Rockabilly music represented change. It was just one aspect of a rapidly changing world. Post World-War II America as a whole was changing more quickly than it ever had before. The soldiers were home and money was freed up from the war effort to be directed once again into consumer production. And as is usually the case, the war had spurred invention and innovation. As a result, consumers were using many more household gadgets, not the least of them, the television. And this surge in the adoption of the TV in American homes gave rockabilly artists a promotional tool that had never been exploited to such a great extent before.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, there were several well established local and regional radio musical programs. The most famous was of course the Grand Ol' Opry. The Louisiana Hayride was another popular show. Country artists who could earn appearances on these radio programs had great exposure and a serious boost for their careers.
Many rockabilly artists also landed spots on these shows. Although Elvis was rejected by The Grand Ol' Opry in his early years after his initial success in 1954, he appeared on The Louisiana Hayride several times. It was there that he met his first drummer, D. J. Fontana.
But TV offered even more than radio. For the first time, fans could see their heroes as well as hear them. This was especially significant for a performer such as Elvis who was as visually stunning as his music was aurally stunning.
Several popular variety TV shows featured rockabilly acts during the mid to late 1950s. Elvis, Carl Perkins, and other rockabilly greats appeared on shows such as The Milton Berle Show, The Perry Como Show, and if they'd really reached the big time, The Ed Sullivan Show. These shows and others brought the image of these artists to thousands of people who otherwise would never have seen them.
This new vehicle for introducing musicians to a mass audience helped make a completely new generation of pop stars. Those acts that could take the best advantage of the new opportunity--either naturally or by adaptation--could make sudden and astounding advances in their careers. An artist's or a band's visual presentation became even more important that it had ever been. These musicians had to make the best of a TV appearance or it might never happen again. They thus learned to factor a new dimension into their performances.
This new generation of televised musical acts included many rockabilly artists. Along with Elvis and Carl Perkins, The Collins Kids, Wanda Jackson, Gene Vincent, The Burnette Brothers Rock and Roll Trio, and many others found their way onto the small tube.
It was a new era for music and it coincided with a new era in mass media. Just like rock and roll, the television proved to be here to stay. And in the long and rich history of rock and roll music, the TV has played a critical role in keeping our rock heroes in front of our eyes and in our consciousness.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, there were several well established local and regional radio musical programs. The most famous was of course the Grand Ol' Opry. The Louisiana Hayride was another popular show. Country artists who could earn appearances on these radio programs had great exposure and a serious boost for their careers.
Many rockabilly artists also landed spots on these shows. Although Elvis was rejected by The Grand Ol' Opry in his early years after his initial success in 1954, he appeared on The Louisiana Hayride several times. It was there that he met his first drummer, D. J. Fontana.
But TV offered even more than radio. For the first time, fans could see their heroes as well as hear them. This was especially significant for a performer such as Elvis who was as visually stunning as his music was aurally stunning.
Several popular variety TV shows featured rockabilly acts during the mid to late 1950s. Elvis, Carl Perkins, and other rockabilly greats appeared on shows such as The Milton Berle Show, The Perry Como Show, and if they'd really reached the big time, The Ed Sullivan Show. These shows and others brought the image of these artists to thousands of people who otherwise would never have seen them.
This new vehicle for introducing musicians to a mass audience helped make a completely new generation of pop stars. Those acts that could take the best advantage of the new opportunity--either naturally or by adaptation--could make sudden and astounding advances in their careers. An artist's or a band's visual presentation became even more important that it had ever been. These musicians had to make the best of a TV appearance or it might never happen again. They thus learned to factor a new dimension into their performances.
This new generation of televised musical acts included many rockabilly artists. Along with Elvis and Carl Perkins, The Collins Kids, Wanda Jackson, Gene Vincent, The Burnette Brothers Rock and Roll Trio, and many others found their way onto the small tube.
It was a new era for music and it coincided with a new era in mass media. Just like rock and roll, the television proved to be here to stay. And in the long and rich history of rock and roll music, the TV has played a critical role in keeping our rock heroes in front of our eyes and in our consciousness.
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