Final answer:
Originally, 'Rock and Roll' referred to a blend of uptempo blues, jazz, and country music, which evolved into the musical genre known for its rebellious themes and appeal to teens. It ignited a cultural revolution, blurring racial lines, and endorsing social change in 1950s America, led by artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and popularized by DJs like Alan Freed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before Rock and Roll was recognized as a musical genre, the term referred to various evolutions of uptempo blues, jazz, and country music which morphed into Rhythm and Blues. Artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, whose performance of 'Strange Things Happening Everyday' is credited as one of the first true Rock and Roll performances, significantly influenced what would become a revolutionary genre. When Rock and Roll music emerged, it celebrated freedom and young love, and it resonated with American teens, growing in popularity thanks to disc jockeys like Alan Freed.
Rock and Roll shook the society to its core, becoming an instant success among teenagers and causing a cultural impact that led to blurring of racial lines and challenging social norms. Its fundamental combination of electric instruments with gospel, blues, country, and jazz created a new, electrifying sound. Despite disapproval from some adults and resistance to its integration into mainstream society, the music thrived, made popular by artists such as Little Richard, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Buddy Holly.
It's essential to recognize that the genre was not only a form of musical expression but also a powerful social force. Rock and Roll played a significant role in eroding racial barriers in the 1950s America, leading to greater social interaction between black and white communities, thanks in part to the medium of television showcasing artists of both races. As the music gained its place in American culture, even television shows like 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and 'American Bandstand' contributed to further mainstreaming of the genre