There are many arguments about what qualifies as the first recorded rock n' roll song. And, coming up with a definitive answer is about as easy as a definitive answer as to who was the best U.S. President in history. Who knows? Probably the best two options for what qualifies as the first rock song would be Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston, which was actually the Ike Turner band, and Good Rockin' Tonight by Wynonie Harris. The first nominee is from the 1950's and the second is from the late 1940's.
While the aficionados can argue that one. There is one fact that is not in dispute. On July 9, 1955, a song went to the top of the Billboard charts. That song is, without any doubt, the first rock n' roll record to be #1 in the nation. And, as a result of that peak chart position, a new form of music was accepted as marketable and popular. Things would not be the same again.
Twin-pick contests are easy, charming, highly stimulating, automatic and fun. You have choices below. If you get the question correct, you will learn on the spot if you are right or wrong -- because a right answer takes you live to a performance by the original artist. If you are wrong, you will get, shall we say, the proverbial raspberry -- the famous Bronx cheer. There is no other polite way to set you straight. But, have no fear, nobody knows if you got it right or wrong, unless you leave a comment below. There are no losers here, just those who can try and try, try again.
Question: One record, more so than any other, is credited with having established rock and roll as a viable art form that was not only popular but that would sell American hot wax as well. Which of the following songs topped the Billboard charts on July 9, 1955 and is credited by music historians as having signaled the birth of rock n' roll as a major force in pop culture?
A. That's All Right Mama -- Elvis Presley
C. Rock Around the Clock -- Bill Haley & His Comets
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