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The 1950's
 Rock and Roll Comes to TV

Rock and Roll Comes to TV
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 6 to 8
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   6.69

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    criticism, boomers, disrupt, entertainment, presented, response, controversial, natural, bands, popularity, totally, fans, host, regularly, common, television
     content words:    Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, World War II, Ed Sullivan Show, Topo Gigio, Sullivan Show, In August, Bill Haley, Elvis Presley

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Rock and Roll Comes to TV
By Jane Runyon 		  
1     By the 1950's, television was becoming a common sight in American households. Everyone felt they needed this new "picture box" in their living rooms. The pictures were still mostly black and white. The reception could be very fuzzy. But families began to gather around the TV to watch their favorite shows.
 
2     Music was also changing in the 50's. Moms and dads of 1940's war years had listened to big bands. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Judy Garland sang old standards. The 1950's brought a new sound. It was to become the personal favorite of "baby boomers." That's the name given to people born in the years right after World War II. Rock and roll was creating a whole new sound. It seems only natural that TV and rock and roll would hook up to spread this new sound.
 
3     The Ed Sullivan Show was very popular in the 50's. It aired on Sunday nights. Families would gather round the TV to watch a variety of acts. Actors, singers, dancers, magicians, and jugglers could be seen regularly on this show. Topo Gigio, a puppet mouse, became a favorite guest on the show.

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