Rock and roll
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Rock and roll (Rock music) is an American music genre started in the early 1950s. It evolved from rhythm and blues, blues music and country music.
Foundations of rock
Rock is characterized by a strong back-beat, simple repeated phrases, and electrically amplified instrumentation such as guitars.
Instrumentation
- Electric guitar
- Bass guitar
- Drum kit
- Keyboards
- Piano (sometimes)
Rock sub-genres
There are many genres of rock music, such as hard rock, soft rock, heavy metal, country rock, and many others.
Worldwide popularity
The popularity of rock music has spread worldwide. One place other than America where rock proved especially popular was Britain, home to The Beatles.
Some countries create their own version of rock, often adding lyrics of the singers' native country.
Early rock pioneers
- Chuck Berry
- Bo Diddley
- Little Richard
- Elvis Presley
- Roy Orbison
- Jerry Lee Lewis
- The Beach Boys
- The Beatles