Rock music is a genre of popular music that originated as "rock and roll" in the United States in the 1950s, and developed into a range of different styles in the 1960s and later, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s' and 1950s' rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by blues, rhythm and blues and country music. Rock music also drew strongly on a number of other genres such as electric blues and folk, and incorporated influences from jazz, classical and other musical sources.
Musically, rock has centered on the electric guitar, usually as part of a rock group with electric bass guitar and drums. Typically, rock is song-based music usually with a 4/4 time signature using a verse-chorus form, but the genre has become extremely diverse. Like pop music, lyrics often stress romantic love but also address a wide variety of other themes that are frequently social or political in emphasis.
The dominance of rock by white, male musicians has been seen as one of the key factors shaping the themes explored in rock music. Rock places a higher degree of emphasis on musicianship, live performance, and an ideology of authenticity than pop music.
Rick Wright was an English musician, composer, singer, songwriter and solo artist. He was also a founding member of Pink Floyd.
With his distinctive raspy voice and profound lyricism, Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who were in the vanguard of the British music Invasion that became popular in the US in 1964–65.
Ryan Adams is an American singer-songwriter best known for his solo career, and as a former member of alternative country band Whiskeytown.
Sinéad O’Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1980s & is best known for her hit single 'Nothing Compares 2 U'.
Siouxsie and the Banshees were an English 70's punk band formed in London & became an important influence on the emerging gothic rock scene.
Slash is regarded as one of the world's greatest guitar players, particularly acclaimed for his thundering solos on Guns N' Roses records.
Critics have called The Smiths the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s.
Sonic Youth was an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1981 & were part of the 'no wave' art & music scene in New York City.
Squeeze are a British band formed in Depford, London in 1974 that came to prominence during the new wave period of the late 1970s.
Status Quo are one of Britain's most successful rock bands selling over 118 million records, famous for their unique brand of boogie rock
Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band formed in 1992 that are best described as "classic UK rock delivered with whiskey vocals"
The Stone Roses are an English rock band, formed in Manchester in 1983, meshing '60s-styled guitar pop with an understated '80s dance beat.
The Stranglers are one of the most enduring bands to have come out of the punk scene with an uncompromising attitude and idiosyncratic style
Syd Barrett was a founder member of Pink Floyd and was the lead singer, guitarist and principle songwriter in the band's early years
The B'52's are an American new wave band that emerged in the mid-70s with their quirky, fun sound
Thin Lizzy's music reflects a wide range of influences, including blues, soul music, psychedelic rock, and traditional Irish folk music.
Thornley was a Canadian post-grunge/hard rock band formed by Ian Thornley in 2002 after the break-up of his earlier band, Big Wreck.
Tina Turner is one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time, she has also been referred to as The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.
National treasure Tom Jones has been entertaining audiences for over six decades with his powerful voice and sex appeal
Tom Robinson is a British singer-songwriter & bassist, who first became known in the late 1970s as a musician with the 'Tom Robinson Band'.
Tom Waits is an American singer-songwriter known for his musical tales of bohemians, drifters, misfits & his blend of blues, folk & jazz.
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group are one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time.
Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter and musician who is usually known by the name "Van the Man" to his fans.
Velvet Revolver was an American hard rock supergroup who achieved commercial success with their debut album, 'Contraband'.
The White Stripes were an American rock duo who became a worldwide phenomenon with their energetic blend of blues, punk, folk & country.
The Who are an English rock band that formed in 1964 & are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century.
This was taken on the first Oasis American tour. Twin benches on the boardwalk were ideal for this back-to-back portrait of the brothers
The Clash back stage before their most famous gig at the Rainbow Theatre in May 1977.
Iconic image of David Gilmour playing his ‘The Black Strat’ with Pink Floyd live at The Rainbow Theatre, London on 4 November 1973.
Early shot of The Fall at Central Station Car Park, Manchester in the summer of 1978
Fleetwood Mac are one of the world's greatest rock bands having sold over more than 100 million records over the last 50 years
Chrissie Hynde has one of the most distinctive voices in rock music and is best known as the founder of The Pretenders
Frank Sinatra was an American singer, actor & producer who was one of the most popular & influential musical artists of the 20th century.
David Bowie was a leading figure in popular music for over five decades & regarded by critics & musicians as a true innovator.
This print collection by Jill Furmanovsky contains images of Oasis on-the-road, onstage and recording in the studio during their zenith.
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
Curated collection of authentic, signed limited edition fine art prints by legendary rock music photographer, Mck Rock
