In the early 1950s, the songs dominating American radio were harmonious love songs like "Unforgettable" and "Little Things Mean a Lot," and cheerful jazz tunes like "Ragg Mopp," "Mockin' Bird Hill," and "Lullabye of Birdland." 

In the last half of the fifties, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly exploded into stardom. The popularity of Elvis was unprecedented, and concerned parents and community figures worried about the perceived corrupting power of this new music. The regular, driving beat of rock 'n' roll was labeled "primitive" and "primal" by cultural conservatives; shocked parents averted their daughters' eyes from the strutting dances of Chuck Berry and Elvis's "lewd" gyrations.