By Carol Fisher-Linn
Who doesn’t have fond memories of the rock and roll era, or for the younger crowd, just love rock and roll? The fifties gave us fast, exciting music, edgy and rebellious clothes, slicked back duck-tail haircuts, rolled up jeans, poodle skirts (and poodle haircuts) high ponytails with chiffon scarves around them, and bowling shirts for casual wear.
This may surprise you, but Rock and Roll first came on the scene early in the U.S. in the late 40’s and early 50’s. This powerhouse mix of rhythm and blues, gospel, country and western music grew in popularity thanks to a man named Sam Phillips who recorded early icons at the now famous Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn. Chuck Berry and little Richards caught listeners attention with these new fast tempos and the inimitable Elvis Presley bridged musical gaps by combining R&B, hillbilly and gospel.
Presley, through his high energy, his sexually provocative performance style and his handsome, sweet boy-next-door good looks and his “aw-shucks” demeanor crossed racial lines bringing black and white together at his sold-out concerts at a time Post WWII, when teenagers and their parents were experiencing a generational divide. Who remembers the movie “Rebel Without a Cause?” Teens wanted more freedom to experience more, spend more and move at a faster pace. The Cold War influenced kids wanting to get as much living under their belts as they could, just in case their days were truly numbered. Rock and Roll was their best way to express those mixed emotions.
The song most credited to begin the rock and roll era was a song called “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats (1951). The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cites this as the first true rock and roll record. Yet, in 1954 Bill Haley and His Comets gave us “Rock around The Clock.” It was the first rock single to top the Billboard Top charts giving a nod of affirmation to the youth culture. If “Rocket 88” opened the door, “Rock Around The Clock” blew the doors wide open. Then, along came Elvis Presley with “That’s All Right.”.
Elvis had his Cadillacs; Ellicottville had a 1955 pink Cadillac named Gladys honoring Elvis’ mom. The story goes that Elvis drove to Ellicottville to try skiing at Holiday Valley and failed miserably. It is said he suffered a bit of an injury (it’s up for debate if it was his body or his psyche). Jim and Janet Tekavec, who owned the restaurant Cadillac Jacks at that time allegedly helped him recover. Before he left, Elvis gifted his car to them. Or so the fable goes. They named it Gladys and parked it permanently in front of their restaurant on the corner of Rte. 219 and Holiday Valley Road. Gladys has since retired as have the Tekavecs.
You will likely not see Gladys in the lineup of 200 cars the Sunday of the Car Show during the Rock and Roll weekend. However, you will see cars of every genre from antique, classic, street rods, hot rods, street machines, show cars and you’ll even find a 1978 GMC Motor Home. Award ceremony will be held at 3pm at the Gazebo. Recognition and cheers will go for Best in Show and People’s Choice
An assortment of Rock and Roll bands (15) will be featured throughout the community. Admission is free but the fun and walk down memory lane is priceless. Check the Chamber of Commerce website closer to the date for a complete rundown of participating bands and locations. On Saturday afternoon, Saturday, Sept. 12 1-3 The Necessary Experience, a father and sons band from PA will perform at the Gazebo (featured in last week’s The Villager, check it out online www.thevillagerny.com)
If that isn’t enough to make you want to come for the entire weekend, new this year is Farm/Market Craft show Saturday/Sunday in front of 1887 Building. Cutco will have a booth and local creator/crafter Emily Theresa will be present on Sunday with her custom designed Cowboy Hats, western hats, flat brimmed and baseball caps. She will be taking orders for custom hats. In case your feet hurt form all the walking and dancing, she will also have her tincture and natural healing remedies. Whew! It’s going to be quite a weekend! Don’t miss it.