The use of the phrase "rock and roll" in the general popular culture started with Alan Freed's "Moondog" radio show, beginning in July of 1951 on WJW - Cleveland. This is the main reason the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland (the fact that rock stayed popular here when disco was big also plays a role).
I sometimes enjoy making people feel old by pointing out that Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" and the Sex Pistol's "Never Mind The Bollocks" album are now older than "Rock Around The Clock" was when Reagan got elected. >:)
-Eric
That's okay. Chantilly Lace is still current events for some of us. :)