In his book, All Shook Up, Altschuler traces the development of rock ‘n’ roll between 1945 and 1955 carefully noting that it is a “social construction not a musical conception” (23). This definition of rock ‘n’ roll frees him to focus on a time of differing styles, cultures, and social values. The book does this by focusing on these areas by looking at race, sexuality, and generational differences.
In Altschuler argument about race, he complicates the traditional view that white artist’s covers did damage to black artists by noting that it helped boost them by giving them more airplay and publicity. Although commonly labeled as “black music” and the addition to new segregation laws, rock ‘n’ roll also helped to challenge stereotypes among …show more content…
He uses Boone and Clark again as people, who sought to “enhance” rock ‘n’ roll’s image and alleviated fears about sexuality and race. Yet through the toning down and expanding of youthful products for adult consumption, the rock ‘n’ roll industry was handing over economic power to teens. Altschuler suggests that rock ‘n’ roll became a key tool in the marketing of products because had remarkable influence over their parents’ product selection and purchases. Added to that was the increased purchasing power of youth themselves in the postwar era. “The relationship between youth and the modern economy changed in the 1950s,” Altschuler writes, “with rock ‘n’ roll often as a leader” (129). Because of this, rock ‘n’ roll symbolized the teetering empire of adult authority in perhaps the largest generational conflict of all. What resulted was a battle for culture. The marketing and corporate takeover and persuasion of youth preferences worried many. Investigators explored the rock ‘n’ roll industry seeking to expose a system controlled by corporations. A series of debates followed focusing on licensing profits and manipulation of demand. The effect of their efforts fell on Alan Freed. Freed was one of the most influential DJs. He was indicted on charges based on commercial bribes statutes and further investigated by the federal communication commission and the federal trade commission. The investigation ruined Freed’s life. He …show more content…
Altschuler presents rock ‘n’ roll as a part of a series of social transformations and debates at heart of American concerns during the 1950s. Rock ‘n’ roll interfaced with their concerns and suggested changes over race and
In Altschuler argument about race, he complicates the traditional view that white artist’s covers did damage to black artists by noting that it helped boost them by giving them more airplay and publicity. Although commonly labeled as “black music” and the addition to new segregation laws, rock ‘n’ roll also helped to challenge stereotypes among …show more content…
He uses Boone and Clark again as people, who sought to “enhance” rock ‘n’ roll’s image and alleviated fears about sexuality and race. Yet through the toning down and expanding of youthful products for adult consumption, the rock ‘n’ roll industry was handing over economic power to teens. Altschuler suggests that rock ‘n’ roll became a key tool in the marketing of products because had remarkable influence over their parents’ product selection and purchases. Added to that was the increased purchasing power of youth themselves in the postwar era. “The relationship between youth and the modern economy changed in the 1950s,” Altschuler writes, “with rock ‘n’ roll often as a leader” (129). Because of this, rock ‘n’ roll symbolized the teetering empire of adult authority in perhaps the largest generational conflict of all. What resulted was a battle for culture. The marketing and corporate takeover and persuasion of youth preferences worried many. Investigators explored the rock ‘n’ roll industry seeking to expose a system controlled by corporations. A series of debates followed focusing on licensing profits and manipulation of demand. The effect of their efforts fell on Alan Freed. Freed was one of the most influential DJs. He was indicted on charges based on commercial bribes statutes and further investigated by the federal communication commission and the federal trade commission. The investigation ruined Freed’s life. He …show more content…
Altschuler presents rock ‘n’ roll as a part of a series of social transformations and debates at heart of American concerns during the 1950s. Rock ‘n’ roll interfaced with their concerns and suggested changes over race and