African-American culture: Rock music's roots can be traced back to the blues, a genre of music that originated in African-American communities in the American South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The blues featured vocalists accompanying themselves on guitars, and often expressed themes of hardship and oppression. Many early rock and roll musicians, such as Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, were influenced by blues music.
Country music: Another major influence on rock music was country music, which developed in rural areas of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Country music is characterised by its focus on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles, and often tells stories about everyday life. Rockabilly, a genre that combined elements of rock and roll and country music, emerged in the 1950s.
Latin music: Latin music has also had a significant impact on rock music. Genres such as salsa, cha-cha, and cumbia have all influenced rock musicians, with some bands incorporating Latin rhythms and percussion into their music. The Beatles' song "The Inner Light" (1968) is an example of a rock song that features elements of Indian classical music.
In addition to these cultures, rock music has also been influenced by folk music from various countries, as well as by jazz, electronic music, and other genres. As a result, rock music has become a truly global genre, with bands and musicians from all over the world contributing to its development.