MUS 106 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Alan Freed, Country Music, Independent Radio
Document Summary
1955 - marks first year of rock and roll. Before 1955: rhythm & blues and country & western were still mostly outside the mainstream. Regional radio made this music available to middle-class white youth. Rhythm & blues became music choice for young people after wwii. Rock and roll was born after rhythm & blues broke into. Emergence of independent radio and record labels. Challenged tin pan alley"s dominance of music business. Created lucrative market for record companies, radio stations, & others involved in the pop- music business. End of wwii -> rise of pop culture devoted exclusively to teenagers. Teens had money to spend on leisure activities and luxury items. Focus on family & health after war. Resist assimilation into the adult world of responsibilities & commitments. Films also influenced teen rebellion with rock / rhythm and blues. Development of transistor -> made small portable radios affordable to almost. Alan freed - announcer at radio station in cleveland.
