Though Memphis and Nashville may be better known for their influences on blues and country music, the roots of rock ‘n’ roll also run through Chattanooga.
In town today, University of Tennessee Singers Director Wendel Werner will discuss the history of rock ‘n’ roll in general and the history of the genre specific to Chattanooga when he speaks to the UT Hamilton County Alumni Chapter at Loose Cannon Art and Events.
“He talks about how rock ‘n’ roll is popular music, about [the fact that] what people in Tennessee like shapes what the audiences listen to,” said Hamilton County Alumni Chapter President Rachel Nall.
Werner, who was traveling and could not be reached for comment, is one of the most popular speakers for UT alumni groups, she said. He not only covers rock ‘n’ roll in his spoken presentation, but he also makes it interactive by playing some of the music he talks about, she said.
One Chattanooga influence he’s sure to mention, Nall said, is Bessie Smith.