History of Rock & Roll - The 1950s

[@JTCurtisMusic]

I get a lot of comments about Elvis Presley, so I want to address a few things here: I like Elvis. I still consider "Jailhouse Rock" to be one of the greatest rock songs of all time. I think Elvis' place in Rock & Roll history is justified. What's not justified is ignoring all those who came before him: Arthur Crudup, Big Mama Thornton, Fats Domino. Even Elvis himself would have found offense with that: "A lot of people seem to think I started this business, but rock ’n’ roll was here a long time before I came along. Nobody can sing that music like colored people. Let’s face it: I can’t sing it like Fats Domino can. I know that.” - Jet magazine, 1957 This is one of the reasons I wanted to do this documentary in the first place, to tell the ENTIRE story of rock and roll's origins, not just what we've all grown up believing. I wanted to dive into the early roots of rock and roll, before Elvis, before Little Richard even. And it was more difficult than I thought. Even now, I get comments about why Sister Rosetta Tharpe's early influence wasn't discussed, and they have a good point. I talked about Otis Blackwell, writer of such hits as "Don't Be Cruel" and "All Shook Up" (which he wrote almost entirely on his own and demoed for Elvis to copy). What I didn't mention in the doc, mostly for time restrictions, was that my mother, Becky Curtis, sang backups with Otis Blackwell (while she was pregnant with me) and relayed many of Otis' stories to me. We can love Elvis and still learn of the wrongdoings surrounding him, which weren't even really all his fault (Colonel Tom Parker can be blamed for A LOT of that). There's plenty about Elvis that we didn't get into in the video for time constrictions (and let's be honest, we gave him the most attention). Regardless, let's stop repeating this narrative that before Elvis, there was "Nothing." I get that there is a lot of division and polarizing feelings in the country, in the world, today, but I'm not having it in this comments section. We can have discussions, we can agree to disagree, but check your prejudices at the door. Also, if you truly feel my commentary is wrong, which is your prerogative, I highly encourage you to produce your own video where you can add to the discussion about Rock & Roll.

[@inclair8610]

Well stated.........no one is knocking Elvis; for the most part a lot of Black American Artists love him because he solidify that their music.. aka Devil Music, Race music during that period and actually allowed other Whites to some degree to accept it..... The rally cry from the voiceless is that we are saying correct.....it didn't start with Buddy or Elvis.... Where for the most part they were imitating the Black American artists such as Ike Turner; Chuck Berry; etc. It is disingenuous for others here ...clearly not you; you clearly try to give us a proper timeline but others in the comment section simply refuse to acknowledge the facts of who the founders were....the Black Americans..... Again; who is a music lover and don't like Elvis singing Jailhouse Rock ? Music should be color blind....! But let's give the proper credit to founders!

[@JTCurtisMusic]

@@inclair8610 Well said too! And like I said, it's a disrespect to Elvis himself who clearly gave props to those that came before him. Maybe in later years, he lost his way, but for sure in 1957, he was on top of his game.

[@kevinw8688]

I do respect Elvis and have said as much in this forum. He was a great singer and an even greater entertainer. He did influence many artists. But I stand by my stance that NO SONGS no rock music, period. You don't write it you don't get the same credit. Just my view. I still put great value in writing the music and your highlighting the trailblazers like Otis Blackwell and many others is very welcome. Another critique I have of Elvis rarely offered to submit he is no king of rock in roll is the early 1960s. As it's well documented the early 60s was the result of the pioneering rockers falling away for various issues, all the trouble with Chuck B, Lewis, Little Richard becoming a preacher, Elvis into the army and of course the tragic plane crash that took 3 musical stars, including Buddy. If you look at rock n roll's time line, almost immediately after that plane crash there was virtually no good rock music for several years. 1957 and 1958 rocked. 1959 not so much. That lead to the early 60s rock in roll being awash in house broken, watered down teen idol pop. People like Fabian were ruling the scene. Now if I was "the King" of rock and I came back from the army and saw what had happened to "my court" , I'd have rectified that situation pronto. Rock the world!!! Bring it back. What did Elvis do? Nothing, unless you count bad movies as something. He could have given rock n roll a jolt in the early 60s, but chose not to. I hold him no ill will for that, it's what he wanted to do, but this underscores my point that there is absolutely NO KING of rock n roll, it's not Elvis, it's not anyone. It was a bunch of artists and a bunch of unknown (until recently) song writers who set the stage.

[@El_Pimpin_Shizz]

Your right curtis and as someone who has just started your series im excoted to see whats next since you offer everything in an entertaining and factual manner. Elvis was a product of what african americans had produced but wasnt one of them and that was the problem. He was someone who respected them and learned from them but the praise he garnered and the legendary status he learned should have gone to those like fats and berry since he was using a style of their music they didnt get much attention and praise for. And by doing that he sadly inspired another generation of artist to think its acceptable in the 60s. Elvis wasnt a bad man but he had wrong doings like you say, a common misconception i wish you mentioned was he wasnt a racist but it was a newspaper lying and fabricating to sell by coming up with the whole "Negroes only need to shine my shoes and buy my records" debacle. When he infact had black back up singers who were women with one of them even defending him by saying when they would call him "Boss" he would deny that label by saying "Im not your boss ladies, Im your brother." Other than that I think you did everything great and like with so many people especially john lennon fans me being a big one myself is that they could have been and were good people but still had and committed faults in their life that you cant deny and need to remember past the status of legendary is only a person like you and me. Thanks for the series, hope on finishing it tonight.

