Top Ten "Fathers" of Rock & Roll
Rock and Roll had it's beginnings in the 50s. There were many who could be considered to be the "Fathers of Rock and Roll".
Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. He died on 18 March 2017. His first single and also first hit " Maybellene " on Chess Records in 1955 was an adaption of the country-fiddle song " Ida Red " wich was recorded in 1938 by Bill Wills and his Texas playboys. His guitar playing was influenced by T-Bone Walker. Not much originality so far. He is one of the pioneers of Rock and Roll without a doubt and don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of him but in my opinion too overrated to be number one. When Elvis Presley recorded on Sun Records in 1954 he really invented a new sound and style ( Rockabilly ) that didn't exist before him. It was not called Rockabilly yet in 1954 ( Some called it Catmusic, Hillbilly Bop etc... ) but this was the raw primitive form of Rock and Roll. The real mix between black Rhythm and Blues and white Hillbilly Boogie and Western Swing. I think that Elvis Presley should be number one for that matter.
He inspired Elvis? His first recording was in July 1955. Elvis had been in the SUN studios since 1953. In 1954 he already had 3 singles out ( now mythic ) and in 1955 before July another single. His last single on the SUN studios came out on July,11 1955. In other words, Elvis Presley recorded all his Sun legacy before Chuck Berry's first single. Chuck Berry was a highly imaginative songwriter / performer and without a doubt one of the pioneers of Rock and Roll but saying that he's the one that inspired Elvis is saying wrong " history of Rock " facts. As for the Beatles, he was one of their inspirations but so was Bo Diddley and Elvis himself one of their inspirations. Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones once said that the first time he wanted to pick up a guitar is when he heard Elvis's " Mystery train " ( played by Scotty Moore ) and that later on he got into Chuck Berry. Before you write something learn the true facts of Rock's history and don't write something that is not ...more
Elvis himself said that he only wished he could write a song like Chuck Berry. Literally anybody and everybody associated with rock (heck, pop music in general) since the 50's can be traced back to Chuck Berry. John Lennon said, "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'." Elvis was easily more popular, but I'd argue that Chuck left a much bigger impact musically. No one can claim to have invented rock 'n' roll, but Chuck Berry comes the closest.
Rock-n-Roll was called N-word music (or jungle music) long before Elvis came along initially singing the exact same music (refer to the old B/W videos). I remember this as a kid. Elvis came along and bridged the gap so that all could listen to it and was met with heavy resistance. Elvis skyrocketed to stardom and fame, and also started raking in the cash, and hence became the king. Chuck was the father, and Elvis was the king of rock.
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, led him to both great success and initial controversy. ...read more. When Elvis recorded his SUN sessions he really invented a new style. When you listen to this records it has the ability to make you forget all others, to banish the gentrified pop that came in its wake, as well the raggle-taggle Blues that came before it. This records are one of those things that just can't be argued with, a pop-cultural milestone of huge importance. Elvis was the major teen breaktrough, the universal hero, a symbol of teenage rebellion. In this way, without even trying, he became one of the people who have radically affected the way that people live and think. This was new, fresh, nervous cutting music, it exploded all over the place. But above all, it was the sexiest thing that anyone had ever heard or seen. Elvis is really the trigger of Rock and Roll and therefore rightfully proclaimed as the King of Rock and Roll.
The biggest star and greatest legend who ever lived. Chuck berry above him, he wouldn't agree himself! Had nowhere near the record sales, gold platinum and diamond discs or sell out concerts that Elvis had. Nobody but nobody has or ever will be as good as elvis. The brightest star that ever shone, the greatest icon and the coolest guy who ever walked on the planet. His wonderful voice is still selling records today, 42 years after he passed away. Rest in peace wonderful man, your millions of fans love you and will never forget you. God bless your lovely memory.
He was not only one of the great founder of Rock & Roll.
He had an incredible voice range of three octaves able to such a versitality in many different styles using tonnes of tones!
From Rock & Roll to Semi Classic, from Blues to Country Music, Gospel to Latino Music, etc...
Add just is exceptional presence and charisma...
He still the KING!
He was and always will be the king ofrock and roll, the greatest ever. 600,000 people visit graceland every year to honour him. Know any other entertainer who has that many people on their doorstep? The fabulous elvis, should be number 1 on this list. God bless you, darling man.
Buddy Holly, born Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959) was an American musician and singer-songwriter who was a central figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. He was a rising star when a tragic plane crash struck him down at age 22. ...read more. Buddy Holly was definitely the "Father of Rock and Roll". He was a huge influence on many musicians around the world, and had a lasting effect on music. Not to mention, he was a brilliant singer who didn't need any vocal enhancing and tricks that so many musicians these days use to make themselves sound better. Buddy wrote all of his own songs, sang his own music with no vocal enhancing tricks, and was an amazing talent by playing lead guitar, while the Crickets provided the background vocals and music. If anyone should be considered the Father of Rock and Roll, in my eyes at least, it definitely has to be Buddy Holly!
