Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll began to bloom in the mid-1950s and is often described in this stage as a mix between country music and rhythm and blues. Though Elvis Presley has been dubbed \u201cThe King (of Rock and Roll),\u201d his success is due to the work of Black musicians before him. The producer who discovered (and, according to some, engineered) Elvis, Sam Phillips, is quoted as saying \u201cI always said that if I could find a white boy who could sing like a Black man I’d make a million dollars.\u201d And he was right (though he wasn\u2019t the one who made millions of dollars, as his contract was bought out by RCA).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rock music is often dubbed \u201cwhite people music,\u201d to the detriment of artists and fans of color alike. While it\u2019d be impossible to trace the entire history of rock music in one article, we\u2019d like to take this time to share the stories of a few Black artists who have pioneered the genre\u2019s evolution over the years, as well as discuss the often-ignored influence of race<\/a> in the music industry and rock scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1950s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chuck Berry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n