The 1950's were a time of changes and the music of the decade both reflected the cultural

changes that were occurring in Australian society. Today I will be talking about music in Australia
and how it reflected changes in Australian society during the 1950s.

After suffering through World War II and the Great Depression, the 1950s was the decade that
saw the birth of the 'suburban dream'. It was an era dominated by full employment, a good
standard of living and family- focused values.

But no one was to know that Australia was about to embark on a musical journey that would
change the face of music for decades to come. (change)

One of the most significant changes that took place in 1950 Australian society is its drift towards
American culture.
Music during the 1950s was influenced by America, with musicians such as Bill Haley and Elvis
Presley contributing to the changes in society. The release of the vinyl LP (Long Playing) record in
the early 1950s made it possible for people to play music for longer than before. With this new
technology came rock 'n' roll, a new American musical style.(change)

Rock 'n' roll swept onto Australian shores in 1955 with the release of Bill Haley's hit song Rock
Around the Clock. This song was the first rock and roll feature released in Australia, as stated in
the poster here. Rock 'n' roll, a musical style that blended black American rhythm and blues with
white country music, was fast, rhythmic and exciting, and audiences loved it.

However, Rock and Roll affected society and family lives. It affected the people who listened to the
music; to somehow believe that drug usage was acceptable, which brings us to society today.

Elvis Presley thrilled audiences with his original style of music and 'bad boy' image. In society at
the time, the movement of the bum and the shaking of the leg was considered obscene. But here
was Presley, a white man, performing each of these acts, which contributed to some peoples
negative attitudes towards the music in the 1950s.

Presley was accused of dressing appallingly and playing to the crowd in a sexually suggestive
manner. Teenagers were influenced by rock and roll performers; their clothes, language and
attitudes offended the older generation, who saw their rebellion as a sign of juvenile offence.
Many citizens believed that Presley was going to corrupt the youth of Australia. This view is stated
in this source, a newspaper article, which describes the demeaning view Australia had on Elvis
Presley.

The 1950s was a time of innovation where music altered the views of society in various ways.
Australian society began to drift towards American culture, bringing rock and roll into Australia.
Rock and Roll influenced many young people to act in a rebellious manner; wearing tight black
pants and riding motorbikes. Even in society today, the music that we listen to are often taken from
America, which shows how much of an impact music in the 1950s has had.