Final answer:
Rhythm and blues (R&B) is the musical style that most closely foreshadows and resembles the sounds and styles of 1950s rock and roll. R&B evolved from various genres like uptempo blues, jazz, and country music, and had influences from gospel and blues as well. Artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Jackie Brantson were early pioneers of R&B, which eventually paved the way for the rise of rock and roll.
Step-by-step explanation:
The style of music that most closely foreshadows and resembles the sounds and styles of 1950s rock and roll is rhythm and blues (R&B).
R&B was a genre created predominantly by Black artists and marketed to Black audiences in the 1940s. It evolved from uptempo blues, jazz, and country music, and had influences from gospel and blues as well. Artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Jackie Brantson were early pioneers of this genre. Their music, along with the technological advancements such as the 45 record and the solid-body electric guitar, paved the way for the rise of rock and roll.
Rock and roll grew in popularity among American teens in the 1950s, driven by the efforts of disc jockey Alan Freed and the crossover appeal of R&B and rock and roll to young White listeners. The heavy rhythm, simple lyrics, and melodies of rock and roll captivated teenagers from all over the country.
White musicians like Elvis Presley, who was deeply influenced by rhythm and blues, followed the lead of African American artists and enjoyed both celebrity and controversy.