Rock and roll radio stations

Rock and roll emerged from relationships between rhythm and blues, country and other popular traditions, becoming a distinctive force in recorded music and live performance. A driving beat and direct vocal delivery are important points of reference. The category identifies this musical tradition more precisely than the broad rock label used for many later styles. Guitar, piano, bass and drums can each give a recording its momentum, while a memorable refrain provides a strong melodic centre. Some performances are rough-edged and rhythmically insistent; others bring a smoother pop vocal to the same musical setting. Rockabilly and related forms share parts of this history but can also be described as subjects in their own right. Radio programmes may concentrate on the early repertoire or follow later musicians drawing on its sound. A specialist selection makes the relationship between rhythm, voice and instrumental energy especially clear. The category is based on musical style, rather than treating every popular recording from an early decade as rock and roll regardless of its actual character.