The history of rock music is the history of America. Like the nation itself, rock music started from the work of weary plantation slaves and has evolved into corporate mass-production. And like America, the music has changed the world. Sometimes seen as an enemy of the state, rock music has been in the crosshairs of activist groups and nervous parents since the time of Elvis. Much about the music is unpleasant, from blatant sexism to ugly, dirty tones. But this is also what makes it so damn great and enduring. Few musical forms have enjoyed such long-lasting prominence at the forefront of the culture. Since its introduction in the late 1950s, the form has dominated popular music. Americans love rock musics open rebellion and the no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners attitude of its leading pioneers. Other nations, especially England, have contributed enormously to the catalogue of rock music, but the standard licks, chord progressions and even lyrical themes of all popular rock music originated in the blues. Its a stolen art form, but theres very little about America that hasnt been lifted from somewhere else. That one of Americas most popular commercial products is a middle-finger-raising, anti-establishment art form like rock and roll is one of the healthiest aspects of our culture. Theres a reason young people the world over have adopted the anthems and the form in rebellion against their own rigid conservative ancestries. Its all about change and empowerment. Rock music is the music of the people.
Kyle Schmidlin is a writer and musician living in Austin, TX. He manages the news blog at thirdrailnews.wordpress.com. Follow him at facebook.com/kyleschmidlin or twitter.com/kyleschmidlin1.
