By Brandi Desha

High school students are required to do amazingly large amounts of work on a variety of different "useless" topics. But recently I began attending a school that allowed me to choose the topic I was interested in reporting on.  When prompted with this opportunity I quickly gravitated to one of my interests, music, and decided to do a project on "The Evolution of Rock Music." During this process, I was confronted with a question that I found difficult to answer: What is it exactly that I like about music?

Drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, but what is it exactly that I like about music? The question began to haunt me. This question seemed to be extremely complicated when it was first asked of me, such a simple question, actually requiring so much thinking. While I was writing this blog, I discovered my complete and honest answer: I enjoy the fact that music allows me to say things I couldn’t say in reality. Music is boundless, effortless, beautiful, expression. Fairytale like lyrics inspire me to daydream, and to "fly" with the high notes of the vocalist. In my brief moments of weakness, they strengthen me, with a sense of hope. Music makes you feel free.

This freedom in music is extremely evident when it comes to Rock music, the lyrics not only proclaim freedom but also suggest rebellion. Rock music is extremely interesting to me because of the emotions each vocalist shows. The words can say anything, but the sound of their voices allow you to feel each of the emotions they felt when singing it, whether it be "Don't wanna miss a thing" by Aerosmith or "She makes dirty words sound good" by Pierce the Veil, "Let it be" by The Beatles, or even"Chop Suey" by System Of the Down.

Although the stages and Genre's of this amazing phenomenon called Rock may vary, the image it exposes remains the same: money, drugs, sex and pure rebellion. But was this the image that Rock was intended to portray?

During the 1950's the music genre "Rock & Roll" was established, creating a stir among all teenagers who heard the songs that combined blues and the electric guitar. Founded by Chuck Berry the genre grew and became popular "overnight". Rock and Roll quickly gave birth to legends such as Elvis Presley, Bill Hayley, Buddy Holly or Little Richard. The style of these pioneers evolved in many different sub-genres. Over time, other amazing artist and bands were formed, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Janice Joplin, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, the Eagles, The Ramones, The Clash, The Sex Pistols,Van Halen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Guns and Roses. Jimi Hendrix, who was said to be the epitome of a Rock star, died at 27 in 1970 at a London Hotel of a drug overdose, and an over-intoxication of wine. Two weeks later Janice Joplin died leaving behind a great Rock legacy.

I do believe Rock was created to present a facade of Rebellious Living and immortality to the people who listened to it. This image still prevails today and will continue to exist in the future with intense lyrics and electrifying rhythms. Why wouldn’t I choose this topic?!  This “born to be wild” artists will forever be our Rock stars.

So what is your definition of a Rock star?