A Rock Music Timeline: From the 1950s to Today

A look at the history of rock music, from its beginnings in the 1950s to the present day.

1950s

The 1950s is often referred to as the birth of rock and roll. The first rock and roll song is believed to be “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and His Comets, which was released in 1955. Other early rock and roll songs include “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry, “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley, and “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis. Rock and roll quickly became popular with young people, particularly rebellious teenagers. However, it was also controversial, as many adults felt that it was too loud and suggestive. In the late 1950s, a new style of music called surf rock emerged. This style was characterized by its use of electric guitars and catchy melodies. Popular surf rock songs include “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys and “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris.

1960s

While the 1950s are often thought of as the beginning of rock music, it was really in the 1960s that the genre came into its own. The early part of the decade saw the rise of Elvis Presley and other artists who would come to be known as the “architects of rock.” By mid-decade, bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones had taken the world by storm, opening up new possibilities for what rock music could be. In the latter half of the 1960s, artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin pushed the boundaries of what was possible with rock music, laying the groundwork for subsequent generations of musicians.

1970s

The early 1970s saw the rise of hard rock band Led Zeppelin and the release of their fourth album, which contained the now-classic rock anthem “Stairway to Heaven.” Glam rock also became popular in this decade, with artists like David Bowie and Queen releasing hits like ” Ziggy Stardust” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Punk rock also emerged in the 1970s as a response to the perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock. Bands like the Ramones and the Sex Pistols released songs that were faster and more aggressive than what was currently popular.

1980s

The 1980s were a time of major change in rock music. The classic rock sound of the 1970s gave way to a more experimental, synth-driven sound. Punk rock and new wave also gained popularity during this time. Some of the biggest names in rock music emerged in the 1980s, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen,Prince, and U2.

1990s

The 1990s saw the grunge movement take off, with Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains leading the charge. Seattle became the epicenter of the scene, which was often negative and angry, in contrast to the more positive vibes of earlier rock music. At the same time, Britpop was huge in the UK, led by bands like Oasis, Blur and Pulp. In America, catchy pop-rock ruled the charts thanks to groups like Smash Mouth and Third Eye Blind.

2000s

2000: The United States sees the release of Radiohead’s Kid A, an album that would come to be regarded as one of the most important rock albums of the 2000s.

2001: The White Stripes release their self-titled debut album.

2003: The Darkness release their debut album, Permission to Land.

2004: Arcade Fire release their debut album, Funeral.

2005: Foo Fighters release their fifth album, In Your Honor.

2006: Muse release their fourth album, Black Holes and Revelations.

2007: Arctic Monkeys release their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.

2008: Kings of Leon release their fourth album, Only by the Night.

2010s

In the 2010s, rock music continued to evolve, as bands sought to redefine what rock music could be. This decade saw the rise of new genres and subgenres, including indie rock, alternative rock, and electronic rock. Bands such as Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, and MGMT helped to popularize these new genres, while also expanding upon the traditional sounds of rock music. At the same time, classic rock bands such as AC/DC and Led Zeppelin continued to enjoy commercial success. In recent years, younger bands such as Greta Van Fleet and The Struts have revitalized the sound of classic rock for a new generation of fans.

The Future of Rock

With the new decade fast approaching, it’s time to take a look at what the future of rock might hold. 2010s have seen a resurgence in interest in classic rock and metal, with bands like Greta Van Fleet and Blackberry Smoke finding mainstream success. But there are plenty of younger bands carrying the torch forward, too. Here are just a few of the many great rock bands making music today.

The Influence of Rock

The history of rock music is often told as a story of rebellion. In the 1950s, rock and roll emerged as a response to the staid and conservative pop music of the time. The young and rebellious saw in rock an opportunity to express themselves and their discontents. This appeal only grew in the following decades as rock became the dominant form of popular music around the world.

But rock’s story is more complicated than that. While it is true that rock has often been music for and by rebels, it has also been used to sell products, promote political candidates, and support conservative causes. It has been employed as both a unifying force and a dividng one; it has been a reflection of social change and an engine of it. In short, rock music has been both a product of culture and a force that shapes it.

This ambiguity is what makes rock such an interesting subject for study. To understand the role that rock music has played in our society, we need to look at its history and evolution. This timeline offers a glimpse into that history, tracing the major moments and movements in rock music from the 1950s to today.

The Legacy of Rock

Rock music has come to be one of the most popular genres of music over the past few decades. It has its roots in the 1950s, with artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry popularizing the sound. In the 1960s, the Beatles and other British Invasion bands brought rock music to a new level of popularity. Psychedelic rock bands like Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix expanded the possibilities of what could be done with the genre. In the 1970s, bands like Led Zeppelin and Kiss took rock music to a new level of commercial success. In the 1980s, hair metal bands dominated the airwaves, while alternative rock bands like R.E.M. and Nirvana broke through to mainstream success. In the 1990s, boy bands and girl groups ruled pop music, while alternative rock and hip-hop continued to grow in popularity. Today, rock music is as popular as ever, with artists like Foo Fighters, Muse, and Radiohead continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible within the genre.