How useful is Petersons perspective of Rock n Roll?

Richard A. Peterson ideas give some explanation but in my view not the whole story about the advent of rock.
There were a range of factors that lead to the rise of Rock n Roll in the 1950’s. Rock music is really a form of popular music but which appealed a particularly young audience. Before the 1950’s music wasn’t made for young people. Until then the music industry looked to sell to older people who had most of the wealth. What happened in the 1950’s was an explosion of teenage culture when young people with money in their pockets rebelled against the older generation’s values and Rock n Roll took advantage of this.
Peterson was right about some things. The growth of TV reached a new mass audience. Vinyl recordings were less fragile than shellac as well as being cheaper. Transistors meant smaller, cheaper and more portable radios. A new young audience could be reached by the music industry.
In my view the structure of the music industry didn’t lead to Rock n roll. It reflected and responded to the demands of the new audience.

What is Popular Music?

Popular music is music that is intended to appeal to a mass audience. The main motivation in producing pop music is to make money. It has grown with the advance of the mass media and is commercially broadcasted on television, radio, internet, magazines, newspapers, etc.
This music is not specifically a genre because styles of popular music change from time to time. Basically pop music is anything that sells. The pop charts at the moment include anything from RnB to Indie, House music and more. Whilst pop music can be regarded as an art form its not high art and its not intended to last. It’s what ‘In’ right now and music tastes can change very quickly in terms of its popularity.
Popular music is mass produced and consumed. It’s now a global business and cuts across language and cultural barriers. Its more about the money than the music.

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