Muddy Waters: "Rollin' Stone"
Inspired a song by Bob Dylan, gave the name to the band The Rolling Stones, and to a major rock magazine called Rolling Stone.
Muddy Waters: "The Blues had a Baby and They Named it Rock and roll."
A Rhythm and Blues song with a Rock and Roll beat. Blues and R & B were part of the core that became Rock and Roll. When the beat got heavy enough, and the tempos got faster, that was the birth of Rock.
Bill Haley and The Comets: "Rock Around the Clock."
The Comets started out as a Country-Western band with some Rhythm and Blues. Because of this fusion neither audience accepted their music. They didn't call it that at first, but they were playing Rock and Roll. This song was #1 on the charts for 8 wks. Still, the band had a kind of low key sound, and they faded out in the USA.
The Platters: "Only You."
Demonstrates vocal falsetto, piano in the background playing 3 notes to one beat, and a repeated chant-like sound on 'o', the first letter of the word 'only.'
The Moonglows: "Sincerely"
Demonstrates nonsense syllables repeated as part of the rhythm behind the lead singer.
The Big Bopper: "Chantilly Lace"
Demonstrates piano playing two notes to one beat to add a feel of drive to a song that has a moderate tempo.
Little Richard: "Keep A Knockin' "
Demonstrates falsetto wails and a driving beat pushed by that two-notes to one beat style.
Elvis Presley
"That's All right Mama" from side A and "Blue Moon of Kentucky" from side B, first Sun record.
"Heartbreak Hotel". Elvis moved away from Rockabilly to the more commercial sound of Rock and roll.
"Hound Dog"; Blues form and Rock and Roll style with rapid-fire drum riffs at the end of each phrase, heavy 2nd and 4th beat.