The Rolling Stones and Their Influence to Rock and Roll Music of the Baby Boomer Generation

What was the influence and importance of The Rolling Stones to rock music throughout the Baby Boomer Generation?
By Jennifer Mueller 

After the Second World War, many Americans were attempting to rebuild their lives and their country. Within the following years, there began to be “booming” birth rates and these babies grew up to be known as the Baby Boomer Generation, born between the years of 1946 and 1964. (Harrison) This generation was unique in many ways, especially as the Rock and Roll generation. The 50s and 60s were filled with the emergence of new music, including The Rolling Stones. This was a time of much protest and change as the people of this generation were experiencing things the world had never seen before. They were the first generation to be brought up in front of the TV and because of that they were able to watch the Kennedy-Nixon debate and see soldiers coming home from the Vietnam War. They were exposed to many new drugs and casual sex. (Harrison) Rock and Roll music and The Rolling Stones were all a big part of this. The music of the Rolling Stones forced people to examine their lives and rethink their consciousness. (George Warren) Along with other rock bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones amplified the social movements of this generation and changed rock and roll forever. The Rolling Stones were formed in 1962 and have since been one of the world’s most well known music groups. Brian Jones, Ian Stuart, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts made up the full band. They began in Europe and then spread to America during the “British Invasion”. The Rolling Stones became cultural icons and were an incredible attribute. They have become known by many as the greatest Rock and Roll band in the world. In this time of free expression, their music reflected just that. The invention of radios allowed people to listen to them almost anytime they wanted to. When the Rolling Stones first emerged, they were in competition with The Beatles, although they were seen as a rowdier and crazier band rather than the “Pop” band The Beatles had. They began by doing cover songs of other bands but then truly began their career when they wrote original material. Their first top charted hit was “Satisfaction.” (George Warrn) Not only was it good music, but the lyrics emphasized the “dis-satisfaction” with the way things were at the time and the disillusionment this generation was feeling. Along with many others, their songs were relatable to the confusion and the change that the generation was going through and they began to define Rock and Roll. (Harrison) They continued to grow in popularity with their “bad boy” montage as well. They partied constantly and were big in drug use, as many new drugs were becoming popular in the culture at that time. Their lyrics, distinctive sound and their attitude were strongly influential and changed Rock and Roll forever.

The Rolling Stones - "Satisfaction"

This was The Rolling Stones hit song which stayed at the top of the charts for over a month. Not only did people love the music - but the lyrics were relatable as they sung of the great dis-satisfaction much of the generation felt towards the war and the social movements taking place at the time. This was a time of disillusionment for many as great changes were taking place and much of these movements were defined by the music. This song became an all purpose anti-establishment anthem 

 The Rolling Stones - "Paint It Black"

This song was released when the world was in an uproar during the Vietnam War. The song itself is about a man whose lover has died and he wishes the whole world to be "painted black." This song became associated with the Vietnam War and veterans have even said to be able to identify with it as it is a sad tune and has to do with loss and disillusionment. 

Mick Jagger Interview

This video is n interview with Mick Jagger done for a TV program called "World In Action" in 1967. It was done soon after he had gotten out of jail after drug usage. It shows some insight into one of the band leaders and the culture itself. They ask him questions about the culture at the time and how older generations may not understand their music or their purpose. 

Part One

Part Two

References

“The Rolling Stones,” in Holly George-Warren and Patricia Romanowski (eds), The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, New    York: Rolling Stone Press, 3rd Edition, 2001, pp.831-835.

Harrison, Benjamin T. "Sixties Protest Music: The Key to Understanding the Counter Culture." Academic Search Complete. EBSCO, 1980. Web. 14 Nov. 2012. <http://p8331-polychrest.tamu.edu.lib-ezproxy.tamu.edu:2048/V/7UFBXQAXPAFKJ83CQEK8S2SXV4GNB9E12U56YXQF592VFV95F4-16801?func=quick-3-full-save&doc_number=014891606&format=999&encoding=UTF_TO_WEB_MAIL>.

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