The ten episode series of documentaries, "The History of Rock & Roll" jumps off well with one entitled "Rock N Roll Explodes". During the sixty minute run of the program many legendary artists and otherwise recognizable names from the rock and R&B end of the music industry discuss the significance of the inception of rock music, as well as the possible meanings behind the phrase "rock & roll". The interview segments are intercut with a fantastic variety of archival footage from the true beginnings of rock music in the mid-1940's and early 1950's. This episode covers this period until the early years of Elvis Presley's popularity in the late 1950's. This first hour of the series shows promise for what should come from the following nine episodes, and stands as a good introduction to early rock music.