Founded by Sam Phillips, Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee was where Elvis began his career. (Library of Congress, LC-DIG-highsm-04870.)

A publicity photo of Chuck Berry, one of the most influential early rock and roll musicians.

Teenage girls add graffiti to an Elvis movie poster, 1956. (Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-114912.)

Capitol Records was one of the six major record labels that dominated the American music industry, signing bands including the Beach Boys and the Beatles. (Library of Congress, LC-DIG-highsm-22297.)

'American Bandstand' host Dick Clark cultivated a squeaky-clean image. The popular television show he hosted helped spread a standardized national youth culture and made rock and roll appear less threatening.

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan during the civil rights March on Washington, 1963. (National Archives.)

The Beatles wave to fans upon their arrival at John F. Kennedy Airport, New York, 1964. (Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-111094.)

The Beatles hold a press conference, 1965. (Library of Congress, photo by Stanley Wolfson, LC-DIG-ds-04102.)

Elvis Presley meets President Nixon, 1970. (National Archives, Nixon White House Photographs.)

A mural of Roy Orbison in his hometown, Wink, Texas. (Library of Congress, LC-DIG-highsm-12282.)

The establishment of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, reflected the recognition of rock and roll as a critical part of American cultural history. (Library of Congress, LC-DIG-highsm-04712.)

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis stands at the former location of Stax Records. (Library of Congress, LC-DIG-highsm-04867.)