ass public market. Just as Elvis had ruled the music scene in the 50s, the Beatles became the music phenomenon of the 60s. These four "mop-haired" rock singers from England revolutionized the style and techniques of rock. Their influence over the young was tremendous, as they became one of the primary trendsetters of the 60s. The four singers: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, had become rock legends by 1967 (Hertsgard 19). For the first time since Elvis, music stirred the youth into a frenzy and caused mass hysteria. Anywhere the foursome went, they were followed by screaming mobs of young girls. The Beatles though were not the only group to draw large crowds of fans. The Rolling Stones, The Who and Alice Cooper also had their share of young following. Most parents of the time were unaware of the youth reaction to music. The ones who did know were shocked to see their sons and especially daughters so obsessed with the new music culture. The Church also became disturbed by the growing popularity of rock music. Rock music was viewed as an "instrument of the devil" that was leading Americas youth to a "sinful orgy of sex, drugs, and communism" (Ewen 653). Musicians such as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles were accused of being immoral and promoting communist beliefs. As the decade continued, problems between rock music and the Church grew. In 1965, Pope Paul VI censured teenagers Shakoor 8for admiring rock singers. He condemned the Beatles and pressured parliament to ban rock and roll (Ewen 672).Despite the religious pressures, rock music flourished in England, as did the music scene in the U.S. San Francisco immediately became the heart of it. Known as the "Liverpool of the West", San Francisco was bursting with rock activity in the 60s. Embedded in this citys rock scene were such groups as the Grateful Dead, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Byrds. The music of these groups began the ...