[@malaquiasalfaro81]

You summed it up well when you said it’s simply not true to say that “before Elvis, there was nothing.”

[@billscheskie8889]

Listening to all that old music makes you feel young again when you're 80 years old

[@joshcaldicott]

We watched this in music class.

[@Tessahayashida]

Same🙄🔪

[@_analog]

Same

[@williamlangan5902]

How dare he steal your goldfish!

[@williamlangan5902]

Hey, I like the Beaver! Even rock fans like the Beav!

[@MemerMagnet]

same mee to! :(

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

R.I.P. Little Richard. What an icon. 🎹

[@tombrody9208]

Regarding the above comment about Little Richard, while watching the excellent video by J.T. Curtis, I decided to look up Little Richard's bio on Wiki. After glancing at it for a few seconds, I learned that Tutti Frutti had recently taken the ultimate journey . . . and I started weeping quietly. During the late 1960's, I was in a rock'n'roll band. Although we did not perform any songs by Little Richard, our repertoire was 70 songs, including songs by Chuck Berry (I played lead guitar), Paul Revere & The Raiders, Rolling Stones, The Byrds (I had an electric twelve string as well as a Fender Strat), Jefferson Airplane (we had a girl singer), Them, and The Yardbirds.

[@AlexHernandez-vx9kx]

My great grandma was a fan of Elvis And she still is

[@lastprod]

So I'm a Gen-Xer. Just turned 50. I have been in love with rhythm and blues, jump blues, rockabilly, 50s rock and roll, and swing music for many years. I was a swing dancer during the 90s swing craze, programmed and hosted a radio show in San Diego for a few years dedicated to the music, was totally immersed in it for a long time. Though I truly love at least a little bit of pretty much every type of music, these genres are still my favorites above all else. I like to think I know my stuff in this particular area better than the average music lover. I put on your video expecting to be disappointed. Then you introduced me to Otis Blackwell. Even though I already had Let the Daddy Hold You on one of my playlists and loved it, I didn't know who Blackwell REALLY was - and I'm definitely an Elvis fan!! That **I** managed to miss this musical giant clearly illustrates to me how criminally underappreciated Blackwell's contributions to American music are. I've since gone down the rabbit hole, learned so much, and discovered a whole bunch of FANTASTIC Otis Blackwell songs, thanks to you!! And now I've watched the 60s and I'm diving into your other History of Rock videos, knowing I'll learn about all sorts of musical history I have no idea about! I've even warmed up to the silly comedy - and I'm touched by your Dad's participation as the hippie. I'm so happy you got to do that with him! I'm sold. I'm a fan and a subscriber. Thank you, JT Curtis and friends.

[@rocknrollronrrr6113]

I MET LITTLE RICHARD IN BEVERLY HILL’S ONE TIME ON HIS BIRTHDAY.IM GLAD THAT I HAD THE CHANCE TO TELL HIM THANK YOU FOR YOUR MUSIC.HE GAVE ME THE BIGGEST SMILE EVER! I’LL NEVER FORGET IT! RIP RICHARD! 🙏

[@donrobinson8816]

I am 77 years old and I am proud to say that I witnessed the birth of Rock’n’Roll. I have many favorites, but my number one fave was, is, and will always be Buddy Holly.

[@justinianthegreatandnerd6377]

Nice

[@leslietuchman9088]

Great to be 77. Best time of my life was when R&R came into the world!!!!

[@donrobinson8816]

@@leslietuchman9088 Yes, I agree.

[@montmorencyclutch-ryder1685]

@@leslietuchman9088 Saved our SANITY!!

[@inclair8610]

In all due respect funny......you want to praise Buddy Holly as your favorite without acknowledging the contributions from the founders .. ..the Black Americans that it was stolen from and made marginalize as devil music; etc... but I hear you! It's your favorite!

[@Jim4979]

Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran still rock today. I seen both of them rock live in 1950's! Rock & Roll will never die!😊

[@matrox]

Buddy Holly never appealed to me.

[@ebrucan7161]

​@@matroxthats because your music taste sucks

[@hawkeyes2814]

Thank you for telling the truth on the orgins of rock n roll. My friends used to argue with me when I said it was created in the African American community. A lot of our history isnt told and people are either shocked or don't believe what we have created

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Definitely credit to my mother who sang backups with Otis Blackwell and retold me many stories about Blackwell being the writer of Elvis' biggest hits.

[@hawkeyes2814]

@@JTCurtisMusic wow! thats crazy

[@ronnievowell3591]

The 50s has had a huge influence on me musically and Buddy Holly is my favorite of that era. In fact he still is.

