Type of document Essay Number of pages/words 2 Pages Double Spaced
Subject area Art Academic Level Undergraduate
Style APA Number of sources/references 2
Order description: Rock n Roll and the Black Americans
Position Paper
There
has been an ongoing debate on the origin of Rock and roll and its true
benefactors. Rock and roll evolved in the height of racial segregation and the
civil unrest in the United States. As such, many pundits hold the view that
rock and roll was originally initiated by the blacks in late 1940s through the
1950s (Comfort, 2009). However, little credit is offered to the initiators
including Wyonnie Harris who recorded “Good Rocking Tonight” in 1947. Without
better exploration on the history of the black popular music, western and
country music, race relations, music business and technical developments it
remains easier to conclude, rock and roll emerged as a new genre in the music
industry. However, research studies indicate that, rock and roll developed out
of a natural result of various forces that combined and affected music (Linden,
2012). Thus, rock and roll development cannot be alluded to a particular race
but a universal aspect that led to its ultimate launch and impact in the world
of music.
The
argument that rock and roll unfairly robbed black artists of their music,
credit for their contribution, and their just due is invalid. Although African
music traits form the basis for the rock and roll, its fusion with the European
music strengthened its foundation in regard to its profound context (Linden,
2012). Therefore, rock and roll is a genre developed from musical interaction
between the black Americans popular music and a plantation of country and
western music (Comfort, 2009). Apparently, rock and roll evolved from blues,
rhythm and accent on the appeal and youth oriented lyrics. Thus, it
incorporated a variety of musical styles that also included country and gospel
music in addition to the western blues and African rhythm.
Helen Kolawole claim that Elvis and
by extension the other white rock an rollers of 1950s clouds the true picture
of rock ‘n’ roll at the expense of the black artists is not justifiable. Through
integration of various influences diverse artists including not only Elvis but
also other whites such as Stephen Foster, Scott Joplin contributed immensely to
the development of the rock ‘n’ roll genre. Although, Elvis Presley recorded
‘Good Rocking Tonight” in 1954, he did not steal the originality of the song
from Wyonnie Harris but gave it a new approach and music context (Comfort,
2009). His instrumentation electronic amplification, relatively simplified
phrase structure and heavily accented beat gave the music a new landing that
popularized the acceptance of the rock and roll music. Arguably, the whites
helped in the enhancing the inclusivity of the rock and roll genre through
borrowing and incorporating musical characteristics from other styles such as
opera (Linden, 2012). For instance, the Elvis “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was
heavily borrowed and remixed from “Plaisir d’ Amour” recorded by Paul Egide’s
in 1780.
Although race and American popular
music has been inseparable, claiming rock and roll is black music cannot be
clearly substantiated. However, the music characteristics owe recognition to
the African American musicians, singers and songwriters who contributed to the
development of the popular music. Nevertheless, rock and roll music genre is a
universal result that holds its development to various musical aspects that cut
across all races (Comfort, 2009). Western music including opera and blues also
contributed immensely to the evolution of ultimate rock ‘n’ roll music.
Imperatively, rock and roll genre, developed through a natural progression of
varying musical styles that incorporated fusion of different attitudes, songs
and dance moves (Linden, 2012). Therefore, arguing that rock and roll unfairly
robbed black artists of their music, contribution credit and justice is not
true. In addition, Elvis and other whites do not cloud the true picture of rock
‘n’ roll but helped in popularizing and exposing the music genre to ultimate
acceptance. As such, rock and roll cannot be referred to as a black music but a
fusion of different musical styles that heavily borrowed from varying genres.
References
Comfort, D.
(2009). The Rock & Roll Book of the Dead: The Fatal Journeys of Rock's
Seven Immortals. New York:
Citadel Press.
Linden, P.
(2012). Race, hegemony, and the birth of rock & roll. MEIEA Journal,
(1), 43.
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