Final answer:
The music genre that became popular in the 1970s with bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple is rock. It emerged as a powerful blend of diverse musical styles and played a crucial role in blurring racial lines and contributing to social change.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1970s, the music genre that gained popularity with bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple is rock. This genre is a blend of various musical influences, incorporating electric instruments and elements from gospel, blues, country, jazz, and R&B, forging the iconic sound of rock and roll. The era's heavy rhythm, coupled with catchy lyrics and melodies, made it a hit with teenagers, propelling rock into the mainstream.
The birth of rock and roll played a significant role in the cultural landscape of America, blurring racial lines and contributing to the advancements in ending certain types of segregation. Rock brought together white suburbanites with the music of black America, creating a shared experience via the radio and record sales. This melting pot of musical influence helped shape the genre into a powerful force that challenged social norms and pushed boundaries.