Title: All Shook Up: How Rock 'N' Roll Changed America (Pages 40-60)

Title: All Shook Up: How Rock 'N' Roll Changed America
Author: Glenn C. Altschuler
Pages: 40-60
Chapters: 1-2

SUMMARY: Elvis Aron Presley, rock 'n' roll legend, was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was born in a middle class family. He was a well-rounded student and joined mostly all the clubs in school. Despite the fact that he was well-rounded, ironically he was a misfit and an outcast. His interest in clothes and hairstyles were very avant garde to the society. He began to sing in Ellis Auditorium's All-Night Gospel Singings. After he graduated, he drove a truck and worked as a machinist and usher in the movies. Elvis started to play the guitar and teach himself basic chords. The greatest moment in Rock 'N' Roll history occurred when Elvis walked into Sun Records. He sparks an interest in Sam Philips, owner, realizing his unique moves and sound. Elvis records his first song mixing, R&B and country hillbilly creating a hybrid known as "Rockabilly." This unique music sold lots pf records in many places although other DJs called it country and didn't play it on their radios. Many were unaware that Elvis was white so in his first interview, he was told to say he is a white musician. After the first performance Elvis had, he began to feel confident and the fans loved it. Elvis also credited African Americans for the music and wanted racial equality. Mobs began to outrage and beat up black musicians who even barely played Rock 'N' Roll.

QUOTATION: "Attacks on Negro Performers and rock 'n' roll tended to polarize in many quarters they evoked more vocal support for the civil rights movement" (Altschuler 40).

REACTION: Rock 'n' Roll really messed things up but also fixed other things. Although many mobs feared the rise of black musicians and assaulted many, this was strengthening the civil rights movement. Rock 'n' Roll helped save African Americans from segregation. This music in my eyes seem like this gargantuan hands filled with immense power trying to mold the races together. It also relates to the first ROAR book "Warriors Don't Cry" I read. Since, it was the era of Civil Rights Movement plus great music (Rock 'n' Roll), the equality line was appearing closer. People listened to the music and the musicians supported African American integration. This had an effect on the listeners or the audience per se. I am very glad to hear Rock 'n' Roll was part of the process in bringing people together.