✊🏿ap african american studies review

Rock and roll

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

An American musical genre that emerged in the 1950s, heavily influenced by African American blues, gospel, and R&B traditions, particularly through performers who modified these genres with new rhythms and electric instruments.

AP course connection

Topic 4.17: 4.17 The Evolution of African American Music: From Spirituals to Hip-Hop

Unit 4