Concert poster for the Moondog Coronation Ball thrown by Alan Freed of the Moondog Radio Show, considered by some to have been the first rock and roll concert.

Singer Jerry Lee Lewis, like his influence Little Richard, stands as he performs a lively rock and roll song, c. 1957.

Musician Chuck Berry, an early rock and roll star, performing the "duck walk" with his electric guitar.

A young Elvis Presley, c. 1957.

The Beatles perform for the first time on U.S. television as guests on The Ed Sullivan Show, February 9th, 1964.

A photo of The Rolling Stones, "long hair" and all, taken in 1964.

A 1987 edition of Rolling Stone magazine featured an image of rock musician Jimi Hendrix on stage on the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival, igniting his guitar at the end of his set.

In 1968, Decca records withdrew the Rolling Stones, Beggar's Banquet album due to this "vulgar" cover art.

In one of the most requested White House photos—and one of the more startling—'50s rebel rocker Elvis Presley poses with Republican president, and former member of the House Un-American Activities Commission, Richard Nixon, c. 1970.

The October 1975 edition of Time magazine, featuring "Rock's New Sensation," Bruce Springsteen.

Prince performs at Chicago's Uptown Theatre, c. 1980.

The band KISS, in full makeup, on the cover of their hit self-titled album.

The band KISS, without their makeup, on the cover of their 1983 release Lick It Up.

In 1988 and 1989, record retailers throughout the country refused to stock this Prince album, Love Sexy, because of its provocative cover art.