A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode 2: “Roll ‘Em Pete” by Big Joe Turner and Pete Johnson
23 snips
Oct 14, 2018 AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Backbeat
- The backbeat differentiates early rock and roll from preceding music.
- It's a simpler, more exciting rhythm that drives the genre.
Roll 'Em Pete's Importance
- "Roll 'Em Pete" is important for its influence, not necessarily its pronounced backbeat.
- Boogie-woogie's bassline and melody combination became the cornerstone of rock piano.
Spirituals to Swing
- Pete Johnson, a boogie-woogie player, performed at John Hammond's influential "Spirituals to Swing" concerts.
- These concerts showcased Black musicians to integrated audiences and significantly impacted music history.