Collection: Rock and Roll

Rock and Roll was arguably where it all began for the recording industry. Sadly, that was predicated on race. This kind of music had existed for some time in the form of Rhythm and Blues and Boogie Woogie. It wasn't until it was taken up by white performers that it became the phenomenon it was destined to be. Still, there was much crossover between early Rhythm and Blues and early Rock and Roll. 

Often, records in these genres would contain several songs that could be interchangeable between the genres. So it came down to who was recording it and where. 

Artists like Elvis and Buddy Holly are icons of Rock and Roll whereas Little Richard is a poster boy for Rhythm and Blues. Yet, if you listen to all of those artists with your eyes closed, you'll hear but little difference. This is why the debate over whether Chuck Berry was Rhythm and Blues or Rock and Roll still rages.