Rock and roll may have burst onto the scene in the mid-1950s, but its roots run deep through gospel, blues, country and R&B. In this class, we’ll trace the origins of this electrifying new sound, explore the cultural and musical forces that shaped it, and examine how — just as it was taking off — rock and roll faced an unexpected backlash that nearly silenced it. Discover the artists, innovations, and controversies that defined the decade and set the stage for the music revolution to come.