Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1945 1980: Popular Culture and Mass Media in the 1950s
In the 1950s, financial prosperity allowed young Americans to participate in a shared culture of rock and roll music, movies, and television.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: The Drifters
Considered one of the greatest vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s, The Drifters were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 and have three songs on the list of the top 500 most influential songs.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 20: The 1960s Through Music
By listening to and analyzing the lyrics of selected examples of popular music from the 1960s era, students will develop a greater understanding of the historical and political forces as well as the emotional climate of the decade. This...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Archive: New Orleans Jazz: Music!
Dozens of audio clips of New Orleans-style jazz music from different time periods: 1920s and 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, and the year 2000.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Voices Against Conformity
The decade of the 1950s was kown for conformity. There was an undercurrent of rebellion, especially among younger Americans. Read about the Beat Generation, alternative literature, rebellion in art, and treatment of those who were not...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: America Rocks and Rolls
Read a brief history of rock and roll and its roots. See why this form of music shook the establishment and shattered the idea of conformity.
Other
Elvis Presley
The official site for Elvis Presley, from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Read a biography, an overview of his achievements, frequently asked questions, and what notable others have said of him. Good explanations of the roots of his...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Buddy Holly
Brief information about Buddy Holly. Even though he only played for a short time, 1950s rocker Buddy Holly was a great influence on many other groups such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and the Hollies. He died in a plane crash at the...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Elvis Presley
Provides a biography on Elvis Presley and a detailed timeline of important events in his life and career.