3 Classic Rock Stars From the 1940s Who May Have Invented the Genre

Most of the time, when we think of classic rock, we think about the 1970s. Bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd, and others of that ilk. Maybe your mind goes to the 1960s with The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. But really, the stuff can be traced as far back as the 1940s when rock music was simply being invented out of the blues.

Videos by American Songwriter

Here below, we wanted to take a look at three artists who helped invent rock music. Indeed, without them, we would likely have no “Stairway To Heaven” or “All Along The Watchtower”. These are three classic rock stars from the 1940s who may have simply invented the genre.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Born on March 20, 1915, Sister Rosetta Tharpe helped create rock music by bridging gospel and the electric guitar. Today, some call her The Godmother of Rock & Roll. While some may believe that the early rock stars were Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard, it was Tharpe who helped inspire them. Often, the originators don’t get enough credit in history. It’s those who come after the originals who usually get the shine. And Tharpe’s story is similar. She released three LPs in the 1940s, including her debut, The Lonesome Road. And he’s a name to remember forever.

Les Paul

Some may think that Les Paul merely refers to a brand of electric guitar. But no. Similar to the Chuck Taylor sneakers, the seemingly ubiquitous instrument was actually named after a real person. Before standouts like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, there was Les Paul. Born on June 9, 1915, Paul was part-tornado on the six-string. Paul created new sounds, pickups, and more for his beloved electric guitar. And in the 1950s, his songs with Mary Ford remain essential listening thanks to their speed and sonic innovation.

T-Bone Walker

Born on May 28, 1910, T-Bone Walker grew up to be an influential blues guitar player. Today, outlets like Rolling Stone have ranked him as one of the best guitarists in the history of the instrument. In 1987, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame thanks to his contributions to music history. Combining early blues aesthetics with brash electric guitar licks and chord splashes, T-Bone Walker helped usher in a new sound. Before there were guys like B.B. King and way before names like Gary Clark Jr., there was T-Bone Walker.

Photo courtesy of Gibson