Roots of Rock ’n’ Roll | RACE RECORDS : Black music on Forbidden U.S. Radio 1942-1955 | BUTTERBOY

 This is GREAT! a wonderful thesis deftly explored here with a sack full of gems!

ROOTS ROCK 'N’ ROLL 

VA - Race Records, Black Rock Music Forbidden On US Radio 1942-1955 [2015] (3 CDs)

The rock revolution was not televised. Elvis Presley, who launched rockabilly in 1954, did not invent rock ‘n’ roll. (n.b. to be fair we never thought he did, Rocket 88 anyone?)

The box set “Race Records 1942-1955, Black Rock Music Forbidden on US Radio” offers a profound exploration into a pivotal yet often neglected era of American music history. Released by the esteemed French label Frémeaux & Associés, this collection was expertly curated by Bruno Blum, a distinguished music historian and producer.

This compilation encapsulates the vibrant underground music scene of the 1940s and 1950s, a period marked by racial segregation in the United States that barred African American artists from mainstream radio airplay. The term “race records” was coined to classify music by black artists, which was often confined to specialized labels and niche markets. Despite these obstacles, the music flourished within the “chitlin’ circuit,” a network of venues that catered to African American audiences.

More than just a collection of tracks, this box set serves as a historical artifact that delves into the cultural and social dynamics of the time. The included 36-page booklet, authored by Blum, provides in-depth commentary on the importance of these recordings and the trailblazing DJs who dared to broadcast black music. This context enhances the listening experience, allowing contemporary audiences to appreciate the resilience and ingenuity of the artists who laid the groundwork for rock and roll.

Through this compilation, Blum and Frémeaux & Associés have safeguarded a crucial segment of musical heritage that might have otherwise been lost. The box set stands as a tribute to the lasting impact of African American musicians and their crucial role in shaping the modern musical landscape. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the origins of rock and roll and the broader cultural history of the United States. (Butterboy)