3 Great Rock Pioneers
They never stopped rocking and rolling.
1950 was an exciting year as a new music style called rock n roll started hitting the airwaves. The fast tempo and infectious instrumentation captivated the masses. Young adults and teenagers of the time loved it; it drove their parents mad. A new genre was born, and no one could stop its influence. Elvis (the dubbed king of rock n roll) brought accessible rock n roll to everyone, but few artists before him created and formed this music style. The mention artist defied rock music and made it the sensation it is today.
Chuck Berry
Berry brought his passion for blues and jazz and turned it on its head. Every track comprises Chuck Berry’s gritty bar chord guitar riffing and catchy, singable lyrics. For example, the song Johnny B. Goode with a stylistic guitar intro and accompanied high tempo piano and low bass. You may know this song from Back To The Future, if haven’t heard his song on Back To The Future, Chuck Berry’s music appeared in other hit films such as Pulp Fiction.
Lyrics to Chuck Berry’s songs are questionable; from him liking a nine or 16-year-old girl or mentioning his ding-a-ling. Besides that, there is plenty to enjoy in Chuck’s discography. He well deserved the spot in the rock' n' roll of fame.
Little Richard
It’s clear Richard Wayne Penniman is one of the first striking musicians of his time. He wore a dapper suit like most artists, but his hair and thin mustache made him stick out from the rest. It was clear Little Richard was gay, and even though he had to disguise it, he still let it shine.
Little Richard’s music style has a well-established formula: He sings the verses while the instruments play after each line, and in the chorus, the instruments burst into a flurry. A perfect example, Long Tall Sally. Little Richard opens the track with his powerful screeching as the accompaniment roars after each verse. Then in the chorus, the tempo picks up, and little Richard howls into the mix. In the second verse, when Little Richard transitions with the line, “Jumps back into the alley.” chills will go down your spine, and your adrenaline spikes.
The lyrics are suggestive, and after tweaking them, they don’t refrain. For example, Little Richard changed the Tutti Frutti chorus from “Tutti Frutti, good booty to tutti-fruity, aw rooty.” Little Richard highly recommend to anyone who likes faster-paced music.
Fats Domino
Dominique Domino Jr. or Fats Domino tamed compared to the other two. What exactly makes his music rock? Well, Fats’ addition of electric guitar and bar blues makes his music rock. You can compare his songs to the rock ballads, which came after. For example, the song Ain’t that a shame has Fats’ gentle and humble voice over his cheerful piano playing with rough yet soothing guitar, drums, and bass. Fats songs are quite catchy and put anyone in a chipper mood. Consider giving Blueberry Hill or Jambalaya (On The Bayou) a listen; your spirits will lift.
To sum up, these three brought enjoyment to music. They got people to get up on their feet and enjoy the art form, which is music. It’s great to see these pioneers garner recognition from new generations. It can help them reach the acclaim they deserve and help keep rock alive for years to come. May these men rock' n' roll internally.
