How blacks invented rock and roll: R&B stars created foundations of multibillion-dollar music industry. From: Ebony | Date: January 1, 1997| Author: Chappell, Kevin | COPYRIGHT 1997 Johnson Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Black blues musicians have not been given the credit they deserve for their roll in creating rock and roll music. Many visitors to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum are surprised by the number of exhibits featuring black performers.

Before Elvis Presley sang "Hound Dog," Big Mama Thornton had house-trained that canine. Before Bill Haley & the Comets popularized "Shake, Rattle & Roll," Big Joe Turner had done all three. The Crewcut's "Sh-Boom" was originally sung by The C...