What it Looked Like to Be a Musician Before Hippies Ruined It — '60s and '50s Musicians and Rockers
In the 1950s and 1960s, musicians were completely different from today in their spirit, attitude, and what they conveyed on stage. From perfect hairstyles and impeccable suits to an unparalleled stage presence, these artists stood out in those years, captivating audiences.
Elvis Presley was a symbol of the 1950s and stood out for the rise of rock and roll, blues, country, and gospel, and for his charisma, while Chuck Berry, with his guitar riffs, influenced later generations and bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
In that era, rock and roll was electrifying, guitars were still simple, and creativity was at an incredibly high level, even with its imperfections.
Paul Anka
Paul Anka stood out from the late 1950s with songs featuring Caribbean rhythms, calypso and cha-cha-cha, which were very popular in those years.
Little Richard
An artist who played the piano extraordinarily well and with a rebellious attitude in the 1950s.
Jerry Lee Lewis
He is regarded as one of the most influential singers in rock and nicknamed "The Killer" for his personality and stage presence.
James Brown
American soul and funk singer and promoter of funk music with several hits in his career.
Gene Vincent
He had a rebellious style, with songs that were sometimes difficult to understand and solos that made them hard to dance to.
Fats Domino
Singer, songwriter, and pianist of classic R&B and rock and roll from the United States, considered the original father of rock and roll.
Bobby Vee
The American singer had a distinguished career during the rock and roll era and had 38 hits in the top 100.
The Big Bopper
He was the pioneer of the novelty style and one of the first star DJs.
Roy Orbison
Known for his passionate singing style, with complex compositions and the creation of emotional ballads.
Ritchie Valens
A musician considered one of the pioneers of rock and roll, and the first to sing this genre in Spanish.
Eddie Cochran
He was one of the early proponents of the electric guitar and was a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, piano, bass, and drums.
Sam Cooke
The quintessential modern soul artist of the mid-60s with a wonderful stage presence.
Johnny Cash
The King of Country Music is recognized for his distinctive voice and boom-chick-a-boom sound.
Johnny Burnette
He was one of the driving forces behind the rockabilly subgenre and the melodic ballad of the 1960s.
Elvis Presley
A symbol of the 1950s and stood out for the rise of rock and roll, blues, country, and gospel.
Del Shannon
With its melancholic sound, it reached the popularity charts with its song "Runaway" in 1961.
Chuck Berry
With his guitar riffs, influenced later generations and bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Carl Perkins
American singer who pioneered rockabilly, a mix of rhythm and blues and country music
Buddy Holly
He composed and experimented like no other and was the driving force behind modern rock.
Beach Boys
One of the most influential groups of the rock era. They were distinguished by their vocal harmonies and their musical ingenuity.