Buddy Holly must have been the most efficient, hands on, do it all kind of guy to have accomplished hat he did in the time he did it. He had already completed 15 tours (probably short ones considering it was the 50s) by the time of his death. Everything he did was innovative for that time from his instrument choice to the way he must have communicated his thoughts to get the sound he wanted from his side men & the talent he surrounded himself with. He was in the process of being in control of his marketing & Royalties at the time of his death, another first. During his road tours he was in charge & preferred not to drink etc. nor did he encourage it. Just a responsible, straight laced guy doing what he loved & doing it in a Legendary way.
Buddy did more for Rock N Roll than any artist. He created the echo chamber, the four piece rock band and overdubbing. He was also the first major artist to use a Fender Stratocaster. The fact that he wrote, produced and recorded his songs speaks volumes about his talent. In an 18 month time span, he wrote many songs that are still played and being re-recorded today. Somewhere in the world, one of his songs is being played on the radio right now. It's been over 50 years since his voice was silenced, but the music plays on. He will not fade away. Ever. Listen to songs like Everyday, where the drummer slaps his knees to give the rhythm. Not Fade away, where the drummer plays on a cardboard box. The Beatles named their band after the Crickets for a reason. Buddy Holly was inducted into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame before them for a reason. He was simply the best.
Buddy wrote and performed songs that captured a generation. He was an innovator. Some of his best songs are ones you don't often hear played by radio or SIRIUS. And he did this in barely two years--just think what he would've accomplished had he lived longer. He didn't need glitz--he let his music speak for him!
Richard Wayne Penniman, known by his stage name, Little Richard, was an American musician, singer and songwriter. He is widely regarded to be one of the most influential rock musicians of all time. I was there to hear Little Richard and Chuck Barry. Chuck Barry got all the press. The true Father of Rock and Roll is Little Richard
Preceeded Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, & Elvis in breaking out into rock & roll. Big influence on John Lennon.
So different so cool so original. Heard his religious album shows how versitile the guy really is.
Raw, unfiltered rock and roll...the way it should be! Little Richard is King!
Roy Kelton Orbison, professionally known as Roy Orbison, nicknamed Big O, was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and musician, mostly known for his complex voice and for hits such as, "Oh, Pretty Woman". The originator of the rock ballad. Wrote most of his own material. Elvis said Roy had the greatest voice in the world, and Elvis was the king so... Listen to Roy on you tube and you'll see why.
He actually recorded many upbeat Rockabilly while at Sun-records. Later on he focused more on ballads and pop.
Bill Haley and the Comets were the best and first Rock and Roll band with their hit Rock Around the Clock in 1953 and it was the theme song used in the movie Blackboard Jungle. Crazy Man Crazy was another hit and Shake Rattle and Roll sold a million copies in 1954. I still remember his great performance at Festival Hall Brisbane, Queensland in 1957.
As a former Comet I say Bill Haley is the one that brought R&R to mainstream of American Life. The others mentioned here mostly rode his coat tails into the mainstream of acceptance..
Although I like all of the "fathers" on this list, I just felt like going with Bill Haley and His Comets. After all, they came early in rock 'n roll history, didn't they? Made some catchy songs, that's for sure
Rock around the Clock just shook the World, it connected the rebellious youth to a sound. So for this song alone Bill Haley deserves at least the number two spot.
Jerry Lee Lewis (1935 - 2022) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, and pianist, often known by his nickname, The Killer. He has been described as "rock and roll's first great wild man." A pioneer of rock and roll and rockabilly music, Lewis made his first recordings in 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, with his signature song, "Great Balls on Fire", later being featured in Top Gun. Jerry Lee Lewis is playing on Beale St. Memphis on New Years Eve. That's Jerry Lee Lewis in Memphis, New Years Eve 2017. Only 125 tickets are available. 125! The killer has been playing up and down the Mississipi since the late '40's. He is the undisputed King of Rock n Roll. This is not a commercial! It's just an insane phenomenon!
The Killer himself proclaimed he played the Devil's music. And hell was he good at pumping' that piano!
He once lit his piano on fire. If we're talkin' the rock 'n' roll attitude, Jerry Lee is where that comes from.
This guy goes crazy on the piano!
