There are many arguments about what qualifies as the first recorded rock n' roll song. And, coming up with a definitive answer is about as easy as a definitive answer as to who was the best U.S. President in history. Who knows? Probably the best two options for what qualifies as the first rock song would be Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston, which was actually the Ike Turner band, and Good Rockin' Tonight by Wynonie Harris. The first nominee is from the 1950's and the second is from the late 1940's.
While the aficionados can argue that one. There is one fact that is not in dispute. On July 9, 1955, a song went to the top of the Billboard charts. That song is, without any doubt, the first rock n' roll record to be #1 in the nation. And, as a result of that peak chart position, a new form of music was accepted as marketable and popular. Things would not be the same again.
Twin-pick contests are easy, charming, highly stimulating, automatic and fun. You have choices below. If you get the question correct, you will learn on the spot if you are right or wrong -- because a right answer takes you live to an original performance by the original artist. If you are wrong, you will get, shall we say, the proverbial raspberry -- the famous Bronx cheer. There is no other polite way to set you straight. But, have no fear, nobody knows if you got it right or wrong, unless you leave a comment below. There are no losers here, just those who can try and try, try again.
Question: One record, more so than any other, is credited with having established rock and roll as a viable art form that was not only popular but that would sell American hot wax as well. Which of the following songs topped the Billboard charts on July 9, 1955 and is credited by music historians as having signaled the birth of rock n' roll as a major force in pop culture?
A. That's All Right Mama -- Elvis Presley
C. Rock Around the Clock -- Bill Haley and his Comets
D. I Got A Woman -- Ray Charles
E. Rock The Joint -- Johnny Preston
For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar 
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
Check out "This Day In History" -- music and vintage television from the 1950's through the 1980's. I enjoy writing these articles because they take me back to my days in radio broadcasting. Click on Elvis' gold record, below, to revisit those golden hits of yesteryear.
Steven, my computer is acting up but I say "Rock Around the Clock" Bill Haley and the Comets. Good question though.
and i would have thought Chuck Berry - shows how much i know! :-)
Tony and Darcy,
Even with a clunky computer you did pretty good there.
Sorry Liz,
This time I had a million dollars for the first Canadian to get it right. Tough luck.
Don't know - I'd guess C...
I hate to say it, but I knew the answer to this one right off the bat. Kinda neat to watch the old B&W video...
Your building consultant for life in Nashville, TN
Rock n' Roll is what connected many countries together in the 50s and 60s. We had our differences, but rock n' roll united the kids of the world.
Steven, I believe "Rocket 88" was probably the first Rock and Roll song, but "Rock Around the Clock" gets all the credit for being the first.
I got it on my first try! Would you expect anything less from a guy from Cleveland--the home of Rock and Roll:-) You should check out the R&R Hall Of Fame here if you ever get a chance.
That song is so well known. I have a harder on coming up.
It just had to be BH and the Comets. Wow, I'm on a roll, only missed about half of them so far.
By the way Steve, I like the new raspberry.
Jack,
You were thinking on all cylinders here.