1950's
The 1950's is largely seen as the "birth" of Rock N Roll. Notable early rock and roll stars such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Little Richard would inspire countless rock bands and groups in the decades following. 1950's rock has a "gritty" sound, often inspired by the blues. African American culture was essential to early Rock N Roll.
1960's
The 1960's was a rebellious & free-spirited decade and the music was no exception. The war in Vietnam caused nationwide disillusionment and the youth culture tuned into Rock music. The beginning of the decade appeared no different than the 1950's cultural conservative American society, but by the end of the sixties the culture and music had become unrecognizable. By the mid 1960's psychedelic drugs influenced the change in sound with groups like the Beatles releasing albums like 'Revolver' (1966) and Jefferson Airplane releasing 'Surrealistic Pillow' (1967). This "Flower Power" sound and themes of free love, peace, and Rock N Roll would define the Baby Boomer generation.
1970's
By the 1970's with the war in Vietnam winding down and multiple crises affecting the nation, Americans once again found voice in music. Troubled by stories of the war in Vietnam, police brutality, poverty, and drugs, Marvin Gaye would release his well known album 'Whats Going On' in 1971.
The 1970's sound is often associated with folk rock, soul, yacht rock, early heavy metal, and progressive rock. These multiple sub-genres that emerged in this decade are the reason many consider the 1970's to be the Golden Age of Rock music. Many women led groups and solo artists also captured the decade such as Heart, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon. However by the end of the 1970's a new sound got everybody groovin' on the dance floor, disco music.
1980's
Punk was largely influential to the Rock sound of the eighties. Groups like Guns N Roses, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, and Van Halen gave way to a heavier, louder, more aggressive sound that rocked Gen Jones. With the music getting louder and more outrageous, so did the shows. Bands would often incorporate pyrotechnics, confetti, animatronics, and backup dancers to the stage, giving a larger than life show to the audience. For this reason, the 1980's is largely remembered as a decade of decadence, drugs, and excessive partying for many Rock Stars.
1990's
The 1990's was largely seen as a rejection of the excesses and commercialism of the previous decade. The 1990's also introduced American youth to a new sound, Grunge. Grunge combined elements of punk and metal with themes of depression, pessimism, and angst in the lyrics. Musical groups such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots paved way for the new sound of Generation X.