The beginnings

Who do you all think were the most influential artists in the beginning of the rock and roll music genre?

I gotta go with Some of what now would be call R&B guys like Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, etc.

Obviously these guys even had influence on groups that took it to the next level like Elvis and the Beatles. Thoughts?

Holly and the Bopper paved the way until Berry,Domino and Jerry Lee hit the sceen-of course in exploded with Elvis and the Beatles.

Speaking of influences, if Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys hadn't done the "Pet Sounds" album, The Beatles may have never gone into the Sgt. Pepper-Magical Mystery Tour era. Mac later admitted that he was heavily influenced by this album, and I can only assume Lennon was as well.
A sampling:

I wasn't alive then, so I'm just going to say the Beatles.

I think it was the combination of the influences of artists like Fats Domino, Louis Armstrong and Chuck Berry with artists like Buddy Holley, Bill Haley, and JP Richardson(the Big Bopper) that became known as Rock 'n Roll.

nolliD JJ wrote:

Speaking of influences, if Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys hadn't done the "Pet Sounds" album, The Beatles may have never gone into the Sgt. Pepper-Magical Mystery Tour era. Mac later admitted that he was heavily influenced by this album, and I can only assume Lennon was as well.

You know, I read an article about some guy, I think he was a rock critic, that made each of his kids listen to Pet Sounds when they his a certain age. He thinks is is the most influential album in history. I gotta say, I don't hear it. The Beach Boys do nothing for me, except make good Applebee's background music. What's so great about that album?

NealIsGod wrote:

What's so great about that album?

For me Niggy it holds some of my favorite Beach Boys tunes.
God Only Knows, Sloop John B and Wouldn't It Be Nice.

(In reply to other above posts).........
My father was born in 1943 which positioned him primely to love the
likes of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry and one of his faves, Jerry Lee Lewis.
Though I didn't arrive globally until 1970, I was raised on the music of these
and so many other artists of that time.
One of the best gifts Papa Chaz ever gave me was his love for music.

Willie Nelson was his most favorite and I seriously couldn't stand him
or any of my Dads other faves by the time I was 13, now I love stuff
from em all.

NealIsGod wrote:

nolliD JJ wrote:

Speaking of influences, if Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys hadn't done the "Pet Sounds" album, The Beatles may have never gone into the Sgt. Pepper-Magical Mystery Tour era. Mac later admitted that he was heavily influenced by this album, and I can only assume Lennon was as well.

You know, I read an article about some guy, I think he was a rock critic, that made each of his kids listen to Pet Sounds when they his a certain age. He thinks is is the most influential album in history. I gotta say, I don't hear it. The Beach Boys do nothing for me, except make good Applebee's background music. What's so great about that album?

I'm with you on that Niggy. I like the album OK, but I don't see anything revolutionary about it. I think everything the Beatles did starting with Rubber Soul puts it to shame.

I also think Barry Gibb has been more influential than Brian Wilson.

I'm not really a Beach Boys fan, myself, but after hearing Paul McCartney talk about the "Pet Sounds" album, I gave it a listen, and sure enough, you care hear "the seed" of what was to come in the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper, and Magical Mystery Tour era. A lot has to do with the arrangements and orchestration (horn sections and such).

That's fine if you can't hear it, or it just turn you on (it doesn't really get me "hot and bothered", either), but, I will contend that Brian Wilson is(was) a genius, despite his mental problems and substance addictions.

The only thing I can suggest is to listen to Pet Sounds and listen to the horn sections and arrangements, then listen to Sgt. Pepper and MMT. You should get an idea of where Mac got his ideas.

The Beatles did expand on these ideas, and turned it into their own thing, so it's not like they really stole anything from Wilson.

How about Booker T and the MGs?

Also let us not forget Pink Floyd.

BigDog wrote:

Also let us not forget Pink Floyd.

I could get some mud slung my way for this but I never felt the whole
Pink Floyd vibe.
Best songs to my ears are Learning To Fly and Us & Them.