[@maccoy5620]

Jailhouse Rock is my favorite sing ever!!

[@thevictrolaking]

very strange you released this the day Little Richard Passed Away. May your music live on.

[@therealrodthepro]

Artist-wise, I would definitely say Chuck Berry was my 50s guy: the overall live performance, the guitar intro and solos, he had it all.

[@judeolney2944]

This is a FANTASTIC video. Long live Little Richard. It sucks the original got taken down -- it had like 100k views I think!!! Nice work JT Curtis and thank you for this comprehensive and passionate look at the history of rock.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

120k actually. It is still technically up (abeit corrupted thanks to KZbin) but I'm guiding everyone to this version.

[@judeolney2944]

@@JTCurtisMusic fair point. Damn! It's such an awesome series with a ton of care and work put into it. You deserve the recognition!

[@6eemerrich]

I find it fascinating that from "Rock Around the Clock" in '54 to '63 when "Please, Please Me" by the Beatles hit the USA charts, it was 9 short years. All of that music we were making here went over to the UK. They absorbed it, nurtured it, cooked it up, and sent it back. 9 years. Bill Haley, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Eddie Cochran, Beach Boys, and on and on, so many more. Heck, I've got underwear older than 9 years.

[@Warnerchild]

Rip Little Richard

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Same He was GOAT of 50's Rock.

[@ElizabethSanchez-oo9nm]

I never realized how much rock around the clock sounds like part of move it on over. I just saw a biography of Hank Williams that talks about how he learned how to play guitar from an old black man who he work with for a few years.

[@tikamajere316]

My grandma would play her albums for me and one of my first favorite artists was Buddy Holly. Roy Orbison was pretty up there for me too. I am so proud that I had such a good ear at such a young age.

[@nrjdohhg5]

Sister Rosetta Tharpe started to play in the 1930's but got a little recognition three decades after that, and then of course she was forgotten for being a woman and a black person in a world of pure prejudice. Her performance of "Didn't It Rain?" where she sings and plays the guitar beautifully is just incredible!

[@highendservicesbarrieont8347]

This train.....he guitar work was begginnings....

[@2011littlejohn1]

You forgot Sister Roseta Sharp she was playing guitar like Chuck Berry - before he did.

[@papercup2517]

I believe it's Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and absolutely agree - she was incredible, surely one of, if not THE forerunner of rock & roll guitar player/singers, and a pioneer of women in rock, perhaps still unmatched today...

[@johngore7744]

@@papercup2517 Didn’t it Rain

[@dumbgeniusesfilmpodcast8879]

Bada$$ screenshol

[@stephanesaulnier6004]

Entièrement d'accord.

[@2011littlejohn1]

@@stephanesaulnier6004 Bon. (We have a French girl in our Czech rock band). :)

[@Swagner_Soar]

The quality of these videos is just next level honestly. Love them and rock history!

[@CP6016]

In the 1950s I had the opportunity to attend a live concert on Steel Pier in Atlantic City featuring Bill Haley and the Comets. They were awesome in a live setting. On records the producers edit out much of the sound in the mid-range. Live, Bill Haley's Gibson Super 400 guitar filled in the rhythm that is missing on the records. The drums were also much more prominent live. They looked like they were having a ball; dancing around and filling the stage with funny moves, while never missing a note.

[@rharris51]

Instrumentals such as Rebel Rouser by Duane Eddy, Rumble by Link Wray, and Tequila by The Champs to name a few were a significant part of the rock story in the 1950s.

[@lrfcarreviews2570]

True, Link Wray’s Rumble was different. At the time Chuck Berry’s guitar riffs were the most famous but “Rumble” influenced surf rock and even could be considered early heavy metal.

[@geoffoconnor3487]

​@@lrfcarreviews2570 Rumble has absolutely no resemblance to heavy metal. I agree with Bob Dylan that it is the greatest rock instrumental of all time. I saw Link Wray in the 1980s. He shredded many guitar picks and his fingers were bleeding during his performance. He and Duane Eddy were my inspirations at age 10 to become a rock guitarist. (I could never hope to play flamenco like Sabicas.)

[@HeavyMetalBluegrass]

It's sweetly ironic that Pat Boone's cover of Tutti Frutti charted higher than Little Richards version yet 60 years later everyone has heard Little Richard's version while Boone's pretty much disappeared from history.

[@4walls559]

I was alive then and I developed a relentless dark hatred for Boone. I called him the dickless wonder. He'd wait for LR or Fats or Chuck to put out a hit record and 2 weeks later put out the "white version." Pat Boone is to music what a bowl of cold vomit is to breakfast.

[@haskeymorrison]

Still good tho

[@billleyland128]

I was born in 1942 in England, lived a life where the surrounding fields were green and the woods were in abundance, mystical places full of Errol Flynn adventures and undiscovered secrets, a lovely happy childhood followed by an even happier introduction when aged around 14 to the world of semi-adulthood, going to the local fun fair, seeing the boxing booths featuring hard men prepared to take on all-comers, then, going from there to the roundabouts to hear Jerry Lee Lewis cajoling young girls to enter the Tunnel of Love and risk it with adolescent novices such as myself. I loved it, and the memories keep on flooding back. But, in the intervening years I have seen Jerry Lee live, seen Chuck Berry live, visited Graceland and Sun and will take these memories with me to the grave.

