It is important to recognize and highlight that rock, as a musical genre, has its roots deeply embedded in African American culture. Although Elvis Presley is often credited with creating rock and roll, it is essential to understand that he himself was influenced and inspired by black artists who paved the way for the genre.

Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock and Roll, was a white artist who gained fame in the 1950s and contributed to the popularization of rock. However, his influences were mostly African American musicians who had been creating music in the same style long before he became known, and it was not until a white person (Elvis Presley) started playing this rhythm and gained popularity. Additionally, white people had greater purchasing power, making it more attractive from a commercial standpoint.

The true pioneers of rock and roll were black musicians like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Fats Domino, and many others. These artists fused influences from blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, and other African American genres to create a new and revolutionary sound that would later be known as rock and roll.

Chuck Berry, in particular, is recognized as one of the founding fathers of rock. His innovative approach to the electric guitar, catchy riffs, and energetic performance style paved the way for future rock guitarists. He established the classic structure of the rock song with his clever lyrics and storytelling ability through his music. Berry infused the rebellious spirit of rock into every riff and encounter with the police and the segregated society of that time.

Due to Chuck Berry being an ex-convict, black, and desired by white teenagers, he was considered public enemy number one by both the more conservative and the not-so-conservative individuals in the United States. Despite Berry's immense talent, he couldn't "compete" against Presley in an extremely racist and segregated society where he "had no place."

Many other black musicians left their mark on the genre. The influence of blues and rhythm and blues, genres primarily created and developed by African American musicians, is also at the heart of rock and roll. Blues pioneers like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and B.B. King contributed their distinctive style and musical approach to the genre, laying the foundation for the characteristic sound of rock.

It is important to challenge the prevailing narrative that exclusively attributes the creation of rock and roll to Elvis Presley. While Elvis was a talented performer who helped popularize the genre, we must not forget that it was the African American community that created and nurtured it from its deepest roots.

We must honor and celebrate this International Rock Day, paying tribute to the rich African American heritage that lies at the heart of rock, and always remember that this genre would not have existed as we know it without the influence and talent of black individuals.