Final answer:
Bill Haley's cover of 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' is faster and has toned down lyrics compared to Joe Turner's original, showcasing the differences between blues and early rock music. Haley's adaptation reflects broader cultural shifts and the marketing strategies that led to rock and roll's mainstream success.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing Joe Turner's version of Shake, Rattle and Roll with Bill Haley's rendition, we can pinpoint several differences that highlight the evolution from the blues to early rock music based on the blues. Firstly, Haley's version is noticeably faster than Turner's, which is a common characteristic of rock music that differentiates it from the more laid-back tempo typical of blues. This tempo change contributed to a more energetic and danceable vibe, which was appealing to the youth of that time. Secondly, the lyrics in Haley's version are more toned down than those in Turner's original. This sanitization made the song more palatable to a wider, often more conservative, white audience. These alterations not only indicate the differentiation of musical genres but also reflect the cultural shifts and the strategic marketing that allowed rock and roll to become mainstream.
The evolution of the music industry during this time saw an influx of white artists like Bill Haley and Elvis Presley who adopted musical elements from African American communities, achieving mainstream success and inadvertently participating in the breakdown of racial barriers within the industry. As rock and roll continued to grow in popularity, it became synonymous with youth rebellion and a departure from traditional middle-class societal norms. The genre's blend of electric instruments with gospel, blues, country, jazz, and R&B created a unique sound that captivated American teens nationwide.