The Oregon roots of rock-n-roll

At the peak of his popularity in the 1950s, no one was bigger than Oregon musician Johnnie Ray. A decade later, Portland’s The Kingsmen recorded one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Both groups helped make rock-and-roll what it is today. What was it about Oregon in the middle of the century that made it so musically innovative? And why don’t we get any credit?

You can read more and see the Oregon Experience Documentary about Johnnie Ray produced by Kami Horton here.

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