Final answer:
The rock styles of the early 1970s derived from a mix of rhythm and blues, gospel, country, and jazz, and became a symbol of youth rebellion. Rock 'n' roll helped to break down racial barriers and reflected generational changes and countercultural sentiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The musical and cultural roots of the rock styles of the early 1970s are deeply entrenched in the societal changes and musical innovations of the previous decades. Rock 'n' roll, which emerged in the 1950s, was a product of various musical traditions including rhythm and blues, gospel, country, and jazz.
These styles coalesced to form the distinctive sound of early rock music, with an emphasis on amplification, electronics, and the influence of African American call-and-response vocal traditions.
As the genre evolved, it became a symbol of youth rebellion and was instrumental in the civil rights movement, as it helped blur racial lines and brought black and white Americans together through shared musical tastes. By the 1970s, the impact of rock 'n' roll was undeniable.
Icons like Elvis Presley had brought the genre to widespread attention, despite initial controversies surrounding its racial roots and influence on young audiences. Events like Woodstock in 1969 epitomized rock's role in promoting a sense of freedom and countercultural values.