Hilary Valdez having a seat. (Hilary Valdez)
To be an effective writer, every scribe knows they have to risk being transparent and honest. In this article you might figure out how old I am. As the saying goes, age is just a number.
I think I’m lucky. In the 1950s, my two older sisters and I attended a rock ’n’ roll show hosted by Alan Freed at Paramount Theater in New York City. With seats near the front, I saw Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, The Platters LaVern Baker, Connie Francis, and Little Richard. These Alan Freed shows were iconic events in music history.
There are three international languages: sex, money and music. But music is as a reflection of social change. When I was “young,” post-war America was immersed in conservative values. My parents were ultra conservative. I was tucked away in a Catholic school: suit and tie every day. Crew cut, conformity, adhering to strict social rules, no swearing, no loud music, study, no sex until marriage. But as rock ’n’ roll evolved, it continued to reflect and shape social beliefs. The music was energetic and stirring up my generation, seeking freedom and self-expression. My parents totally disliked the music, and I had to turn off the radio or else. Rock ’n’ roll in that era was more than just a new genre of music, it was a rebellion against conformity.
The social impact of rock ’n’ roll helped reshape attitudes toward individuality, race, and young people. It provided a music outlet for the growing sense of liberation and identity, much like today’s musical assortments. The music and performers challenged racial segregation, conservative traditions and generational divisions. Rock ’n’ roll was a mixture of rhythm and blues, country, gospel, and comprised a cultural force challenging societal norms. Each successive generation of musicians uses music as a platform to address social issues, from civil rights and gender equality to climate change and political activism.
Social restrictions are taking a hit. Society today is facing so many challenges. It seems like the manners of yesteryear have lessened. Courtesy is not so obvious. Mutual respect for differences has diminished. Tolerance has been replaced with short tempers with a high potential for physical confrontation. However, in the digital age, music continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values. New voices and genres have emerged, reflecting a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Like my parents, I don’t care for a lot of the new music. But with Spotify, I can download all my favorite tunes from the “old dazes.”
Rock ’n’ roll broke down racial barriers. The music has roots in African American music and brought black and white audiences together in ways previously inconceivable. Elvis Presley popularized these styles for mainstream audiences. This blending of cultures through music laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement, fostering a sense of unity and challenging segregationist ideologies.
Woodstock, 1969, symbolized peace, love, and unity. In the 1970s and 1980s, punk rock emerged as a response to societal disillusionment. The 1985 Queen at the Live Aid concert in Wembley Stadium raised funds for famine relief in Africa. And now, the emergence of hip-hop is clarifying marginalized voices and challenging the status quo.
Ironically, the man who started the music evolution and the initiator of social change was Alan Freed, who began his career as a disc jockey on Armed Forces Radio (AFN) while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. So, all you young AFN broadcasters, there is hope for you. Alan Freed’s concerts brought together diverse crowds, challenging segregation norms and promoting the idea that music could transcend societal divisions. The unifying power of music can’t be underestimated. Turn up the music. Dance.
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Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email. Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.
