Joan Jett and the Blackhearts proclaimed it loudly and proudly, and most of us couldn't agree more: "I love rock and roll." An originally American phenomenon, rock and roll married the influences of country and western music and classic R&B (both of which were products of the blues). Rock and roll originated in the 1950s, and has been a primary influence in the music world ever since. R&B stars such as Chuck Berry and Fats Domino were extremely influential in the development of the rock and roll sound. However, many consider Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" to be the first true "rock and roll" single. This song captured the energy of American teenagers, was featured in the seminal film Blackboard Jungle, and launched a radio revolution. Perhaps the most famous of all early rock-n-rollers is Elvis Presley. Considered by many to be the man who brought rock to the mainstream, people still debate whether the King of Rock and Roll was an undeniably talented musical force or simply the right guy at the right time in the right place. Either way, Elvis's first single, "That's Alright, Mama," clearly displays the links between rhythm and blues, country, and modern rock. Modern rock acts continue the rebellious tradition to this day. Metal acts such as Slipknot continue to push the envelope, while alterna-rockers like Beck and the White Stripes reinvent "rock" with each album. Punksters like NOFX maintain the tradition of youth and fun, while lyricists such as Radiohead and the nu-metal of Linkin Park continue to evolve the genre. | 
