has always been that the name "rock and roll" came from a Big Mama Thornton song but rabid contrarians might find earlier instances.
But if any one person invented rock and roll it was gospel singer and guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Her guitar was a huge influence on rockabilly and Chuck Berry in particular.
But if any one person invented rock and roll it was gospel singer and guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Her guitar was a huge influence on rockabilly and Chuck Berry in particular.
Posted on 4/12/26 at 2:58 pm to TurdAndChavis
Not what you asked for but I wanted to share this.


Posted on 4/13/26 at 11:01 pm to TurdAndChavis
There is some debate as to what was the first real rock and roll song.
Many say it was The Fat Man by Fats Domino.
Many say it was The Fat Man by Fats Domino.
Posted on 4/14/26 at 1:22 pm to TurdAndChavis
Not certain it answers the question or is the perfect book for this request, but you may enjoy this read. I found it pretty interesting on the evolution of the rock concert.
Rock Concert: An Oral History as Told by the Artists, Backstage Insiders, and Fans Who Were There

Rock Concert: An Oral History as Told by the Artists, Backstage Insiders, and Fans Who Were There

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