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.
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.
'I thought of improvisation as a large ball of string (a melody as yet unravelled)'. Cover art for Phish's 1997 album Slip Stitch and Pass
Unique contact sheet print of AC/CD's, Angus Young by photographer David Corio, taken at Hammersmith Odeon, London, November 1st, 1979
Johnny Cash at home on his ranch in San Antonio, Texas in 1960, he always wore black, because he identified with the poor & the down trodden
Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays captured in Yellow 2 Studios, Stockport in 1986
As a self-taught composer and performer, Zappa's diverse musical influences led him to create music that was often difficult to categorize.
Sir Elton John is an English pianist, singer-songwriter, composer & pop icon who has sold millions of records and won countless awards.
Van Morrison is a Northern Irish singer, songwriter and musician who is usually known by the name "Van the Man" to his fans.
The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960 and widely regarded as the most influential acts of the rock era.
A photographic celebration of Manchester's rock music history. Free exhibition at the University of Manchester
Welcome to our Jazz & Blues Print Collection - over 50 years of iconic images of the world's greatest Jazz & Blues musicians
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
A fantastic curated collection of museum quality fine art prints by leading music photographer Barry Schultz
