Important People:

Alan Freed

• A DJ who helped popularize the term "rock ‘n’ roll."

Chuck Berry

• A pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll known for his guitar riffs and showmanship.

Little Richard

• An energetic performer who shaped early rock with his flamboyant style.

Fats Domino

A rock and R&B artist known for his smooth piano style.

Elvis Presley

• The "King of Rock and Roll," blending blues, gospel, and country.

Buddy Holly

• A rock pioneer who influenced future musicians with his songwriting.

Wanda Jackson

• A rockabilly and country singer known as the "Queen of Rockabilly."

Richie Valens

A Chicano rock musician famous for "La Bamba."

Phil Spector

• A record producer who developed the Wall of Sound technique.

Berry Gordy

•  Founder of Motown Records, shaping the sound of R&B and pop.

Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys)

• A musical innovator known for intricate harmonies and production.

The Beatles

• A British rock band that revolutionized music in the 1960s.

Herb Alpert

•  A jazz musician and founder of A&M Records.

Ray Charles

• A pioneering soul musician blending gospel, R&B, and jazz.

Sam Cooke

• A soul singer known for blending gospel with popular music.

James Brown

• The "Godfather of Soul," known for funk and energetic performances.

Aretha Franklin

• The "Queen of Soul," with powerful vocals and gospel influence.

Righteous Brothers

• A duo famous for their blue-eyed soul ballads.

Dionne Warwick

A pop and R&B singer with many hits from the 1960s and 1970s.

Jimi Hendrix

• A revolutionary guitarist known for his electric sound and innovation.

Eric Clapton

A blues-rock guitarist with a long influential career.

Patsy Cline

• A country music star with a smooth, emotive voice.

Bob Dylan

• A folk singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics.

Simon and Garfunkel

• A folk-rock duo with intricate harmonies and introspective lyrics.

Jefferson Airplane

• A psychedelic rock band from the 1960s.

Janis Joplin

•  A blues-rock singer known for her raw vocal power.

The Grateful Dead

A pioneering jam band blending rock, folk, and psychedelia.

Carole King

• A singer-songwriter known for introspective lyrics and melodies.

Dolly Parton

• A country music icon with a prolific career.

John Denver

• A folk and country singer known for nature-themed songs.

Elton John

• A flamboyant rock pianist and singer-songwriter.

Stevie Wonder

• A multi-instrumentalist known for his contributions to soul and pop.

David Bowie

• A genre-defying rock artist known for his theatrical persona.

Allman Brothers Band

• A Southern rock band blending blues, jazz, and rock.

Miles Davis

• A jazz trumpeter who pioneered multiple jazz styles.