Episode 2: 1950s
The Birth of Rock and Roll
From Blues to Rock and Roll
The 1950s transformed blues progressions into energetic rock and roll. Guitar-driven riffs and backbeat rhythms popularized simple, powerful chord patterns.
12-bar Blues (Key of A)
A7 - D7 - A7 - A7 - D7 - D7 - A7 - A7 - E7 - D7 - A7 - E7
This structure became the backbone of early rock. Many hits used slight variations while keeping the driving feel.
Representative Songs
Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
I - IV - I - V
Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
I - I - IV - I - V - IV - I