Final answer:
The Beatles redefined rock in the 1960s by blending genres and elevating the music to an art form, contributing to rock's status as a force for cultural change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Beatles significantly contributed to the redefinition of rock in the 1960s through their innovative approach to music, blending different genres and presenting a more sophisticated form of rock music that spoke to a wider audience. With albums like 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' and songs such as 'Yesterday' and 'Hey Jude', they not only pushed the boundaries of traditional rock and roll but also contributed to the music's artistic recognition. By the end of the decade, the cultural phenomenon of the Beatles, along with other notable events like the Woodstock festival, had fostered a new status for popular music where it was no longer just a form of entertainment but a significant cultural force with the power to influence societal movements and attitudes towards issues like civil rights and the Vietnam War.