History of Rock and Roll

Rock in the Digital Age

In the 1980s, digital technology further changed the sound scope of many music genres. The definition of rock music further blurred. New expressions emerged in the form of hip hop and rap, genres that did not necessarily require a band but represented communities not yet on the radar of record companies. Music Television, MTV, became the new radio in the form of the music video. Heavy metal became pop music, and other forms of metal rose up in direct protest.

In the 1990s, rock revisited several eras from rock history and morphed into grunge and alternative rock. Artists experimented with forms of metal and rap to develop nu-metal. By the turn of the millennium, the new technology of the Internet forever changed the world and suddenly ushered music into the Information Age. The new music industry dealt with copyright issues on a massive scale; before the issue was cassette bootlegs, now it was the ability to download via an Internet connection. Streaming audio and video eventually took over. In the present day, where does rock and roll stand? What evolutions await?

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Getting Started

To begin, please select the "Start Here" button and work through Module 5: Rock in the Digital Age.

Start Here

Summer 2025

June 9–23

Module 1: Precursors of Rock and Roll

June 23–30

Module 2: Early Rock and Roll

June 30–July 14

Module 3: Rock and Roll in the 1960s

July 14–21

Module 4: Rock in the 1970s

July 21–31

Module 5: Rock in the Digital Age