Final answer:
The end of the early days of rock and roll was significantly influenced by the British Invasion, which brought British bands like The Beatles to the forefront of American music, altering the culture and shifting the genre's dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following events contributed to the end of the heady early days of rock and roll? The correct answer is a. The British Invasion.
The British Invasion refers to the period in the 1960s when several British rock bands, including The Beatles, became enormously popular in the United States. This massive cultural shift not only influenced American music but also led to a shift in popular culture and fashion.
The British bands brought with them a distinct sound and attitude that differed from the original rock and roll of the 1950s and early 1960s, leading to significant changes in the music industry and popular culture.
Rock and roll as a genre blurred racial lines and contributed to desegregation efforts during the 1950s by bringing together black and white audiences through a shared love of music.
Shows like the Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand helped to further this cultural integration. Meanwhile, the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education also played a critical role in integrating society.