Bye Bye Birdie is a rock score

I realise Strouse disagrees now, but I wonder whether he would have in 1960? Hair literally caused Strouse to have an existential crisis, which is why Applause is such a random musical. 🤣 - The songs for Conrad are obviously rock and blues forms (ie imitating Elvis). That was truly new. If I was to point out the key 'rock' songs in the score, I'd point to The Telephone Hour, One Last Kiss, A Lot of Living To Do (particularly in the movie version), and the title song from the movie version. - Telephone Hour is the best example. That 'going steady ... He's in love with Kim; Kim's in love with him' section is pure rock'n'roll, particularly when it pivots to the I-VI-IV-V progression. That's rock. Pastiche, yes, but still authentic. It reflects that rock was still a novelty form in the late 1950's, alongside the other styles of modern pop or show songs that Bye Bye Birdie pastiches.