The Secret History of Rock

The History of the Term “Rock and Roll,” Part 1

Have you ever wondered where the term “rock and roll” came from?  How did that phrase ever come to describe a certain style of popular music? Here’s the story.

In the beginning, “rocking and rolling” was African-American slang for “sex.”

As far as we can tell, the first piece of recorded music to use the term was a 1922 release by a black blues singer named Trixie Smith.  The song was called “My Man Rocks Me (With One Steady Roll).” 

Then, in 1934, a second song showed up, credited to a group of white jazz singers called the Boswell Sisters.  Their song was called “Rock and Roll”—and yes, they were talking about sex, too. 

That was followed in 1938, by “Rockin’ Rollers Jubilee,” a recording issued by bandleader Erskine Hawkins. 

But the most important song in this history came out in 1947 composition.  It was called “Good Rockin’ Tonight.”  More on that next time.

The History of the Term Rock and Roll, Part 2.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38031 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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