Rock N Roll

Bob Dylan used his music in the 1960’s to convey social messages and to protest against the Vietnam war and other social upheavals.

A few of his songs, more notably, “The Times They Are a-Changin’” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” became the soundtrack for many civil right movements that took place. It is mainly his lyrics that take centre stage rather than the accompanying music. His influences can be heard heavily in his lyrics, particularly his literary, political, philosophical and social influences.

Bob Dylan is still touring the world and thrilling huge audiences. One of his latest albums called Modern Times is massive hit and has won the acclaimed title of Album of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine.

Dylan uses a guitar, harmonica and a piano to wow his audiences with his sound. His sound is not only unique, but so is his attitude. From his protesting days in the 60’s to his subtle political messages now, Dylan has always wanted to be able to express himself and his views freely.

Dylan is still touring now and his tours have been penned as the never-ending tour. Some people believe that as his vocals are not as strong as they used to be, he should stop touring. However, many of his fans and the fact that the tour sells out night after night, would clearly disagree with the critics.

It was official in the 60’s and during the height of rock and roll – adults didn’t get it, kids loved it and many thought rock and roll was the work of the devil! Rock and roll music was a way for the younger people to rebel against society, the government, their own lives and their family.

Living in the rock and roll lifestyle usually meant dabbling in sex and drugs. This wasn’t the same for everyone, but many artists and fans used drugs and had unprotected sex with, well anyone!

Psychedelic music became prominent in the 60’s and so did the drug use of everyday people. This is partly due to the fact that many of the artists and the bands actively encouraged their listeners to appreciate the music while being under the influence of drugs.

The rise of drug use coincided with artists and bands openly admitting that they too took the drugs. A famous case of this includes the Beatles. Once they had admitted to taking cannabis and writing songs while under the influence, the fans followed suit. Drugs and rock and roll soon became intertwined with each other and one of the main reasons why adults and parents hated it with a passion.

Many famous and legendary rock stars have died from drug abuse and many wear the scars and the tell tale signs of hard rug use on their faces today. Of course today, we are a little wiser about drugs and stars try not to promote taking illegal substances.

There are many contributing factors to the changes that rock and roll went through in the 50’s and the 60’s. Here are just a few of the major impacts on rock and roll.

The Beatles – The Beatles came from Liverpool in the UK and changed the face and the sound of rock and roll for a whole generation. The Beatles came into America and made the states go wild! They stayed as a group for ten years creating hit after hit.

Motown – Motown made a huge impact on rock and roll, giving it a different edge and opening the doors for many great artists to shine. The sound of Motown made it big in the 60’s and still presides in music today.

Surfers – The surfer sound in rock and roll came mainly from The Beach Boys in the 60’s. They made beaches, beautiful girls, fast cars and surfing extremely popular!

Protests – Rock and roll became an outlet for many to be able to freely express their views. Artists started creating songs that had special meaning and targeting one group or another. Social protest became largely popular in the 60’s and the music of this time reflects the feelings of the times. Folk music was integrated into the rock and roll creating mellow and soft tones for the protest songs that included singing of peace and love.

There are many things that have influenced the sound and the feel of rock and roll in our past, present and in the future.