This short essay follows the birth, progress and developments that have
transformed, altered and shaped Rock 'n' Roll music through five decades. I originally compiled the
essay in 1997 followed by a few minor updates and corrections since then. You may notice that as
the time period under discussion advances toward the end, my writing style changes from one of
documentation to one that's more of observation and opinion.
Fifties The birth of Rock 'n' Roll. The early stars. The racial and generational tensions.
The reaction of the corporate music establishment.
Sixties The British Invasion. Psychedelic culture and stereo sound take Rock' n' Roll to
the next level.
Seventies Hyphenated rock. The "disco" threat and the resulting New Wave culture. Rock' n'
Roll comes of age.
Eighties Onward CD's, video and mammoth concert tours. Rock as big business. A younger generation
moves in.
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