[@jackhowland3737]

Eloquent

[@tedwilliams7887]

I too grew up in the 40s and was surrounded by three huge fields--loaded with snakes. One was a pot field. Every summer the city would burn the field and we'd be sitting on a cliff enjoying the smell of which we didn't have a clue at seven. But Bill what has this to do with Rock & Roll and Errol-semi-gay-Flynn??

[@billleyland128]

@@tedwilliams7887 Only that it was an era of innocence when boys became clones of their fathers and girls knew their places, all that nonsense being swept away in the Tsunami that was rock 'n' roll. I was trying to recreate how it was and how it became. As for Flynn, you have obviously read David Brett, the most dishonest, sensationalistic, idiotic writer ever to put his untruthful fingers on a keyboard, I suggest you first read 'My Wicked Wicked Ways' Flynn's autobiography, then 'Errol Flynn, a Memoir' by Earl Conrad, Flynn's ghost-writer followed by any account of the life of Flynn by Tony Thomas, John Hammond-Moore, I could go on forever. But, as an aside, I have today been planning my non-Christian funeral music, what do you think about this sequence: entering the crematorium the mourners will hear Jerry Lee singing 'Over the Rainbow' after the eulogies they will hear 'the man' singing 'If I can Dream' as they are leaving and just prior to me sliding into the flames they would hear Charles Anderson Edward Berry singing 'Promised Land,' Wadddya think???

[@joe6096]

15:36 - considering that Johnny Cash is in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame, I don't think anyone ever doubted his significant contributions to rock. He's a legend in both genres.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Yeah but I don't think highly of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. No argument about him being a legend though.

[@joe6096]

@@JTCurtisMusic Oh I definitely agree with you on the Rock Hall. I'm from Cleveland. My Mom remembers Alan Freed on the radio here, and I work not far from where the original Cleveland Arena was that he hosted the first Rock n roll Moondog Concert. We're proud to have the hall here, but everyone who knows music knows it's a joke when you have certain "artists" who have nothing to do with rock inducted, while there still remains many contributors who are still left out.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

@@joe6096 Well said!

[@tymiklic6463]

oh yeah...straight A's in love anyone...total 'billy classic!!!

[@jerrybrownell3633]

Johnny Cash is the only artist in The Country Music Hall of Fame/ The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame/ The Rockabilly Hall of Fame and The Song Writer Hall of Fame.

[@rosiomiranda4978]

R.I.P Little Richard 🕊

[@vancouverterry9142]

Ohhhhhhhhh what memories. I'm 72 and was raised on music because I come from a musical family so I remember pretty well all of this old rock'n'roll and jump blues from the fifties and sixties. I would have added Louis Prima to this line-up, though. I remember seeing Bill Haley and The Comets do Rock Around The Clock in the early 60's. The bass player could play his stand-up bass while stepping up on it like stepping up onto the first step of a ladder, however it wasn't supported against a wall, it was just tipped in the air, with him holding on to it and leaning back just right to keep it balanced in the air while he played, much like a kid might balance a bunkbed ladder and climb a step up without the ladder being supported by a wall. He did all sorts of things with it, twirling it in the air, lying down with it, and so on -- they really had a show. I'd say it was music and dance that integrated America.

[@matrox]

I was born during this era in the late 50s. The late 50s and 60s a great time to be a kid. Great music from all genres and bad ass cars. The 50s-70s the best collection of music in world history. FACT!

[@MandyLeeRain]

Really enjoyed this, being reminded of our musical roots and the rise of so many great artists creating masterpieces

[@jordanraney3681]

People thought Elvis's dance moves were inappropriate, look at the dances people are doing nowadays.

[@videosguimonteiro]

He started everything....Before Elvis there was nothing.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

@@videosguimonteiro I think Mozart would have something to say about that...

[@Rock4UNow]

@@JTCurtisMusic True but that was for a different time and sound that lead to the evolution, Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Rockabilly then Rock & Roll.

[@jameswebb8273]

Yes, but that's just the point.

[@seppokangas1488]

@@JTCurtisMusic Twerking?

[@lwv6966]

"Mystery train" with Scotty on his Gibson 295 and "echosonic" amp is a landmark!

[@joseywales1869]

I just adore the melting pot of all the different combinations and fusions of different music that became what people think of Rock and Roll today…..just soothes the soul………never sounds old, will never die!

[@brunob.vallelunga1115]

Elvis refused to release his version of Blue Suede Shoes while Carl Perkins' song was climbing up the charts because he respected Carl Perkins. Now that's class!

[@darrowcelaya4310]

And Carl had nothing but great things i say about Elvis. He said Elvis had the whole package.

[@MariaB-hi4gr]

I'm here from a History of Rock & Roll class. You've presented such awesome historical footage and commentary! Who knew I'd choose rockabilly while doing my chores?

