History of Rock N' Roll - Kim Hanlon
I think that sexuality played an important role in the lives and careers of the Beatles, Elvis and Bob Dylan. They each expressed their sexuality in a little different way. The Beatles used their charming good looks and rebellious haircuts to show off themselves and who they were. Elvis used his dance moves and style to express is sexual personality and Bob Dylan used his controversial, poetic lyrics to drive is inner personality. All three of them played an important role in turning around society’s views of women and liberalizing thoughts about sexuality and human expression.
I believe that physical appearance played a role in their musical identity. I think it played more of a role in Elvis’ and the Beatles careers more so than in Bob Dylan’s. Dylan was all about his lyrics. He was a poet at heart, but found a unique way of expressing his creations to the public through folk song and later, the electric guitar.
I believe that it was easier for the Beatles to flaunt social and cultural American conservatism because they were British. They came over here as a huge hit and there was no way the U.S could not allow them to come in. They were so popular that they could do just about whatever they wanted when it came to breaking the conservative views.
Elvis was able to flaunt social and cultural American conservatism because of his looks and the uniqueness that he brought to the stage. It was the right time for change in views and beliefs and he was the one to deliver. He paved the way for other artists to be themselves and express their sexuality.
I think that music can influence young kids because their minds are not fully developed. They can make misjudgments about lyrics in songs and become confused with reality and make-believe.
Unfortunately, I believe that Elvis’ take on the popular blues song was big when he sang it was because of the color of skin. The 50s and 60s were a tough time for minorities, especially African Americans. Elvis also incorporated his controversial dance moves and charming good looks.
What helped the Beatles and Rolling Stones was in part that they were foreign, from Europe, but that they were a new, fresh sound and rebellious look that helped boost their popularity. Both bands are also very talented in what they do.
Rock n’ roll was the ‘forbidden’ language of music at the time and Elvis helped to bring the popularity to the rest of society who could not accept it and basically forced those people to accept it for what it was. He became so popular that people had to give in and accept him for his talent and creativity.
I think the baby boom rebellious idea was some validity to it. The 50s and 60s were a time of change and what better way than to change through music. It allows people to be themselves and have a good time doing it.
Women played a huge role in the cultural phenomenon of music at that time. I do not think that these bands and artists would have been as big without women; they were the majority of their fan base. Women were finally able to express themselves and their sexuality.