History of Rock and Roll Rock and Roll started after the year 1955 with its roots being in Blues, Gospel, and Jazz. This influenced vocal music, which was popular with the African American population. Hep Harmony which added rhythm and harmony was sung by groups such as The "Mills Brothers" and the "Ink Spots". Small Swing Bands or Jump Bands featured saxophone soloists and repeated phrases. These city style blues featured singers such as Joe Turner, Dina Washington, T-Bone Walker, and composer-singer Percy Mayfield. During this era, country blues traditions of the south became influential in the North as well. Blacks moved from the South to the Nor