... Well not really since it had elements of already existing genres like jazz, country, and blues but, the term "rock and roll" was coined in the 1950's.
Rock and Roll had fast and hard rhythms and was aggressive; It was hip and new. The parents didn't like it but their kids loved it, for them it was a way of life. It had electric guitars, drums, saxophone, keyboard, bass and great vocals. Because of television, millions of Americans across the country were exposed to Rock and Roll. It was a way to bring the country together; there were popular black and white[and even latino] artist and was enjoyed by Americans of all walks of life. Some of the most popular rock artists in the 50's were Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Ritchie Valens and Chuck Berry. They all had great hits and influenced a whole generation. Although rock and roll was frowned upon by the older generation when it first came out, it is now an American treasure.
The best way to get a feel for rock and roll it to listen to it.
Some great rock songs from the 50's:
Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry (you might have heard it before in "Back to the Future")
La Bamba by Ritchie Valens
Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley
Oh Boy by Buddy Holly
This is a very interesting post on one of the more contemporary themes of modern music. Rock and Roll was a revolutionary genre that seemed to symbolize the rebellion of youth against the older generation, which seems to be why it was so attractive. What is interesting is that rock wasn't only popular in the 50s, as it arguably became more popular in the 60s with the introduction of the beatles.
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