The years 1954 and 1955 were pivotal in the evolution from black rhythm-and-blues to the emergence of white rock ‘n’ roll.  What occurred during these years to make them so significant?

What will be an ideal response?


1954 Disc Jockey Alan Freed moved to New York.  He begins referring to the music itself as rock ‘n’ roll.By 1954 white groups were covering popular black rhythm-and-blues recordings.White group Bill Haley and His Comets first record “Rock Around the Clock” in April.Elvis Presley records “That’s Alright Mama,” covering black musician Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s song.  Elvis’s version combined country with rhythm-and-blues contributing to the development of the rockabilly sound. 1955 Hollywood film Blackboard Jungle opened with “Rock Around the Clock” helping Haley to sell 17 million copies of the single.  The song became a symbol of teenage rebellion. 

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François Boucher's The Toilet of Venus most clearly illustrates what idea or topic?

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