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Sweet Little Sixteen

Episode number: 1

Overview: In mid-1950s America, out of the Deep South came a rhythm-driven fusion of blues, boogie woogie and vocal harmony played by young black pioneers.

Whole Lotta Shakin'

Episode number: 2

Overview: Rock 'n' roll took off in 1955, and the likes of Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis scandalised America with their gyrations, leading to Pat Boone's cleaned-up version.

Be My Baby

Episode number: 3

Overview: In the years bookended by Buddy Holly's death in 1959 and The Beatles landing at JFK in 1964, rock 'n' roll calmed down, went uptown and got spun into teen pop.