[Athos]

Rock and Roll music was "popularly" originated by a Cleveland DJ named Alan Freed. He played music that had been primarily performed by black artists and Freed is credited with "crossing over" to a wider audience, most notably white teenagers. Among the many sources of the music were gospel, jazz, and Rhythm and Blues.

From the early 50s to roughly 1957 the music would dominate the commercial urban airwaves generally replacing the standard offering of the day ("How Much Is That Doggie in The Window", Perry Como, etc). Then the establishment discovered that teenagers had money to spend - quite a bit, in fact - and they gave us - (sounds like Rick but with a D not an R) Clark and Fabian, and Pat Boone, etc., etc. effectively overwhelming the original black vocal groups - later to be unfortunately named "Doo Wop".

With an occasional resurgence - Motown, a professionalized doo wop but lacking the raw energy of the earlier music and, of course, the Beatles who frequently paid homage to those black 50s groups - the music, in its innumerable forms, has stayed in the popular realm for almost 70 years.

There is an ongoing debate as to what is the first Rock 'n' Roll record. Any suggestions?

[Athos]

Most popular group from the 50s was The Platters. Second was The Flamingoes. Both morphed to pop early. Started as RnB.

Best single performer toss-up - Little Richard, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry. Not as well-known, Johnny Ace, Al Hibbler,

Best selling group didn't change to pop, The Clovers. 1951-1959.

Other greats - Harptones, Dubs, Moonglows, Hearts, Mellows, Nutmegs, Chantels, Teenqueens, Cookies, many more.

Best homage group to the 50 originals - Manhattan Transfer.

Top 5 songs from Alan Freed Valentine's day oldies program - Earth Angel, In The Still of the Night, Sincerely, Close Your Eyes, Life Is But A Dream.

No opinion on first RnR song.