For decades, rock music has had a major influence on the world's musical landscape and pop culture. From rock stars who sell out arenas around the globe to children who pick up their first guitar and drumsticks hoping to make music, millions of people love this genre. Rock music can be youthful and rebellious or heartfelt and emotional, creating something for everyone to enjoy.

As you take a journey through the history of rock music, you can see how the world shaped this genre and how it in turn became fuel for American culture. Keep reading to learn more about the evolution of rock music.

The History of Rock Music: What Defines Rock Music?

As a style of music, rock is known for big emotions. Since the beginning of rock history, artists have used this music to excite people, to make them want to dance, and to allow them to express deep emotions such as frustration and love.

To appreciate rock music, it's good to know what makes it special. Each genre of music has unique features that set it apart from other styles, and rock is no exception. There are a few key features to look for when deciding if a composition falls into the rock music category.

Fusion of Influences

Rock can trace its roots to the different musical influences that were emerging and growing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Musical styles such as blues, gospel, rockabilly, and boogie-woogie were gaining audiences in pockets around the country.

As people traveled and shared their musical ideas, new ways of making music started to develop. One of the results was rock music. It took the emotional emphasis that was present in gospel and blues and added rhythms from jazz to create a sound that was special and well-received.

Instruments Used

The history of rock music is also defined by its instrumentation. When most people think of rock 'n' roll, they instantly think of the guitar. Both electric and acoustic guitars have played a central role in rock music since the beginning. Perfecting a complicated or iconic guitar riff is still a major goal for many aspiring rock musicians.

Bass guitars also play a key role in rock music compositions. While they get less attention than the lead guitar often does, the bass guitar is necessary to add depth and texture to rock songs.

The drums are also central to rock 'n' roll music. Drummers are responsible for keeping the rhythm of the song in check, allowing the audience to keep up and enjoy the beat of the music. While some genres of music prefer individual drums, such as bongos, rock music tends to make use of drum kits that include snare drums, bass drums, cymbals, and more. Just like the guitar, the drum has inspired plenty of legendary drum solos.

Rhythms

Driving rhythms are a defining feature of rock music. This genre uses a strong and generally steady beat. Often, a 4/4 time signature is employed, making rock songs very groovy. It's often the drummer and the bass guitarist who keep this rhythm going through the entire song. These infectious rhythms are what make rock songs feel exciting and fun.

Energy

Rock is rebel music, so it has to have lots of energy. Since the beginning of rock music performances, rock artists have tried to energize and electrify audiences with high-octane performances. They compose exciting chords for classic rock anthems or make energetic beats that inspire people to dance. Either way, rock 'n' roll taps into the excitement of every listener.

Lyrics

There are some music genres that rely heavily on certain lyrical stylings. For instance, folk music counts on its lyrics to tell a story. In rock music, lyrics can have very diverse themes and very diverse formats. For many years, rock lyrics have told the story of rebellion and youthful ambition. Lyrics can also touch on subjects such as love, politics, life reflections, and more. More than anything, lyrics throughout the history of rock music have been about expressing emotions.

The Origin of Rock Music

We know that the growth of other musical genres birthed rock around the turn of the 20th century, but let's look deeper at the evolution of the rock music timeline that led us to today. Over the decades, there have been key moments that moved the music forward.

The Birth of Rock in the 40s & 50s

Rockabilly, blues, jazz, and folk music all started to evolve in the late 1800s. As they merged, they started to give birth to new genres of music. In the 1940s and 1950s, one of those new genres started to take a more defined shape and became rock music.

The influence of African-American music helped set rock apart. The vocal techniques of rhythm and blues music made their way into rock music, infusing the music with more emotional depth and interest.

The Transition from Gospel to Secular Themes

Thanks to its gospel inspiration, early rock-like music still maintained a religious tone. Bands like The Dominoes helped the genre pivot to more secular themes that would become the norm. Rock music would retain the call-and-response singing style of gospel, but it would continue to explore new topics away from the church.

The Influence of Radio DJs

When radio DJs started playing more and more music in the 1950s, the musical landscape of America changed forever. This shift also encapsulated rock music and pushed the genre into the mainstream. One of the most influential people during this time period was DJ Alan Freed of Cleveland, Ohio. He earned the title "The Father of Rock 'n' Roll" as he championed the new genre to people across the country. Radio stations in Nashville and Memphis also started promoting rock 'n' roll, helping it reach young audiences who are ready to embrace the new style of music.

The Icons Who Shaped Rock

As radio increased rock music exposure to the world, there were plenty of artists who were ready to make the most of their newfound exposure. These artists are icons of the genre, and many are credited with putting the music on the map. Elvis Presley is often referred to as the king of rock 'n' roll and is one of the most influential figures in the genre. He used his charismatic performances, distinctive voice, and controversial dance moves to excite audiences and endear them to rock music.

Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis are more pioneers who left an indelible mark on rock music. Their music was characterized by catchy melodies, memorable chord structures and that ever-present 4/4 beat.

Evolution of Rock Music in America

Once rock gained nationwide reach in the 1950s, it started to spread across the world and transform. Each decade brought new ideas and ways of writing songs, creating new styles of rock and sending the evolution of rock music in unexpected trajectories. With each new rock sub-genre, the tapestry of rock grew and became more diverse.

1960s: The British Invasion and the Birth of Icons

The 1960s marked a major shift in rock music as it melded with pop. American rock got an international flare with the "British Invasion" of U.K. bands that would forever change American culture. The Beatles had fans all around the world, including all over the United States. Their songs were instant hits and defined a special genre of rock. The Rolling Stones also came over with a British wave of rock groups, introducing fun and catchy melodies that Americans loved.

Meanwhile, other icons were coming to life in the 1960s. Rockstar guitarist Jimi Hendrix was pushing the limits of what could be done in music. Bands like Pink Floyd began using psychedelic concepts in their songs, reflecting the counterculture of the day. This was a time when rock began to test the limits of what could be done within the genre.

1970s: The Decade of Dichotomy

The 1970s was a critical time in the history of rock when we saw the music divided into two distinct branches: soft rock and hard rock. Bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple emerged with heavier, more aggressive sounds. This would become the foundation for heavy metal.

The United Kingdom kept shaping the American rock landscape as well. David Bowie and Queen gained huge U.S. followings with their pop-infused rock. So did bands such as The Clash. Each pushed the ideas of what rock music could be.

1980s: The Era of Diverse Sub-Genres

By the 1980s, you see the rock music genre fragmenting even more. Hard rock has spawned heavy metal, with dominating guitar riffs and belting vocals. Stadium rock is also developing, with songs designed almost like anthems and performed with over-the-top staging. Guns N' Roses and Def Leppard are among the bands who perfect this style, while also bringing rock music to the music video format.

Rock artists also experimented with a variety of musical elements in the 1980s. Songs began to incorporate elements of reggae and hip-hop. This fusion is evident in the work of artists such as The Police and Aerosmith. These experiments added more diversity to the world of rock.

Just as stadium rock was making the genre more glamorous in the 1980s, heavy metal was doing the opposite. Metallica and other heavy metal bands came into the mainstream with aggressive sounds and tough lyrics, giving rock fans yet another musical option.

1990s: The Grunge Revolution

The 1990s brought another seismic shift in rock music with the emergence of grunge. Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins brought a raw, introspective sound that resonated with a disillusioned generation. Anguished lyrics and gritty guitars distinguished the music, creating an entire subculture.

As American grunge grew, Britpop was emerging in the United Kingdom. It would eventually crossover into the American mainstream as well. Artists such as Blur and Oasis combined poetic lyrics with catchy melodies and driving guitar to infuse a new energy in rock music.

2000s to Present: The Diversification of Rock

By the year 2000, rock music had an unprecedented amount of sub-genres and styles for audiences to choose from. Hard rock and heavy metal were there for the purists, and alternative rock had found regular rotation on radio. However, even more styles of rock music were about to come to the forefront.

The turn of the century saw the dominance of pop-rock. Upbeat harmonies and catchy or quirky choruses are often featured in this era of rock. Blink-182, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance all engage audiences with this brand of fun and youthful rock music, producing radio-friendly hits that resonated with a broad audience.

Throughout the history of rock, there is always a balance to each sub-genre that is birthed. As pop-rock became popular, people started to revive garage rock and emo music styles that had been popular in the 80s. The excitement around the garage band sound was stoked by superstar bands, including The White Stripes and The Strokes. Emo music found a hold with younger audiences, with bands such as Dashboard Confessional and Fall Out Boy infusing rock with deeply emotional and confessional lyrics.

The Future of Rock Music

All of those stages of the evolution of rock music are just setting the stage for the next wave of innovation. By looking back on how the music has morphed and transformed again and again, new artists can find inspiration to create their own styles, leaving the future bursting with possibility.

Honoring the History of Rock Music

From humble beginnings as a meld of different influences in the American music landscape to being a distinct musical genre with dozens of offshoots, rock music has come a long way. Through years of exciting and inspiring audiences, rock music has provided each generation with a soundtrack of songs that express a distinct time and culture.

As we wait to see what emerges next in the history of rock, take the time to learn some of the songs we already have. Get rock sheet music at Musicnotes.

Sources:

https://www.rockhall.com/roots-of-rock
https://blog.audionetwork.com/the-edit/music/the-history-of-rock-music
https://www.britannica.com/art/rock-and-roll-early-style-of-rock-music
https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/alan-freed
https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/how-gospel-music-gave-birth-rock-and-soul