Final answer:
The provided reference material discusses the development of rock and roll and the evolution of American musical theatre but does not specify the first Rock Opera album. While Rock Operas are a narrative-driven fusion of rock music and storytelling, the first widely recognized Rock Opera is typically considered to be The Who's 'Tommy' from 1969.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origins of the First Rock Opera
The concept of a Rock Opera didn't exist during the initial surge of rock and roll in the 1940s, which was essentially a blend of uptempo blues, jazz, and country music leading to Rhythm and Blues, and later Rock and Roll. Yet, this era laid the foundation for the blending of music with narrative forms that would eventually crystallize into the unique genre of the Rock Opera. While the student's question seeks to identify the first album to be considered a Rock Opera, the provided reference material doesn't directly address Rock Operas. Instead, it describes the development of early rock and roll, the societal conditions that nurtured American musical theatre, and the connection between musical history and Rock Operas.
Societal changes during the 1930s and 40s, such as the Great Depression and World War II, led to a need for escapism, which facilitated the rise of American musical theatre. Notable composers and lyricists like the Gershwin brothers, Cole Porter, and the partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein contributed to this blossoming. However, these developments in musical theatre, as crucial as they were, do not pinpoint the first Rock Opera. Therefore, based on the information provided, we cannot accurately declare what the first Rock Opera was, but it is of note that the first widely recognized Rock Opera is often said to be The Who's 'Tommy,' released in 1969.