The 50s Flashcards
Recording studio in Memphis, TN
Sun Records
When was Sun Records founded?
1952
Who started Sun Records?
Sam Phillips
What was the first rock song to hit the charts?
Rocket 88
Who performed Rocket 88?
Ike Turner
Who was Ike Turner?
A horrible person and wife beater
What kind of music did Sun records record?
Delta Blues
Who famously recorded with Sun Records?
B.B King and Elvis Presley
What was Elvis influenced by?
Black culture, gospel, country, R&B, and hillbilly
What was Elvis’ first hit?
“That’s Alright Mama”
Who originally wrote “That’s alright, Mama”?
A Blues artist named Arthur Crudup in 1946
Did Elvis write who own music?
No.
What were the first two songs Elvis released?
“That’s alright, Mama” and “Blue Moon on Kentucky.”
When did Elvis come to Sun Records?
1953, when Elvis was 18.
What was rockabilly?
The “white version” of Rhythm and Blues. The term was created to describe Elvis’ music.
What region does rockabilly come from?
The south
Who was the King of Rock and Roll?
Elvis Presley
What was crossover music?
Music that appealed to the white youth as well as the black community
When was Chess Records founded?
1950
Who founded Chess Records?
Leonard and Phil Chess, two brothers who immigrated from Poland
What kind of blues did Chess Records record?
Originally Delta Blues which evolved into Chicago Blues
What is the difference between Delta and Chicago Blues?
Chicago blues was amplified, used electric guitars and harmonicas. Delta Blues was acoustic.
Why did many black families migrate north in the 40s and 50s?
Farms required less workers due to agricultural advancements.
Who were the two crossover artists that Chess Records recorded?
Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry
What was the Bo Diddley beat?
A style of rhythm made famous by Bo Diddley. Was inspired by the salsa beat in Mexican music. Influenced countless artists including Buddy Holly
What show was Bo Diddley on?
The Ed Sullivan Show
Why did Chess Records arrange for Bo Diddley to play on the Ed Sullivan Show?
Marketing
What was Bo Diddley’s real name?
Ellis McDaniel
What instrument did Bo Diddley play before the guitar?
The violin
What would Bo Diddley include in his band?
Women and a variety of instruments like the electric violin and maracas
What was the main influence on Chuck Berry’s sound?
Country
What was Chuck Berry an innovator of?
The guitar solo. He set the standard for many artists and influenced John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen