Chapter 1 Response

After reading this chapter I realized Elvis Presley had an even bigger effect on the transition from crooner music to Rock 'n Roll than I thought. He brought a type a music that was being predominately controlled by African Americans into white culture and paved the way for an entirely different genre of music. I find it very strange that most of society in the 50's were against this new type of music mainly because in todays world we welcome any type of new genres into our culture with open arms. I was also interested in learning that Aaron "T-Bone" Walker started using his guitar as a prop and instrument simultaneously. Instead of merely playing the guitar he would whip it behind his head and point it at the fans. This was probably what influenced Jimi Hendrix to burn his guitar and Pete Townsend to smash it. Musicians began putting on dramatic performances to get the fans more involved which eventually lead to the success of some bands such as KISS, The Who, and Iggy Pop who were known for their wild and crazy antics.