Final answer:
Rock and roll music of the 1950s integrated African American and white American cultures, blurred racial lines, and significantly influenced social changes, such as the decline of segregation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The birth of rock and roll in the mid-1950s served as a powerful cultural force that contributed to the integration within American society. This new genre of music emerged from a combination of electric instruments with the diverse sounds of gospel, blues, country, jazz, and R&B, gaining immense popularity especially among teenagers. The blend of African American musical styles with the celebrity of white musicians like Elvis Presley did more than just entertain; it played a crucial role in blurring racial lines, encouraging intermingling between black and white youths, and ultimately contributing to the decline of segregation.
Artists like Little Richard, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino took the music to new heights of popularity and profitability, while shows such as the Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand facilitated social interactions among a mixed racial audience. Despite resistance from some parents and figures like Frank Sinatra, who disapproved of the genre, rock and roll's infectious rhythm and themes of youthful rebellion resonated with the young generation, helping to bridge racial gaps and redraw societal norms.