Prologue Summary and Analysis

In his book MYSTERY TRAIN: IMAGES OF AMERICA IN ROCK 'N' ROLL, Greil Marcus presents a profound statement about the beginnings of the genre of rock 'n' roll music. Marcus critiques not only the effect the music had on Americans, but also the effect that America and its condition at that time period had on the music that was being produced. Marcus begins his analysis with two little known singers who he believes to be the forerunners of rock 'n' roll music, then traces the development through Elvis, the "king" of rock 'n' roll.

Marcus opens his study with an example from the Dick Cavett Show. In this sketch, rock 'n' roll singer Little Richard interrupts a literary discussion between a New York book critic and Erich Segal, author of LOVE STORY. The brashness with which Little Richard interrupts the conversation...