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Seventies and Eighties Rock Music The term ?rock music? has long been a subject of debate. With such a broad variety of artists under that genre, it is difficult to give rock a definition. Rock music today is the result of almost 60 years of popular music development, a descendant of 1950?s rock ?n? roll. Originating in the mid-50?s, from Afro-American Rhythm and Blues music, artists such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard paved the way for ?white rock music? and the likes of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. This group of artists became the first generation or wave of rock music, and from the word go, launched the genre headlong into controversy. The next generation came in the shape of a ?British invasion of rock bands?[1] followed by new American artists as Bob Dylan and The Monkees. Rock ?n? roll in the early 60?s gave way to ?rock?, which was deemed not only a style of music, but a way of life. This ?way of life? was exhibited with enthusiasm by bands and artists throughout the decade, leading to the aptly named ?unholy trinity?, sex, drugs, and rock ?n? roll. Together with the likes of Cream, Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles, these bands became the predecessors, and in many cases major influences for the further two generations of rock artists.
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