CultureAugust 21, 2026

rockabilly

ROCK-uh-bil-ee

Definition

A subgenre of rock and roll that emerged in the early 1950s, characterized by a fusion of rock with elements of country and hillbilly music.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau formed by combining 'rock' (from rock and roll) and 'hillbilly' (a colloquial term for country and folk music of the Southern U.S.). It was coined in the 1950s to describe the energetic, guitar-driven sound popularized by early artists like Elvis Presley.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the musical style of Ben Flournoy, noting that his sound blends modern blues with a fresh touch of rockabilly. This highlights the artist's versatility in combining classic influences with a contemporary pop-rock aesthetic.

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