1950s Rock 'n' Roll Origins: Sun Records, Blues Roots & Cultural Shift

The Birth of a Rebel Sound

The 1950s ignited the biggest cultural explosion of the 20th century: Rock and Roll. This new genre was a powerful, and often controversial, fusion of African American Rhythm and Blues with traditional Country music. Pioneered by figures like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, the music captured the energy of the youth, challenging the rigid conservatism of the post-war era.

Sam Phillips and Sun Records

The key laboratory for this musical alchemy was Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. Label founder Sam Phillips sought to cross the lines of race and genre, famously finding his ideal artist in Elvis Presley, who brought the raw energy of R&B to a mass audience. This period laid the foundation for every rock and pop genre that followed.

Don't Be Cruel

From the Payola scandals to the iconic guitar riffs, prove you know the history of the decade that shook the world. Let's roll!