In a very real sense, rock was implicit in the music of the first Africans brought to North America. It’s an important lineage to acknowledge. Language and culture were the only thing slaves could bring with them from Africa, and their musical rhythms and practices fused with Western religion, giving birth to gospel which begat blues which then begat jazz and rock ‘n roll. That river of song runs so deeply through the collective musical history of the United States and, through its cultural influence, the musical history of the world, it is difficult to map exactly where any of that river’s tributaries begin.
When asked if any amount of evidence can establish a definitive birthplace of rock ‘n roll, Wilder said, I’ve learned the hard way that music and art is subjective, so I guess the answer is no, you can’t really draw a line in the sand. People are going to have opinions, and I’ve always had ‘em!
Whether these are the first rock 'n roll songs, they are definitely rock ‘n roll, a loud collective sound that speaks to the primitive urges in all of us, the you and me against the world that spurred a thousand love affairs, the same rush that makes you rev your engine to the radio, even if it’s just in the Whole Foods parking lot. Rock ‘n roll is Roosevelt Graves hollering Well? after a tumult of rhythm, one person left to be the answer to the world’s clattering question.
Mansun - Rock 'n' Roll Loser
- Produced by: Richard Rainey and Paul Draper
- Vocals by: Paul Draper
- Genre: Rock
"Mansun were initially called Grey Lantern, after DC Comics influenced, but soon changed their name to Manson, after the cult leader Charles Manson. They were noted and sometimes derided for their constantly changing fashion styles."
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