Rock music is a music that found it's popularity in the 1950's. It would be difficult to describe rock music and it's popularity without mentioning two of its earliest stars; namely, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles, respectively. Both Elvis Presley and The Beatles both had a following in their day that can only be described as a maniacal phenomenon, and many to most current rock musicians would attribute one or both as their musical influences. Even to current day, these musicians have trascended generations of rock fans.
Something most associated with rock music more than any other music, is the use of the electric guitar. While the electric guitar is not exclusive to rock and popularly used in other genres such as blues, it is probably considered to be the staple of rock music. Conversely, rock bands have substituted the use of an electric guitar with the sound of a piano (Elton John), keyboard (Van Halen, in some songs), fiddles (Devil Went Down To Georgia), and many other instruments.
One of the major appeals of rock music, is that it is derived from many other different genres such as blues, jazz, classical, and more. Rock is a living genre, as in it is redefined throughout the years, as rockers aim to test the boundaries. Because of this, rock has spun off into many "sub-genres" such as Oldies (mixed genres), Classic Rock, Soft Rock, Punk Rock, Alternative Rock... but, as Billy Joel say, "Everybody's talking bout the new sound, funny, but it's still rock n' roll to me."
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