The Extraordinary Impact of Rock Music
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What has been the impact of rock 'n' roll music on Australian society over the years? This question will be answered in today's program as we interview some Australian citizens about their opinion on the topic! Rock music did not only entertain our ears but if has changed the lifestyle and attitudes of our Australian community. Look forward to some interesting interviews... |
20th century |
During the 1970s, adolescents adopted the same style of music as their parents. The older generation enjoyed soft melodies such as romantic ballads and songs from musicals. When rock music carved itself into the Australian community in 1955 with Bill Haley and the comet's "Rock Around the Clock", the younger generation starting to form their own taste in music. It became a new form of entertainment for the younger individuals. The genre gained fame as soon as it was used within a film about delinquency. Therefore, adolescents and other members of society began to deem this genre of music as inappropriate and immoral. Parents did not accept rock and roll but the younger generation did. To fit in with this popular style of music, teengagers became involved with crime and misbehaviour. They also developed a hostile relationship with their parents during the protest culture.
The impact was both positive and negative. Below are two perspectives from two individuals of the younger and older generation at the time. It shows us how rock music impacted on the attitudes of the Australian society at the time: "The show opened with Freddie Bell and the Bellboys. They opened with a song, 'We're Gonna Teach You To Rock,' then 'Shake A Hand' and their current hit, 'Giddy Up Ding Dong'. The guys came on dressed in red coats – they looked great. From their first number they brought the house down. The sound was something else – the likes I had not heard before. Their stage act was superb, with dance moves, comedy routines, all just too much. This was the first time I had seen or heard a bass guitar, and from that moment I knew what instrument I wanted to play. I was hooked on bass. The crowd reaction was sensational, no one had ever seen or heard anything like it before. The next act was Big Joe Turner. He was billed 'The Boss of the Blues'. He was an R&B singer. He had a huge voice that filled the Stadium. He went over really well. Then on came La Vern Baker. She had a hit on the radio at the time, 'Jim Dandy to the Rescue'. She was just fabulous – a tall Negro lady and she wore a bright pink fishtail dress. I had never seen anything like her before. She sang R&B songs and had a rough, raunchy voice. The crowd loved her… John Manners, 15 years old when he saw the show, Personal Letter in 2008." (Education Services Australia Ltd 2013, How did Australians react to the arrival of rock 'n' roll? from http://www.achistoryunits.edu.au/verve/_resources/htaa_popular__culture_how_did_Australians_react_to_rock_n_roll.pdf [1 November 2015]) "It will be interesting to note the effects of the visit to Sydney of a band of American entertainers. Reports of the way 'rock and roll' has been received by overseas audiences, coupled with the almost unanimous acceptance of Elvis Presley who, despite his repulsive antics, is now the current idol of the younger set, lead one to believe that the arrival of Mr Haley could be regretted for years to come. We have only to glance through the daily papers to read the shocking manner in which teenagers of today, throughout the world, carry on. The morals of the modern generation, with the exception of a small minority, have nearly reached an all time low, and 'rock and roll' has done nothing to improve them. Already the general outlook of the Australian teenager has begun to deteriorate rapidly and to such an extent that something must be done to prevent the low level which they are gradually approaching, being attained. Strongly opposed by most leading musicians, both modern and classical, 'rock and roll' represents a serious threat to the community. In both Britain and the United States riots are prevalent where this form of entertainment is played. We must see that it is not given the same opportunity to take a grip on our own youth. John J Sutton, Letter to the Editor, The Sun (Sydney), 1st January 1957" (Education Services Australia Ltd 2013, How did Australians react to the arrival of rock 'n' roll? from http://www.achistoryunits.edu.au/verve/_resources/htaa_popular__culture_how_did_Australians_react_to_rock_n_roll.pdf [1 November 2015]) The unethical attitudes of the younger generation led to the development of a new economic group called, "teenagers". Teenagers spent their own money on different genres of music including as rock and roll in record stores. The record industry gained a lot of profit due to this. Rock and roll also led to Australia developing its own national identity. After years of American and British influence, Australia finally gained confidence and world-wide attention during the 1980s! |
21st century (Present) |
Rock and roll had developed enormously throughout the 20th century but when the 21st century started, rock music started to decline in popularity due to the introduction of new genres of music including hip-hop. However, exceptions included rock artists such as Linkin Park and Green Day.
Despite the downfall, rock and roll progressed into a social movement as it unified Australian citizens together despite factors such as race, sex and religion. In addition, rock and roll encouraged musicians to approach eccentric and peculiar music compositions due to its previous controversy. This greatly benefited the record industry as it grew in prosperity as the Australian population continued being entertained by new styles of music. In addition, new trends were evolved as a a result of new genres. It is predicted that rock music will continue to help develop our modern-day society. The impacts of this popular culture has notably shaped the lifestyle and attitudes of our Australian society today. It is exciting to see what new adaptations will derive as a result of rock and roll music in the future... |