I got the chance to ask my two best friends from high school the same question I posed here a couple of weeks ago: Who started rock and roll? Both friends are very talented and knowledgeable musicians — I can't think of anyone whose answers I would value more on this subject.
And thanks to the fascinating discussion here, I was able to preface my query with a caveat along the lines of, “obviously, it's impossible to say any ONE person started it, because it was a gradual evolution of jazz, blues, gospel, skiffle, etc...But let’s say you’re being forced at gunpoint to choose just one. Whom would you pick?"
Friend #1 said Bill Haley (of Bill Haley and His Comets), because his 1955 hit, Rock Around the Clock, kind of officially got the ball rolling on the trend. Even the word “Rock” is in the title of the song, which made it to #1 on the pop charts. It has a killer GUITAR solo, and the beat really makes you want to get up and dance.
So that’s a pretty solid answer.
Friend #2 said Chuck Berry, which is an equally good answer, IMO.
Berry’s first #1 hit, Maybellene, also from 1955, featured a rock-steady, get-up-and-dance beat, and his own shreddingly good guitar playing:
To me, Berry’s voice is a million times sexier than Haley’s, making his songs feel more like the complete Rock package. Haley’s singing style was a bit old-fashioned. For example, my mom remembers the song Rock Around the Clock, not as the beginning of rock, but as a tune she used to dance the Lindy to.
Berry and Haley are both awesome, and I am immensely grateful for their contributions to humanity. Don't be a jerk like me - don't force your friends to pick ONE inventor of rock.
While googling Bill Haley after talking to Friend #1, I came upon the story of Danny Cedrone, who wasn't even an official Comet, but was the amazing guitar soloist on Rock Around the Clock. That makes him one of the first guitar gods of rock and roll!
Cedrone died in a freak accident two months after recording with Haley on Rock Around the Clock, at age 33. It was only 10 days after recording with Haley on the hit track, Shake, Rattle and Roll. Dying young is also, unfortunately, all too often a component of making rock music.
Cedrone had his own band, The Esquire Boys, which recorded Rock-a-Beatin’ Boogie (note ‘rock’ is also in the title, and the song was written by Haley) all the way back in 1952. Definitely a rock song:
What about you?
What do you want to talk about today?
What: A Daily Kos meet up for DK members and interested parties
When: Saturday, May 19th, 2018 — Time: 12:00-? PM
Where: Highland Brewing, Asheville, NC
www.highlandbrewing.com
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200
Asheville, North Carolina 28803
828-299-3370
Directions via Google Maps
Why: Friends, tools and networking to win in November
Food: Food Trucks plus
Fun: Brewery Tour
RSVPS
1. randallt, organizer (kosmail him to connect)
2. Lamont Cranston
3. Joieau
4. Gordon20024
MAYBEES :
1. Otteray Scribe
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RSVPS
1. bleeding blue, organizer (kosmail him to connect)
2. rb137
3. Tbone Apollo
4. ptressel
5. SninkyPoo
6. FlamingoGrrl
7. Gemina13
8.
MAYBEES :
Kitsap River and Charles
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Netroots Nation 2018