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Music genre

Roots rock

Roots rock is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of rock music and music of the United States. Explore its 1 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

About Roots rock

Roots rock is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of rock music and music of the United States.

Artists closely associated with the genre include Bryan Adams, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Randy Newman, The Band, Traveling Wilburys and The Quarrymen.

Roots rock has given rise to 1 subgenre on this site, such as Swamp rock.

From Wikipedia

Roots rock is a genre of rock music that looks back to rock's origins in folk, blues, and country music. First emerging in the late 1960s, it is seen as a response to the perceived excesses of the then dominant psychedelic and the developing progressive rock. Because roots music (Americana) is often used to mean folk and world musical forms, roots rock is sometimes used in a broad sense to describe any rock music that incorporates elements of this music.

The 2000s saw a new interest in "roots" music. One proof of that is the specific Grammy Award given since 2015, notably to Jon Batiste in 2022. According to the Grammy website, "This category recognizes excellence in Americana, bluegrass, blues or folk recordings in modern and/or traditional vocal and instrumental styles, as well as original material by artists who use traditional and/or modern roots elements, sounds and instrumental techniques as the basis for their recordings."

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Roots rock.

Key artists

  • Bryan Adams
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Randy Newman
  • The Band
  • Traveling Wilburys
  • The Quarrymen
  • Garth Hudson

Related genres

Frequently asked questions

What is Roots rock?

Roots rock is a music genre that emerged in United States in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of rock music and music of the United States.

Where and when did Roots rock originate?

Roots rock originated in United States in the 1960s.

Who are famous Roots rock artists?

Bryan Adams, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Randy Newman, The Band, Traveling Wilburys and The Quarrymen.

Sources & credits