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Robert Johnson records "Hellhound On My Trail"
Although Robert Johnson only recorded 29 songs in his short life, his style of Delta blues would go on to greatly influence not only other blues musicians, but rock & rollers such as The Doors, Cream, & Jimi Hendrix. -
Les Paul invents the solid-body guitar - exact date unknown
Les Paul both pioneered the "overdubbing" technique (layering multiple recording tracks on top of each other) & created the solid body electric guitar. -
RCA Victor introduces the 45 rpm single record
RCA Victor begins producing the 7-inch 45 rpm single which helps to make vinyl records even more popular in the United States & will play a key role in the spread of both Rock & Roll & the 3-minute song. -
Hank Williams records "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"
Although he was a country singer, Hank Williams' songwriting & storytelling styles came to become the prototypes for many rock songs. Williams' said, "a song ain't nothin' in the world but a story just wrote with music to it." -
Chuck Berry records "Maybellene"
Chuck Berry recorded "Maybellene" which came to be regarded as one of the first, true Rock & Roll songs. It was a hit both with black & white audiences. Berry would have a huge influence on many British Invasion groups. -
Berry Gordy founds Motown Records
Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in Detroit. Instead of producing cars, his "factory" produced hits for the Temptations, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, & the Jackson Five. Gordy's artists were "polished & choreographed." -
The Beatles first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show
73 million people tune into The Ed Sullivan Show to watch the first U.S. performance by The Beatles. This kicks off Beatlemania & the British Invasion which includes such bands as the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, & the Who. -
Woodstock
Woodstock, "3 Days of Peace & Music" was one of the first events to combine music with social & political issues. It attracted half a million concertgoers. Acts included Richie Havens, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, & Crosby, Stills & Nash. -
MTV launches
MTV kicks off the next generation of Rock & Roll with the video for the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star." The new medium of the music video gives musicians a new outlet to display their creativity & helps to popularize new music genres such as hip hop, rap, & alternative rock.