Robert Leroy Johnson was an American blues singer-songwriter and musician. His landmark recordings in 1936 and 1937 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. ...read more. Everybody knows that Rock and Roll is a mixture of black music and white music born in the early fifties. If you put every black blues singer on this list, you also will be able to say that every black blues singer contributed to Rock and Roll. Robert Johnson? Unique and very talented but it's really the electric blues and Rhythm and Blues that was the inspiration for Rock and Roll and not the acoustic Blues. Real " black " fathers of Rock and Roll are, Arthur " big boy " Crudup, Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker, Little Walter, Roy Brown, Arthur Gunter, Junior Parker, Big Joe Turner etc...Fathers of Rock and Roll that were white, Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Hardrock Gunter, Rose Maddox, Tommy Scott etc... My point is that if you go back in time to see where Rock and Roll did get its influences, you have to put some limits because otherwise you can say that a Tam-Tam in Africa and a folk-fiddle in Europe are the roots of Rock and Roll. Like I said, Robert Johnson was ...more
Maybe more of a grandfather of rock and roll. I just want to see him get the credit he deserves.
Sold his soul to the devil so Rock and Roll could be born! He's #1!
The man sells his soul for Rock and Roll and he gets number 9!
To Belt 'Em Out, like the Stones, that began in the Nightclubs & Taverns of Kansas City When Big Joe (the Rock) and his pianist
'Pete Johnson' (the Roll) needed to compete with cross-town likes of a Count Basie or a Lester Young and all the others there at the time. Beginning about 1930, the two collaborated twenty years. Two of my favorite hits preformed by Big Joe are Boogie Woogie Country Girl --- Flip Flop and Fly.
Big Joe Turner in KC was the first with "Shake, Rattle and Roll". Then across the State of Missouri Chuck Barry came along as the second Rock and Roller. THen the rest of the nation followed in Missouri's footsteps.
Roll 'Em Pete, 1938. Rock the Joint, 1947. Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup belongs at the top of this list followed by Big Joe Turner.
He had what is considered the first rock song with "Shake Rattle and Roll. "
Ellas McDaniel, known as Bo Diddley, was an American singer, guitarist, songwriter and music producer who played a key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. Dr. Bo Diddley took Chicago blues and gave it a rock and roll beat. When the Beatles landed in NYC they asked, Is there a chance we can see Bo Diddley?
John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author, who was widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He died of ...read more. Johnny Cash was the first to have a song voted in Rock and roll hall of fame and country music hall of fame - Ring of fire won both seats in the mid 60's!
He was mainly country! I don't know he belongs here!
Top out of all of them
Edward Raymond "Eddie" Cochran (October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960) was an American musician. Rock and roll pioneer, he was only 21 years old when he died in a car crash. ...read more. Eddie Cochran was a real rocker of the fifties, a rebellious type of James Dean figure, sexual arrogance, but most of all his music and lyrics are still being adopted by contemporary standards. It is that of the teenage rebel conveyed in its most direct form. He expresses frustration at the impositions of the older generation, parents and employers in particular, the excitement of adolescent sex, the arrogance of a new found confidence contrasted with the uncertain tenderness of " real love " experienced for the first time. He sang all this matters with " genuine " expression. And all these expressions of excitement, uncertain feelings, frustrations, anger, tenderness etc... can be heard in his music, in his way he played the guitar, the way he sang. He had a big following in the U.K. and while on tour over there during the year 1960, he died in a car crash. One of the greatest rockers of the fifties was gone. Luckely he left us his amazing music and always will be remembered.
The most talented rocker in his era and father of guitar based rock. Best guitarist of his time (hands down), guitar and musical pioneer, composer, producer, played guitar - bass - piano & drums, wrote his own songs, evolved guitar technique, could play literally any style, set the base for rock guitar, only white guy who could actually play the blues... and he died when he was 21. Nothing else to add.
Everyone on Earth has at least heard "come on everybody". If he hadn't had died at only 21, rock could've gone another level.
Antoine "Fats" Domino, Jr. was a French Creole pianist and singer-songwriter. He released five gold records before 1955 and had 35 hit records in the U.S. Top 40. He died on October 25, 2017. Can't believe he's not in the Top Ten list! His earliest recordings, going back to 1949, are very much rock and roll before it was a recognized genre. From the period 1955-1962, he was second only to Elvis Presley in record sales.
Vincent Eugene Craddock, known as Gene Vincent, was an American musician who pioneered the styles of rock and roll and rockabilly. True great. Try Bebop a lula.
Had one of the greatest rock & roll songs of all itme. Be Pop a Lulu
Jimi Hendrix (born November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music". Hendrix is consistently ranked on lists of musicians who died too soon. He is the best rock&roller in the world and he is my idol. I don't think this world will ever forget the name "JIMI HENDRIX".
He is by far the greatest guitarist of all time. He literally invented rock.
