Skip to Main Content

Roots of Rock: Home

The influences

The Roots of Rock

We are often asked, "When did rock begin?" 

It's a question without an easy answer; rock music as a genre has many roots and branches. The resources in this guide will help get you started with learning about and researching the origins of rock & roll. 

Hank Williams promoSister Rosetta Tharpe promoundefinedMahalia Jackson promoWoody Guthrie promoLeadbelly promo

Click images for source information

 

Archival Resources

Listed below are notable collections and items from the Rock Hall's Archives. You can find more by searching our catalog here.

Audio

Podcasts

Articles

Free articles are available on Rock's Backpages through the Free on RBP link. Create a free login with RBP's instructions to access articles. Visit the Library & Archives for full access to Rock's Backpages.

Other free articles available online:

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Library & Archives
2809 Woodland Avenue | Cleveland, OH 44115 | 216.515.1956 | rockhall.com/library