roll music came of age in the sixties which was a period in the nations history when a young generation expressed their anguish and sense of alienation to the countrys social establishments by searching for new answers to the age-old questions concerning the meaning of life, the value of the individual, and the nature of truth and spirituality (Harris 306). Songs such as My Generation by the Who tapped into the youths struggle with the social norm of the time. Classic albums such as the Beatles White Album, the Whos Whos Next, and Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon capture what was important about the time because they were a result of that time and because they helped to produce it by reinforcing the younger generations feelings of alienation and separation. In the early sixties, folk musicians began to appear who were drawing upon a different tradition, namely Bob Dylan created songs with serious lyrics but without the rhythm, tempo and drive of Rock n Roll. Rock music was created when the serious lyrics of folk music were incorporated into the rhythm, beat, and tempo of rock and roll and then used as a vehicle for social commentary.One of the last acts of the Reagan administration was to embrace the aging, tattooed body of rock n roll (Star 39). All through the 1980s, conservative elements in Americas culture were embracing rock culture and making it their own. This took many forms such as the rise of Christian rock, the pilfering of Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen, and a very well-publicized Republican enthusiasm for Neil Young (Star 39). In the 80s, rock completed the transition from rebellion to being sanctioned by authority. The establishments embrace of rock gave rise to some interesting scenarios. For example, Willie Nelson got stoned admiring the view from the White House roof during his visit during the Carter administration. Nancy Reagan and Michael Jackson admired each others gloves during his visit to the White Ho...