[@MarkRogersVOCFB]

Elvis GOAT. I have tons of respect and enjoy music from most of the pioneers, but no one touches EP.

[@shoknifeman2mikado135]

My fave of the 50s is my all-time fave singer, Tex-Mex Rockabilly star, BUDDY HOLLY! (The MOST influential white rocker, of all time) PS the greatest rock anthem is Rock around the Clock, followed by the Crickets song, "I fought the Law", the first single recorded by the Crickets, after Buddy's death! (Recorded in the spring of 1959 and released a year later)

[@janicee.winters7252]

I was a teenager in the 50's and loved Rock and Roll. I must have been a lucky teen because my parents loved it too. I couldn't begin to pick my favorite. I still sing with a group, "Just for Fun". It is a group of old timers that love to sing. Loved listening to you talk and play the old songs.

[@PenelopeStoneVT]

The first version of this episode got me into rock music from this era. Little Richard became my favorite from the 50s era. I was legit sad to hear of his passing and listened to some of my favorite tracks. Of course, I knew who many of these artists were before your episode. However, I want to thank you for giving me a better appreciation of them. RIP Little Richard, you god damn legend!

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Glad to hear. That's why I started this series in the first place. And yes Little Richard will forever be known as the architect of rock and roll.

[@coldstar5352]

If you like Little Richard then check out Esquerita.

[@salesdasprampas3478]

Great Little Richard

[@robertbarrett6267]

From an 85 y/o white boy who was a teenager in the '50's who LOVED rockabilly , blues, and r&r this was THE BEST r&r history story I've ever seen. Thank you thank you. Brought back SO many memories - all good!!!!!!!

[@khichfy]

Elvis forever.

[@robinvanduikeren4099]

Rock & Roll legends NEVER dies ! Long live Rock & Roll !

[@SihaamCabdiraxiin]

Long live chuck berry and little Richard

[@bigmansedan9077]

Duane Eddy's work was golden, the instrumentals that he will put out was made which such quality. The deep tone guitar he would play, the exciting saxophone and horn instruments that would be put in the mix with sometimes or without the involvement of those orchestra sounding instruments is just: *French kiss* I'd highly recommend to listen to his song 'There young', I think this song highlights what I really like from his work.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

I dunno if I'd really consider Duane Eddy rock and roll. Maybe "Rebel-Rouser" comes closest, having that Cash feel with some R&B elements mixed in. I love "Peter Gunn", but that's more Henry Mancini. Also "Because They're Young" came out in 1960. Nice tune though.

[@dontjivewitha5559]

@@JTCurtisMusic Duane Eddy is definitely rock and roll , listen to Movin 'N' groovin.. 🎶

[@bobwallace1880]

I am 77 years old. I am a Texan, lived in Central Texas and saw all of the great ones. Buddy Holly and the great Jerry Lee Lewis. Still listen to them. Good post JT.

[@papercup2517]

Another fantastic documentary - great picks of songs and artists to represent the major developments, really well-presented in an original and fun way. I'm shocked at the small number of views and likes, it certainly deserves more. Re what goes in and what gets left out, I guess people are always going to have favourites that don't make the cut, and I have to add one, since you asked: no history of Rock & Roll is complete without mention of the great Sister Rosetta Tharpe! Do check her out is you're not familiar with her work - you won't be disappointed. Maybe she could be included in a future documentary on women in Rock... of which she would surely be Queen... :-)

[@pamgrimm8850]

This is GREAT! Enjoyed your humour among the history. So glad I was able to see so many of these R&R pioneers in person, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Ray Charles, but don’t have a clue what I was thinking when I failed to go see Elvis. I’m definitely sharing it with others who also might have missed it. Great job!

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Thank you Pam!

[@robertholmquist7224]

And then there was an entire subset of rock known as DoWop and the girl groups-- the Supremes comes to mind and the Chifons.

[@Swagner_Soar]

I first saw this series on Rock & Roll history about a year ago and it has stayed on my mind since then. Just such a good retelling of the history of music I am passionate about!

[@aleksbtv]

my top 5 rock n roll fifties artists: 1.elvis 2.little richard 3.chuck berry 4.bo diddley 5.jerry lee

[@mahmoudhocini6996]

Elvis Presley , Chuck Berry , Little Richard , Budy Holly , Eddie Cochran , Jerry Lee Lewis , Fats Domino ,Gène Vincent ,Cliff Richard are the stars of Rock n Roll Music .

[@Don_Salieri1899]

@@mahmoudhocini6996 dont forget bill haley

[@Fritha71]

I was rockin' to Jailhouse Rock thirty years after that iconic performance by The King himself, in 1987! Now when I hear it I feel like fifteen years old all over again, ah... And yes, the first time I heard Johnny Be Good WAS in my all-time-favorite movie, Back To The Future, while I sitting in a movie theater in December 1985 ( which is when it was shown here in Finland, six months after it had been released in The US.) So many great memories of 50s rock and roll even for me, an 80s teen 👍

[@khichfy]

Elvis forever.

