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Big Band And Rock And Roll Similarities

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Both Big Band music and Rock and Roll were two unique styles in the U.S., albeit they share several similarities. Big Band and Rock and Roll both originated from Blues, an African American style, in the U.S. in the 1900s. Blues grew in the 1920s, and as time progressed, instrumental additions emerged and branched off into Big Band. Duke Ellington, an African American pioneer in Big Band, helped clear the path for this new genre. Eventually, the old rhythms and tempos of blues were accelerated and musicians began to develop energetic dance styles as they performed, giving Big Band a new flavor. Many times fans of the Blues genre would attend dinners and ballrooms of Big Bands to listen to a new twist on an old favorite. Still today, Big Band …show more content…

It too grew out of Blues and African American origins. During the Great migration, waves of African Americans moved north in the U.S. with their Blues music. They continued to transform Blues into their own style, but their songs were often covered by whites to boost popularity. Because the whites’ covers didn't do the originals any justice, 1950s Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed credited African American versions on his “Moondog Show.” His African American following soon flourished into a multicultural audience, so he decided to give the music the title “Rock and Roll.” Like Big Band music, it was kicked off with the help of a particular African American musician; in this case, it was Chuck Berry. Rock, like Big Band, spread throughout the nation and impacted it to such an extent that the genre is still popular. It’s just as much a part of pop culture today as it was in the 50s and 60s. Earlier Rock songs are still covered by current musicians, heard in the stands or in the concert halls. Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney of The Beatles, David Bowie, and Elvis Presley are household names known by all ages. As singer Huey Lewis once said, “the heart of Rock and Roll is still …show more content…

Unlike Big Band’s adoration by all, Rock had a more narrow audience. Lower class teenagers dove into Rock and Roll and didn’t look back; parents and the upper class from the Swing Era scorned its wildness and dance styles. Big Band’s own Frank Sinatra even quoted that Rock was “the most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression” that had been his “misfortune to hear.” Because of such contrasting views between wealthy adults and less fortunate teens, Rock and Roll defined the age groups of the 50s and 60s. Teenagers loved the vocals, heavier bass, drums, and especially the new electric guitar. These instruments gave Rock its sharp, loud, and unconventional qualities. Music was played with an even, steady beat (not with swing notes), making it simpler to play. Because of its accessibility, it branched off into many derivative forms, including Rockabilly and Beach Boys-dominated Surf Rock. During the Rock and Roll Era, the U.S. was facing the Vietnam War. Although Rock played a significant role in war like Big Band, the two sat on opposite ends of the spectrum. While Big Band calmed people, Rock sparked rebellion. It prompted anti-war protests in its lyrics and music posters. Musicians outraged people who were sick of the war. John Lennon and Creedence Clearwater Revival wrote anti-war songs, while guitarist Jimi Hendrix distorted the national anthem in his own rendition at

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