Rock

Rock

Rock loses the roll but gains amplitude and attitude.

Cultural Origin

Late 1960s

Prominent Artists

Jimi Hendrix, Bad Brains, Death, Fishbone, Living Colour, TV on the Radio, Gary Clark Jr.

Influenced By

Blues, rhythm & blues, electric blues, rock & roll

Later Influenced

Heavy metal, punk, other rock subgenres

The Bad Brains performing onstgage.
The Bad Brains performing onstgage.

About The Genre

The harder, edgier younger cousin of rock & roll, rock music is more commonly associated with white acts but was pioneered by Black artists. Musicians such as the inimitable Jimi Hendrix, Death, The Bad Brains, and more have influenced subgenres of rock music including psychedelic, punk, and metal.

Trivia/Famous Lyrics

DId you know...

The number one biggest game
It's when they gain the most fame
It's like a race to the top
Because they wanna be boss
They don't care who they step on
As long as they get along

"Politicians In My Eyes" by Death

Look in my eyes, what do you see?
The Cult of Personality
I know your anger
I know your dreams
I've been everything you want to be
I'm the Cult of Personality

"Cult of Personality" by Living Colour

Artists from this genre

Ike and Tina Turner

Ike and Tina Turner

One of the most potent live acts in music.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix

Rock's most innovative and imitated guitarist.

Death

Death

Before punk came to life, there was Death.

Bad Brains

Bad Brains

Banned in D.C.

MORE Genres from this era

Cool & Post-Bop

Cool & Post-Bop

The term covers subgenres like hard bop and free jazz.

Pop/Pop Soul

Pop/Pop Soul

Black music finely crafted and packaged for the masses.

Motown

Motown

The sound of young America masterminded by Berry Gordy.

Soul

Soul

Combines rhythm & blues and gospel music styles.

Psychedelic Soul

Psychedelic Soul

Soul gets high.