Four early-1950s recordings are presented as defining examples of rock music’s formative sound, showing the genre’s roots in rhythm and blues, piano-driven arrangements and energetic vocals.

– “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats (1951), featuring Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm, became an early chart success and influenced artists including Little Richard.
– “Hound Dog” was recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952 and released in 1953, three years before Elvis Presley’s better-known version.
– Bill Haley and His Comets’ “Crazy Man, Crazy” (1953) brought upbeat, party-ready energy to early rock and R&B.
– Ray Charles’ “Mess Around” (1953) is described as an exuberant early-career recording that helped launch his career.