[@seanmagee5669]

Excellent! RnR will never die. "it's in the soul of everyone"

[@absolutelynoone5287]

i’ve FINALLY found a series of long vids explaining the history of rock omg i can’t wait to dive into this

[@cynicalindividual]

In Memory of Little Richard who died today

[@tedwilliams7887]

Without Little Richard, the 50s would have never happened. It would look like the Dust Bowl Era.

[@khichfy]

@@tedwilliams7887whitout Elvis Presley The 50s have never hapenned

[@typicalfurry2747]

​@@khichfy Elvis's first album was released in 1956 though

[@angelicthecaretaker777]

@@khichfy wrong

[@nate_djv]

Awesome video footage and humor, love it!👍🏽💯❤️ So many original song writers died or took a beat seat to make another artist famous.

[@hawkeyes2814]

Speaking of Ike, Tina Turner was amazing back then with her rock hits. That woman was so beautiful and her voice was amazing, I think she was 15 or 16 when she did her first song live

[@jjsteel43]

Thank you for this video. I love the earlier day music and love learning more and more about the earlier music

[@kevinlittrell3407]

I feel like what is most significant about Rock Around the Clock is that it inspired David Gilmour to play guitar.

[@ajsmith5295]

8 interview with David Gilmour in mojo magazine where he mentioned that Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley inspired him

[@dennismaloney5059]

Great show. At 80 years old, I grew up hearing all of those tunes. I also spent many hours watching Alan Freed's r n r shows in NYC.

[@catdaddy3302]

Robert Johnson’s “32-20”, 1937 was the first imho. 🤠🤠 Or his, “Traveling Riverside Blues.”

[@thomasstankard3318]

These were all the artists I grew up with in the 50's and loved them. Great show.

[@jbrainar]

This is really great JT Curtis. Thank you for this fun and condensed resource to use with students!

[@seanfaherty]

this is a good primer for the young folks. still missed too many greats to talk about the commercial successes. still, you did what you could with the time allotted . well done

[@andy654shaz]

Love you video as a long time rock n roll rockabilly fan I couldn’t begin to explain the music you just have to feel it

[@earlewhitcher970]

"Rock 'n Roll" the music your parents hated - ok - maybe - but my Grandmother LOVED it! She lived from 1897 to 1981 and she was cool before we knew what "cool" was. Thanks, Gram.

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

And Little Richard has only just passed away! If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have had Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, among others. So he naturally warrants our respect

[@angeloestrella365]

Yes and buddy holly too

[@slicksnewonenow]

If it weren't for Lil Richard , we wouldn't have had Esquirita or Elton John, either...😁

[@cooldaddy2877]

The Beatles were more influenced by Elvis and Chuck.

[@slicksnewonenow]

@@cooldaddy2877 AND Carl Perkins!

[@cooldaddy2877]

@@slicksnewonenow True.

[@DoowopJohnnyBoy]

2 songs that were also rock n’ roll firsts to chart in the top 20 and top 10 in the early 50’s these Doowop classics ‘Gee by The Crows #14 - 1953/54’ and ‘Sh-Boom by the Chords #8 1954’ have yet again been sadly overlooked for their influence on the upcoming vocal group RnR of the 1950’s and early 60’s decades??? They seriously need highlighting in these history of rock n’ roll documentaries.

[@michelleobrien8036]

And they also overlooked Dion from the late 50s with his Runaround Sue and Run Away. And the Big bopper with Chantilly Lace that was taken over by Jerry Lee Lewis when the Big Bopper died.

[@budwebster1031]

Dean Barlow and the ( Crickets ) way before Buddy..The Werns Sonny Till.I can go on and on

[@lrfcarreviews2570]

Awesome video, loved it! Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Little Richard were just legendary. It’s impossible to say what rock & roll would be without those four.

[@martiglesias60]

And J L Lewis!

[@lrfcarreviews2570]

@@martiglesias60 I think you made a typo. There is no early R&R artist named JL Lewis. You probably meant Louis Jordan.

[@n2tens24]

No, he meant Jerry Lee Lewis.

[@lrfcarreviews2570]

@@n2tens24 OMG I’m so dumb! Obviously Jerry Lee Lewis was a rock and roll star, and Johnny Cash.

[@josiea.3855]

Screamin' Jay Hawkins is another one!!

[@ringokidd387]

Very proud of our shared heritage and history of Rock and Roll and ALL styles of Music everyone contributes Greatly and some of us still are..... but let's not forget the Great contributions of Hank Williams Sr! Hank has written and performed some of the greatest gospel music country music blues and Rock pop tunes of his time had he lived beyond 29 years old and a little bit further into the 50s he would have contributed much more greatly we lost a lot when we lost Hank Williams

[@kevinw8688]

Fantastic, simply fantastic. In 34 minutes you are able to hit every key point of 50s rock. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen this video but my first comment. I can’t compliment you enough on this series.

