Rockabilly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rockabilly
[ˈrɒkəˌbɪli ]
Definition
music genre
Rockabilly is a music genre that originated in the early 1950s in the United States, combining elements of rock and roll and country music. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, strong rhythm, and emphasis on the guitar and slap bass. The genre gained prominence through artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. Rockabilly has influenced various music styles and has experienced several revivals, often associated with the cultural aesthetics of the 1950s, including fashion and car culture.
Synonyms
country rock, psychobilly, rock and roll.
Examples of usage
- Elvis Presley is a legend of rockabilly.
- The rockabilly scene is vibrant in several cities.
- She loves dancing to rockabilly music.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Rockabilly music emerged in the early 1950s in the United States, combining rhythm and blues with country influences.
- Artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash were early rockabilly stars, paving the way for this lively genre.
- The term 'rockabilly' is a mix of 'rock' from rock and roll and 'hillbilly,' a term used for country music.
Cultural Impact
- Rockabilly played a key role in the evolution of popular music and helped shape the identities of youth culture in the 1950s.
- The style is often associated with a unique fashion sense, including leather jackets, denim jeans, and slicked-back hair.
- Festivals celebrating rockabilly culture, like the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, continue to attract fans today.
Modern Revivals
- In the late 1970s and 1980s, rockabilly experienced a revival during the punk rock movement, influencing many punk bands.
- Today, rockabilly is not only a music genre but also a thriving subculture with its own dance styles, fashion, and art.
- Artists like Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats are known for keeping the rockabilly spirit alive in contemporary music.
Musical Elements
- Distinctive features of rockabilly music include the slap bass technique, energetic rhythms, and a strong backbeat.
- Many rockabilly songs tell stories about love, cars, or rebellion, reflecting the spirit of the times.
- Guitars play a prominent role, often accompanied by a steady drum beat that makes you want to dance.
Psychology of Fandom
- Fans of rockabilly often embrace nostalgia, connecting deeply with the style's retro vibes and musical roots.
- Belonging to the rockabilly scene can offer a sense of community, with many gatherings and clubs focused on shared interests.
- The excitement of rockabilly music can evoke feelings of freedom and rebellion, attracting those who resonate with its history.
Origin of 'rockabilly'
The term 'rockabilly' is a portmanteau of 'rock' and 'hillbilly.' It emerged in the context of the growing influence of rock and roll in the early 1950s, which was heavily influenced by both African American rhythm and blues, as well as the traditional music of rural America, particularly country music. The first recorded use of the word appeared in the mid-1950s. Rockabilly was closely associated with the 'greaser' youth culture of the time, who adopted styles such as leather jackets and slicked-back hairstyles. As the genre evolved, it began to attract a diverse audience, from teenagers to early adult fans, marking a significant cultural shift in music consumption. Rockabilly remains popular today, continuing to influence modern music and retaining a devoted fan base.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #37,486, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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- 37483 victimizing
- 37484 expectedly
- 37485 hydroplane
- 37486 rockabilly
- 37487 paramours
- 37488 philately
- 37489 redecorate
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