I Love Rock and Roll Medley Performed by the Winona Community Chorale

Recorded live on May 16, 2026 at Central Lutheran Church in Winona, Minnesota, the Winona Community Chorale performs Greg Gilpin’s *I Love Rock ’n’ Roll Medley*—a high-energy tribute to one of the most influential musical movements in American history. Rock and roll did not emerge from a single tradition. It was born from a collision of musical cultures, blending the rhythm and blues traditions of African American communities with the country, gospel, and folk influences of the American South. The result was a revolutionary new sound that transformed popular music and reshaped American culture. Beyond its musical impact, rock and roll became a force for social change. During the 1950s and 1960s, it created one of the first truly shared cultural spaces where Black and white musical traditions were embraced by the same audiences. Its popularity helped challenge racial divisions and introduced generations of young Americans to artists, sounds, and influences that crossed longstanding social boundaries. Greg Gilpin’s medley takes audiences on a journey through three generations of rock-and-roll history. It opens with “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” the anthem made famous by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and one of the defining rock hits of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Interestingly, Jett’s version was itself a cover; she first discovered the song while watching the British band The Arrows perform it on television and immediately recognized its potential. The medley then travels back to the groundbreaking 1950s classic “Rock Around the Clock,” a song often credited with helping launch rock and roll into the American mainstream, before concluding with the nostalgic favorite “Old Time Rock and Roll,” celebrating the enduring appeal of the music that shaped generations of listeners. Filled with driving rhythms, memorable hooks, and infectious energy, I Love Rock ’n’ Roll Medley captures the spirit of a genre that continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world. As part of *Tapestry of American Song*, it celebrates the creativity, cultural exchange, and lasting influence of American popular music. 🎵 Song Credits I Love Rock ’n’ Roll Medley Arranged by Greg Gilpin Featured Songs: • “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” — Alan Merrill & Jake Hooker • “Rock Around the Clock” — Max C. Freedman & James E. Myers (Jimmy DeKnight) • “Old Time Rock and Roll” — George Jackson & Thomas E. Jones III 🎶 About the Concert This performance was part of the Winona Community Chorale’s spring concert, *Tapestry of American Song*, presented in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The program explored the many voices and traditions that have shaped American music, from folk songs and spirituals to Broadway, gospel, Motown, country, patriotic music, and rock and roll. The Winona Community Chorale is a mixed choral ensemble led by Vocal Director Kurt Speltz and Music Director Lisa Douglas. Founded in 2023, the Chorale seeks to inspire a love and appreciation for exceptional choral singing while fostering joy, connection, and community through music. 📍 Performance Information Central Lutheran Church Winona, Minnesota May 16, 2026 Follow the Winona Community Chorale: Facebook: [  / winonacommunitychorale  ](  / winonacommunitychorale  ) YouTube: [   / @wcc507  ](   / @wcc507  ) Interested in singing with us? New members are welcome when rehearsals resume in late summer 2026. Email: [email protected]