I can't stop pooping, actually I gotta go. I gotta poop right now!
Greatest guitar player who ever lived, probably won't see anybody like him ever again
Richard Steven Valenzuela (May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959), known as Ritchie Valens, was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens' recording career lasted eight months, as it abruptly ended when he died (aged 17) in a plane crash, on what has become known as "The Day the Music Died", an accident that also claimed the lives of fellow musicians Buddy Holly and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as pilot Roger Peterson. Three albums recorded by him were released posthumously. Valens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. That's a hard and risky statement to do. Ritchie Valens was without a doubt talented but without Elvis Presley he wouldn't even have existed as a Rock and Roll singer. His first single came out in 1958 when he was seventeen. Elvis Presley had already made four movies and was getting drafted into the army in 1958. It's obvious that he was inspired by Elvis, so saying that he is the real King of Rock and that he would be have better than Elvis Presley is really making an overstatement.
Alan Freed coined the term "Rock 'n' Roll," and people who say that Chuck Berry did it are incorrect. Chuck Berry began his career after the first "Rock 'n' Roll" song was released in 1951 by Jackie Brenston, named "Rocket 88." Chuck Berry's first hit, "Maybellene," was first released in 1955. Bill Haley and His Comets made "Rock 'n' Roll" popular with "Rock Around the Clock." Elvis was the king, but he was not the first to sing "Rock 'n' Roll." Buddy Holly was one of the world's most talented artists, but his career started in 1956. Buddy Holly was the father of "Rock Music," not "Rock 'n' Roll" music. In my opinion, Jackie Brenston was the first to sing "Rock 'n' Roll," but he didn't get good hits. The first "Rock 'n' Roll" hit was "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and His Comets. I give credit to Alan Freed because he was the one who had the power to create a ...more
Ray Charles Robinson, professionally known as Ray Charles, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He is awesome
McKinley Morganfield, known by his stage name Muddy Waters, was an American blues musician who is often cited as the "father of modern Chicago blues". Its funny because all of the white people forget that Rock n' Roll was considered race music (Black, Urban) and was created by African-Americans ONLY. Just like Jazz and Blues before it. Not one of the white artist named above had anything to do with the creation of the artform. Yes, they helped popularize it because the music gatekeepers hand picked the faces of white artist that they thought would be marketable and provided TONS of resources not afforded to Black artist of that time. History will not be re-written to make these people bigger than they are. The artist listed above stole or barrowed their entire style from the "TRUE" forefathers. SMH, these forums disgust me.
Muddy Waters is a Chicago Blues legend and helped influence the first Rock n' Rollers.
The Beatles were an English pop rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The members consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They were soon known as the foremost and most influential act of rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later experimented with several genres, ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock, often incorporating classical elements in innovative ways. ...read more. It's stunning to me when some naive gen z folks fail to recognize how original The Beatles were. This band set a new standard for rock that kicked off 30 yrs of what is now called: "classic rock". They were the first of a revolutionary musical generation. No other band, or musician (ALL original music) has influenced our culture the way The Beatles did.
We're talking about the Fathers of Rock and Roll here on this list. Meaning the instigators of Rock and Roll. The Beatles were in their early years no more than a " cover " band of Rock and Roll ( and in my opinion a not that good coverband ). They really don't belong here!
What an insult! They were NOT the fathers of rock and roll. They weren't even a rock and roll band. Deluded, obsessional fans, they were a POP BAND and in case you don't know, rock music is NOT the same as POP music!
Sheesh! Beatle fans will try anything! The Beatles were A POP BAND and therefore should be removed from this list.
Izear Luster "Ike" Turner, Jr. was an American musician, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, talent scout, and record producer. A huge jerk, but he made the very first rock and roll record "Rocket 88", long before he met Tina.
James Douglas "Jim" Morrison was an American singer, songwriter, and poet best remembered as the lead singer of the Doors.
Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara, 5th September 1946 - 24th November 1991) was a Zanzibari-born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter and record producer, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the British rock band Queen. He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave ...read more. Excuse me? Why isn't this amazing man here?
Jared Joseph Leto is an American actor, singer-songwriter, and director. He is well known for being the lead singer of Thirty Seconds to Mars. There is no contest. He is the best
A popular DJ in the fifties and after that. But he's not a singer or promoter and so he didn't really contributed as a " father ". Black singer " Rufus Thomas " and also DJ in the fifties on a black radiostation in Memphis was the first black DJ to play Elvis Presley's first SUN-Records single on his radioshow. He really contributed to Rock and Roll, making the race differences in music at that time acceptable for everyone. The mixture of white and black music was a new kind of music made for every race on earth.