Rock Music

[Scarrott]

Where does the term rock, as in rock music, come from?

[andy hughes]

It's simply a shortened version of 'rock and roll' which became a catch-all label for popular music, to distinguish it from black music, known under the umbrella title of 'soul'. This was back in the days when music was nice and straightforward, without several dozen sub-cultures. Now 'rock and roll' means either strictly 50's 60's rock and roll styles - Elvis / Buddy Holly / gene Vincent etc., or cross-over hard-edged rhythm and blues sounds, such as The Stones. Complicated isn't it!

[Scarrott]

Thanks for the answer andy, though maybe i should have been more specific. I know rock comes from rock and roll, but where does the term rock and roll come from? I know what it is, but why were the two words 'rock' and 'roll' used to describe that type of music?

[andy hughes]

Rock and roll is an exprression that dtaes back to the days of slavery, and it's a pretty basic adjective for sexual activity. It soon found its way into early pop songs which were all about being a bit naughty, and anti-establishment. The official use of the term 'rock and roll' as applied to music is credited to DJ and early radio presenter Alan Freed who always claimed to be the first to use the phrase, although as is the way with these things, it's more likely that this expression simply found its way into the langauge, and Mr Freed was dong his usual excellent job of self-publicity. Hope that explains a bit better.

[Scarrott]

Much! Thanks for that, it's appreciated.

[andy hughes]

You're most welcome. A.

[lynzbk666]

because people who listen to it bang their head against rocks