Music that Rocked the World

With the birth of rock n’ roll, popular culture was changed completely. Before the rebellious sounds of Bill Haley and the Commets, Buddy Holly, or Elvis Presley, the music scene was far more conventional, as was the lifestyle. Activities such as unwed sexual relations, motorcycle rides, and certain types of dancing were socially prohibited. Rock n’ roll music was first introduced by small, independent record companies and promoted by radio disc jockeys like Alan Freed, who used the term rock n’ roll to help attract white audiences unfamiliar with black music. Music That Rocked the World features more than 270 artists who have influenced music over four decades.