This era
ushered in the birth of
Rock and Roll. Sun Records started the careers on men such
as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkis, and Jerry Lee
Lewis. This "Million Dollar Quartet" went on to become
members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fats Domino, Nat
King Cole, Muddy Waters, Roy Orbison, Little Richard, Chuck
Berry, and Rufus Thomas were among the many pioneers of
this era and helped shape the "sounds of the South". Buddy
Holly, Riche Valens, and the Big Bopper, having sold 10
million records, were destined for success before they died
in a plan crash in 1959 stunning their fans
worldwide.
With the popularity of Bill Haley's "Rock
Around the Clock", the nation was soon swinging to a new
beat and the young people of this time were looking forward
to something refreshing and exciting, therefore, they
discovered the vitality of Rock and Roll. This was the age
of the drive-in movies and a time when fast cars and music
meant a lifestyle. |