African American Bandstand Research Paper

Coined by black artists, none of the whites listened until Elvis conquered the charts. His music, which was blues, gospel, jazz, and boogie-woogie, all created by black artists, blended to make rock n roll brought whites audiences to accept black culture. “Presley’s music broke the racial barriers of that time, and was a key to the movement of racial tolerance between whites and blacks. Presley was one of the first singers to be appreciated and loved by both the black and white communities,”(Introduction 3). Elvis tearing down barriers opened the world to so many opportunities.

Introduction African-American pop culture and pop culture in general, may be researched by a lot of researchers but I still get the impression that its roots are badly overlooked. Pop culture isn’t only an entertainment but it has some great depth into it that makes it worth learning the subject. In my thesis, I want to give more attention to the development of the African-American culture throughout all these years from the very beginning. How only one race can make a significant changes, not only in their own nation but in the country they’ve been brought to ruthlessly. It’s amazing how the human race that used to be treated literally like animals, representing the lowest class, benefitted the ones that used them in the past with their creativity

Elvis faced many obstacles during his 24 years as the “King” he faced racial controversy, musical barriers, and bad press in order to help create Rock and Roll music. Long before Rock n Roll was created or even thought of, the musical world was divided over petty differences. One of the many reasons why music was divided was the heavy racism that plagued the United States since the end of slavery. Another reason why music was divided was the fact of a huge generation gap, or difference between parent and child. These are some of the challenges that Elvis faced.

1. What is a "race" record? how were these records marketed? A race record is a record that is mainly sold to African Americans.

Benny Goodman also pushed for a diverse band, being the organizer of an interracial group (Swing). In this instance, it was through this connection to music that black and white people came together. At the time that swing was popular, World War II was taking place. It seems legit that people would want to get their feeling out somehow. Swing music did just that.

Altschuler succeeded in his attempt to portray the struggle early rhythm and blues movements faced due to the fact that they were founded by mostly black artists and writers. This struck a very conflicting chord with the white population who were afraid that their children would catch the so-called “jungle fever.” Southern segregationists and white supremacist organizations quickly targeted rock ‘n’ roll. They very often over exaggerated the effects of listening to rock ‘n’ roll with such claims as “[listening to rock ‘n’ roll] caused racial mixing which led, inevitably, to miscegenation and that exposure to black culture promoted juvenile delinquency and sexual immorality.” (p. 37).

“The Harlem Renaissance and the Blues” Birthed in the Mississippi Delta, the blues would have un-denying roots from the South. However, long before any form of blues genre came about, slave music expressed the sorrows of the African American experience. At the turn of the 20th century black communities in the south continued the tradition of musical expression by performing in small shacks all around the Delta. It was in these juke joints, that famous artist such as Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters first performed. With the cotton industry taking a turn for the worst many African Americans were living very undesirable.

Elvis will always remain a Great American. He was able to fuse rhythm and blues, gospel, and country music, and created what today is called rock n’ roll. Without Elvis as a role model, it is difficult to imagine what eccentric and flashy singer-songwriters like Elton John might have become. Presley will always be known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Elvis didn’t just change the history of music, but he also changed American history

Elvis cut his first demo record at Sun Studio; from there, Sam Phillips, the record owner, took him under his wing. Soon, Elvis made his first single “That’s All Right (Mama)” in 1954. In 1955, he signed with RCA Records which was worked out by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. His first number one hit was “Heartbreak Hotel”, and his first number one album was Elvis Presley. In 1956, Elvis signed a movie contract with Paramount; his first film Love Me Tender (1956) was a box office hit (Elvis

During the beginning of rock n’ roll, African Americans were trying to gain civil rights causing many conflicts between the music and race. Altschuler does a very good job on incorporating the historical events that took place as rock n’ roll began to emerge such as, Dr. King’s speech, the court case Brown vs. Board of Education, and a major integration at Little Rock Central High School. One of the biggest conflicts was that rock n’ roll music was not supportive of integration and many time criticized to a great extent. Other aspects that were made discussed throughout these two chapters were the different artist and how they did not support their own race and even some would not play at segregated venues, which included Domino and Nat Cole. Artist, such as Ballard, were condemned for the lyrics in their songs that were many times expressive towards sexuality.

The progress of music from earlier years to the mid 1950’s was great. Not long after, Little Richard, in 1956, Elvis Presley, made his debut and in 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis. Music attached to those particular names gave people a way to express themselves, the music gave people an idol that “understood” them. Rock and Roll also gave people back in the 1950’s freedom to be who they wanted to

Elvis Presley has had more impact on American society and culture than any other person in history for the three following reasons; his large contribution to the start of the generation gap in the 1950’s, his huge impact on rock ‘n’ roll music, and finally, his music opened a door for some integration between races. First of all, in the 1950’s Elvis Presley and his music started the era of the generation gap between teenagers and their parents, an era which is still going on today. With Elvis being very young, attractive and his new type of music and dancing, teenage girls fell head over heels for the young star. Most parents though, did not feel the same way about Presley. He was often described a vulgar and many accused him of corrupting the youth.

Elvis Presley, a poor southern boy, made major waves by singing what most considered solely race music enticing teenagers and angering disapproving parents. This changed the common culture of the time by breaking down at least some of the barriers between whites and blacks through teenagers love of music.

Elvis was a huge success in not only music but in television and movies

America's Greatest Gift There is no doubt that Jazz music is one of greatest things to come from American culture. It had sprouted up from cultural and spiritual hymns a global sound that has no restraints. From the early slave songs with their call and response style, to the later Swing and Bebop era tones, Jazz became the frontline for American music where it still remains relevant to this day. It all started in the later parts of the 19th with African slaves brought over from the Atlantic slave trade.