Final answer:
The statement is true; rockabilly's popularity declined in the late '50s, with artists like Eddie Cochran adopting more standard pop elements. Rock 'n' roll, spearheaded by Elvis Presley and others, had become a youth phenomenon despite adult resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rock 'n' Roll and the Transition of Musical Trends
The assertion that the popularity of the rockabilly style was waning with the rise of teen idol pop stars in the late 1950s is true. Eddie Cochran, an icon of rock and roll, did try to infuse more standard musical accompaniments and falsetto vocals into his music as seen in his last hit, "Three Steps to Heaven". This transition was indicative of the evolving tastes of the youth and the influence of emerging pop stars. Nonetheless, the foundation laid by rock and roll artists was significant; their work broke racial barriers and created a cultural phenomenon.
Elvis Presley, one of the most charismatic figures of the era, blended various musical styles such as gospel, blues, country, and rhythm and blues, to propel the rock 'n' roll genre to unprecedented levels of popularity. The initial rise of rock 'n' roll was met with resistance from adults who feared its influence on American values and youth behavior. However, this rebellious music found its audience in teenagers, who were drawn to the energetic and boundary-pushing performances by artists like Presley, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley.
With the passage of time, as rock 'n' roll evolved and competed with new musical trends, artists like Eddie Cochran began to experiment with more pop-oriented sounds. Despite this, rock 'n' roll had already made an indelible impact on the musical landscape of the 1950s, and its legacy would continue to influence future generations and genres.