Legitimacy

Philips’ article quickly turned into a platform for the Black Rock Coalition.

True, black music (i.e., jazz and blues) was influential in the development of rock ‘n’ roll, and some of the best early rockers (such as Chubby Checker and B.B. King) were black. However, it was Elvis Presley who gave rock ‘n’ roll worldwide exposure.

As rock ‘n’ roll began to evolve, black musicians stayed with their blues and jazz roots. From then on, rock ‘n’ roll typically became associated with white musicians. As bands such as the Beatles, Cream, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones emerged, rock ‘n’ roll became another musical genre. Black music influenced rock ‘n’ roll, but it did not become rock ‘n’ roll.

More black stars are in white-dominated music arenas than there are white stars in black-dominated music. It is a pity the Black Rock Coalition has extended racial prejudice into music.

ROBERT STREIT, La Jolla