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Music genre

Rock music

Rock music is a music genre that emerged in United States and United Kingdom in the 1940s. It is usually classed as a form of popular music. Explore its 105 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

Listen: Rock music examples

Big Rock (ISRC USUAN1100305)
3:51CC BY 3.0by Kevin MacLeodWikimedia Commons
3:51

Tip: press play to see the sound's live frequency spectrum in blue over the waveform.

About Rock music

Rock music is a music genre that emerged in United States and United Kingdom in the 1940s. It is usually classed as a form of popular music.

Well-known performers associated with it include Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Carpenters, Queen and John Lennon.

Rock music has given rise to 105 subgenres on this site, such as Rock and roll, Hard rock, Alternative rock and Progressive rock.

From Wikipedia

Rock music is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States as "rock and roll" in the late 1940s and early 1950s, developing into a range of styles from the late 1950s to mid-1960s, primarily in the United States and United Kingdom. It has its roots beginning as classic rock and roll, a style that drew from the African-American musical genres of blues and rhythm and blues, as well as from country music. Rock also drew strongly from genres such as electric blues and folk, and incorporated influences from jazz and other styles. Rock is typically centered on the electric guitar, usually as part of a rock group with an electric bass guitar, drums, and one or more singers.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Rock music.

Key artists

  • Michael Jackson
  • The Beatles
  • Elvis Presley
  • The Carpenters
  • Queen
  • John Lennon
  • Bob Dylan
  • Céline Dion
  • Lana Del Rey
  • Jim Morrison

Related genres

Questions people ask

Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.

Frequently asked questions

What is Rock music?

Rock music is a music genre that emerged in United States and United Kingdom in the 1940s. It is usually classed as a form of popular music.

Where and when did Rock music originate?

Rock music originated in United States and United Kingdom in the 1940s.

Who are famous Rock music artists?

Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Carpenters, Queen and John Lennon.

Sources & credits