[@gpericak1]

I P no pro B m

[@Schnitzeldawg]

He missed the sub genre of rock called Doo Wop

[@kevinw8688]

@@Schnitzeldawg I have no problem at all with Doo Wop, and I think debates do exist as to if it's really a "part" of Rock N Roll. He wasn't going to spend much time on Doo Wop. Rock N Roll foundation is blues, instrumentation and energy. Doo Wop required no musical instruments, the backing singers would do the percussive elements of the song. That said I do think the brilliant harmonies of doo wop singers could have had an impact on rock n roll. I mean when you talk about harmonies, few did it better than the Beatles, Everly Brothers, the Byrds, etc. To that end, I do agree a mention of doo wop could have been included.

[@MrTea7]

I don't know who is saying "before there was Elvis there was nothing". Hank Williams Jr. has always said up front that what made his dad special was how he blended the pure roots country that really does come from the Carter family (and others who didn't even get recorded) with the guitar licks his African--American friend taught him. Rockabilly is like the perfect blend of black and white, like the keys on the piano. The black keys are where the blues lives, and those "twang" notes on the guitar frets between the "do re mi" notes where the dots are is where the magic comes from. Nothing else like it in the world.

[@Sorrydontmakethenoodles]

Thank you so much for this! Starting from the roots this is helping give context for my love of music!!!!

[@earlewhitcher970]

I am pleased to see some coverage of Chuck Berry, I have always felt that he has not been given the credit he so deserved for his influence on Rock 'n Roll. Imagine my total shock when I learned that he was born less that two weeks before my mother!

[@celiagorleski2716]

Rock Around the Clock was the title song for the movie Blackboard Jungle. Elvis choreographed Jail House Rock for the movie.

[@jeffcollins4912]

Thank you so much for this fabulous video . I was six years old when I first heard this music ,my older brother went out and bought the records . I am now 71 , had a music career myself but I never stopped loving the early Rock n Roll records . Put one on at any function and everybody gets up and dances . My only regret is you didn’t include my favourite black vocal group THE PLATTERS Tony Williams the lead singer had one of the best voices the world ever heard Thanks once again

[@Tom-gv2eo]

Yes, but little mention of vocal group s eg Moonglows, Solitairs. Del Vikings 34:41 et al + girl grps - Chordetts, Chantells. Program not long enuf to mention Franki Avalon; RickyNelson Connie Francis

[@jeffcollins4912]

@@Tom-gv2eo Hi Tom I agree with you all these 50’s vocal groups boys and girls are fabulous I wish we had them today . However, for me The Platters were on another level there harmonies and Tony’s voice were very special . Sorry if I caused you any upset by my earlier post Jeff Collins

[@alanboas810]

Best video of 2021. This is August, 2021.

[@randysigala3976]

My favorite 1950s rock artists would be Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry. :)

[@maztergamer1016]

Great video. All I will say is that I think What'd I Say is just as much of a rock song as anything else in the video. In the 1950s r&b and rock were practically synonymous so there isn't really much of a distinction.

[@jimlowell5251]

Loved this survey of 50s rock n' roll! Seeing Big Joe Turner, I'm reminded how he was doing the same thing back in the 30s, backed by Pete Johnson on the piano. When the gang at Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegin and Jerry Wexler, found him in the early 50s, , they signed him up, added some honking sax, guitars, and rockin' piano and at age 42, a rock n' roll star was born!

[@troytelck6765]

Great program what a movment.. it's only rock and roll but I LOVE it.

[@doowops3]

Great tour of early rock'n'roll but it leaves out the growth of the vocal group harmony era. Not only did we dance to the music, we had the great love songs by The Moonglows, The Harptones, etc. I still have the memory of making out with my girlfriend at the time while The Heartbeats sang "Crazy for You" and bopping along to The Chords "Sh-Boom"

[@kelliintexas3575]

Chuck Berry was R&B! He placed R&B chart in Feb 6, 1956 with Maybelline.It will reach #5 on the pop chart and top the R&B chart for 11 weeks. Rock & Roll was Blues, Gospel & Country music. ELVIS started touring in 1954 with SUN RECORDS. The first #1 national hit was released on August 1, 1955. Elvis’ first national hit was actually his last recording at Sun Studios and was cut on July 11, 1954 but released on August 1st over a year later. The song reached the Billboard national country music chart #1 position on February 25, 1956 on the Billboard C&W Best Sellers in Stores chart. It remained there at #1 for 2 weeks, and spent 5 weeks at #1 on the Billboard C&W Most Played in Juke Boxes chart. The record reached #4 on the Billboard Most Played by Jockeys chart. It was the first recording to make Elvis Presley a nationally-known country music star. The song remained on the country charts for 39 weeks. The single reached no. 2 on the Cash Box Country singles chart on the March 10, 1956 Top 15 Country Best Sellers Chart. The flip side of this release, “Mystery Train”, peaked at the #11 position on the national Billboard Country Chart. What was Elvis’s first #1 song? None other than “I Forgot to Remember to Forget.” By this time Elvis had recorded,, released & Played in concert “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” & “Hound Dog," “Love Me Tender” & “Jailhouse Rock” on the Louisiana Hayride, toured the ENTIRE US By car & rail. All this TWO YEARS BEFORE Chuck.

