l took off with Bill Haley’s song “Rock Around the Clock”. The American people loved it for it’s exciting, heavy beat and it’s hypnotic power over people causing them to dance. Rock was very popular among the younger crowds, especially with the teens. It related to the topics many young people were interested in. Rock musicians wrote songs about school, cars and young love. Many teens in the United States at this time loved it because they could relate to what the songs were saying, although some people believed it brought out the worst in people. Parents of the children often thought the style suggested ideas of rebellion and sin (Palmer, 1995). With the idea that rock was bad, it was in the begging struggle for popularity. On the other hand, it ended up gaining even more popularity. One person named Elvis Presley hit the music scene and ended up having a huge influence on rock. His radical dances and catchy tunes shocked and amazed everyone. Instantaneously, people were in love with his music, attitude and view on life. At the arrival of rock and musicians like Elvis Presley, the American people were starting to be changed forever (Peters, 1984). Currently, Rock ‘n’ Roll is now the most popular form of music in the United States, the 1960’s were very turbulent and the music was there the whole time supporting the protesting, outrages and violence. War in Vietnam, women’s rights, and Black rights were all big issues in the 60’s. The people had a new spirit at this time. They were very liberal and did not stay quiet. When they felt they had to speak their mind, they did. Rock music was one of the key element that gave the protesting Americans a way to speak out against the government and authority. It was the mass media through which people communicated and were influenced by. Almost every song in the 60’s had a message of protest, especially about Vietnam. Peace was on a...
