Foundations of Rock N' Roll: Origins and Key Influences

Tin Pan Alley was the style of popular music that dominated the charts in the late 1940s and early 1950s, characterized by simple melodies and catchy lyrics. Rock and Roll didn't gain mainstream popularity until the mid-1950s, Jazz had its peak in the 1920s and 1930s, and Hip Hop emerged in the 1970s and 1980s.

The tin pan alley era was known for its popular songwriting and music publishing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Frank Sinatra, Joe Stafford, and Patti Page were prominent recording artists from this era known for their contributions to popular music.

The correct answer describes the defining elements of a style characterized by crooning vocals, slow to moderate tempos, and a cool, easy jazz or broadway sound.

Louis Jordan is often referred to as the 'King of the Jukebox' and is renowned for his contributions to the development of Rhythm and Blues music.

Louis Jordan's Rhythm and Blues blueprint was characterized by a smaller number of instruments with less emphasis on brass, a fusion of jazz and blues elements, and a lighthearted approach with humor in the lyrics. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the key characteristics of his style.

While Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly are all influential figures in the early days of rock and roll, it was DJ Alan Freed who is credited with popularizing the term 'Rock and Roll' through his radio show in the 1950s.

Rocket 88' by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats is often considered the first true Rock and Roll single due to its distorted electric guitar sound and up-tempo beat, which were defining characteristics of the genre.

Rocket 88' is a classic R&B song from the 1950s, so elements like Boogie Woogie piano, Jazzy saxophone chorus's, Blues derived singing, and Jump blues beat contribute to its R&B feel. Elements like Heavy Metal guitar solos, Electronic Dance Music beats, and Classical violin arrangements would not be commonly found in R&B music from that era.

WLAC, based in Nashville, Tennessee, played a crucial role in spreading black R&B music to a wider audience in the early Rock and Roll era, making it the most important radio station during that time.

Gene Nobles was known for playing R & B records on WLAC, making him the correct answer.

Antoine Domino and Little Richard were both prominent music acts originating from New Orleans in the 1950s, known for their unique contributions to rock and roll and rhythm and blues genres.

Memphis and Chicago played significant roles in the early development of Rock and Roll alongside New Orleans, while the other cities mentioned were not as central to the genre's origins.

While Antoine Domino, better known as Fats Domino, was a pioneering crossover sensation in Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly also played significant roles in shaping and popularizing the genre during its early years.

Earl Palmer is considered the first great drummer in Rock and Roll due to his influential work with Dave Bartholomew and J&M Studios in New Orleans, setting the foundation for future drummers in the genre. John Bonham, Charlie Watts, and Buddy Rich were also influential drummers in their own right, but they were not specifically known for their contributions to the early days of Rock and Roll.

While all of these artists were influential in the development of rock music, Little Richard is often considered the first true "Rock Star" due to his flamboyant personality, energetic performances, and groundbreaking music that helped shape the genre.

Little Richard brought a sense of rebelliousness and overt sexuality to R&B, elements that were traditionally associated with Rock and Roll, helping to bridge the gap between the two genres.

Little Richard's musical style was heavily influenced by gospel, jump rhythm, boogie woogie, and blues music, not heavy metal, classical, punk rock, or grunge.

Little Richard's song 'Tutti Frutti' is considered a pioneering rock n roll hit that showcased his energetic and wild performance style, influencing many rock musicians to come. The other options are also popular songs from the rock n roll era, but do not hold the same significance as 'Tutti Frutti'.

Pat Boone was known for his clean-cut image and covers of rock 'n' roll hits that were more acceptable to a mainstream audience at the time compared to other rock 'n' roll artists.

Sun Records was established by Sam Phillips in 1953 and played a crucial role in the development of rock and roll music. RCA Records, Capitol Records, and Columbia Records are also major record labels but were not founded by Sam Phillips in 1953.

Sam Phillips originally founded Memphis Recording Service in 1950, which later became known as Sun Records. The incorrect answers provided are names that may be associated with Sam Phillips or the music industry during that time period, but they were not the original name of his record company.

Sam Phillips' first recording success in 1951 was 'Rocket 88', which is considered one of the earliest rock and roll recordings.

Jerry Lee Lewis' main radio influences were country music, gospel, and R & B. While he was known for his rock and roll style, it was not one of his main radio influences.

Jerry Lee Lewis' first studio recording was 'Crazy Arms', released in 1956. Although 'Great Balls of Fire', 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', and 'Breathless' are popular hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, they were not his first studio recording.

Jerry Lee Lewis rose to fame with his energetic performances and chart-topping hits, but it was 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On' that really launched his career into the stratosphere.

Jerry Lee Lewis followed up his hit 'Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On' with the iconic song 'Great Balls of Fire'. While 'Blue Suede Shoes' and 'Hound Dog' are popular songs by Elvis Presley, and 'Rock Around the Clock' is a hit by Bill Haley & His Comets, none of these were Jerry Lee Lewis' follow up hit to 'Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On'.

Jerry Lee Lewis was known for his lively and energetic performances on stage, which included playing pounding chords on the piano, flashy showmanship, slides down and up the keyboard, and on-stage acrobatics. The incorrect answers provided do not align with his dynamic performance style.

After signing with RCA records, Elvis' style became more polished and choreographed, with the addition of background vocals to sweeten up his sound. However, some critics believe that he had a fall out for going mainstream and giving up too much of himself in the process.