[@tedwilliams7887]

Kelli, aren't we overlooking the launching of Rock N Roll in October of 1955??

[@mackenziedog1872]

Born in 61.war against hair full on in 68. So this is why I playing pots and pans ti the radio age 3. It all makes sence now.

[@takethestagelv202]

Fantastic video! Entertaining and informative! Awesome!

[@klausrain111]

Rock and roll started for me in about 1958 (I was 11) when I first heard Stagger Lee by Lloyd Price. That song changed my life.

[@davegeisler7802]

Thank you Arthur Crudup , Goree Carter , Ike Turner , Big Joe Turner , Antione "Fats" Domino , Sister Rosetta Tharpe the Godmother of Rock and Roll and countless other Black musicians . ❤️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@khichfy]

Black music.

[@MrTomanderson76]

Had the privilege of seeing the Broadway production of "The Million Dollar Quartet:" the true story of a one time jam session featuring Elvis, Jerry Lee, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. Talk about reliving the beginnings of rock 'n' roll. Wow !!!!!!

[@michaeldennistooley4271]

We are all children of Little Richard and will remain so until of the music heavens. Many our beautiful and bold brother rest in peace ☮️

[@Tysto]

To determine the first rock & roll song, you have to define the genre: - blues scale - 4/4 time - up tempo - rock beat (heavy 2-4 backbeat) The song that fits that definition is "Maybellene" by Chuck Berry. "Rock Around the Clock" has a boogie woogie beat, just like the song it was based on, "Move It on Over". Likewise "That's All Right". Blues boogie had its own name: rockabilly. It was great, but it was "Maybellene" that made people sit up and take notice and say "That's new; that needs its own name." They retroactively called rockabilly "rock & roll", along with some rhythm & blues, like "Shake, Rattle, & Roll", which (in Big Joe Turner's original, at least) had a shuffle beat.

[@lnx_itx8152]

thanks this was a big help with my essay on the history of rock and roll edit: I was failing music class but this essay was gonna help me pass with the minimum score I needed but I was still a disappointment in my parent's eyes I know this is anecdotal but I thought it was worth saying cause doing music class in remote learning is shitty in my opinion.

[@YungFryhole]

Hopefully one day your parents learn to fuck off

[@zaphodsrealm1549]

Finally, I've struck gold on YT. I just turned 72 and am really enjoying your vids. Thanks for all your work.

[@nathanfloyd098]

My type of music 50s n 60s rock n blues

[@greencastle4180]

JT that was well put together !! Your research is top notch and You are a fantastic musician !! Mr Otis Blackwell wrote the most powerful R & R songs that's for sure ! And had amazing vocals !👍👍

[@danielostroff8632]

More credit should be have been given to Hank Williams - a true pioneer

[@federatedstateskmt1041]

Boi, you tripping talking about Hank Williams as being a pioneer

[@applescruff1969]

@@federatedstateskmt1041 Move It On Over is an undeniable precurser to R&R.

[@federatedstateskmt1041]

@@applescruff1969 Rufus Payne a African American who taught Hank Williams, how to played the guitar and how overcome being shy. So, how is he a pioneer? .

[@ngchengpeng6458]

Mr Curtis. I think you are the King of Rock n Roll!

[@khichfy]

Elvis sad: only King, is Jesus Cristis.

[@thebahana]

Very interesting. I didn't know about those Rock records in the late 40s.

[@alanmpark]

I really enjoyed listening to my favorite era, the 50's! What I would like for you to do next is "The History of Doo Wop". There's nothing like the Doo Wop ballads of the 50's, amen!

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

John Lennon said it best, "“If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry." And thanks for acknowledging Leiber and Stoller who share the title "Most Under Appreciated Song Writing Duo" with Goffin and King. Combine Chuck's catalog with theirs and it blows the mind. Seeing Buddy always makes me wonder what may have been (he was so young) and Don and Phil don't get enough love in my opinion (creators of the harmonies of the 60s). Thanks for posting.

[@jamesdavis4143]

Some of the best music of all times

[@kelliintexas3575]

John Lennon also said BEFORE Elvis there was NOTHING.

[@donrobinson8816]

I believe Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman are also very much unappreciated.

[@tedwilliams7887]

I mentioned this to John in Japan when in a rice paddy. I suggested he go back to Tutti Fruitti. Chuck Berry, indeed!!

[@fireman4516]

The first LP record in my collection is Louis Jordan’s “come blow your horn” One of my uncles bought it for me as a Christmas present. Still have it 68 years later.

[@vicmartinoofficial331]

Interesting and well put together video here. Good presentation JT Curtis. I really enjoyed watching this very much! Now I feel like chewing on some "Beech Nut" gum, if I can manage to get any lol.

[@robertseavor4304]

Blues came into existence in the 1890s when field hollerers as they were called, learned the cadence - V, IV, I chords - from country and pop. music

[@mrpickles4pres]

Very enlightening documentary.

[@GaryDurand]

Danny & The Juniors "At The Hop" was a big part of rock & roll