MELBOURNE, April 9 (UPI) -- Marshall Lytle, bassist on the first universally recognized rock song in 1954, says he's upset by the racy lyrics in many of today's songs.
Lytle, 70, was a member of Bill Haley and the Comets, whose hit, "Rock Around the Clock," turns 50 next week.
Lytle told The Melbourne Herald Sun: "I believe rappers have to use the dirty words to get the teenagers to buy their records because there is a lack of musical talent. Kids who like rap must get a feeling of being grown up."
Lytle also criticized Britney Spears and Janet Jackson.
"They start affecting young children too early in their lives with the way they dress and act," he said.
But Lytle is still proud of his own band's achievements.
"I am very pleased that rock 'n' roll has been kept alive in different variations for the last 50 years," he said. "I hope that it will be around for the next 50."
