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Read More about this safari issue.Drop, Cover, Hold On and Rock N’ Roll
The desire to shake, rattle and roll seems to run deep through our core. I don’t think it’s a mere coincidence that the birthplace of rock and roll (Memphis, TN), the Arkansas Rock N’ Roll Highway 67 and the New Madrid fault line coexist in roughly the same geographical area.
Memphis may have a corner on the market of being the “birthplace of rock and roll” and it may be the home to the “King of Rock and Roll,” but without the enthusiasm of Arkansas, many pioneers of rock and roll would have never had their chance to shake up the stage.
The Rock N’ Roll Highway 67 is an 111-mile long corridor of Highway 67 that runs from Jackson County to Clay County in northeast Arkansas. Designated in 2009, this section of highway represents an area of Arkansas that was instrumental in the growth of Rock and Roll and Rockabilly music during the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
Establishments along the Rock n’ Roll Highway such as the Silver Moon Club in Newport, the Skylark Drive-in in Pocahontas and even the gymnasium at the Swifton High School hosted well-known musicians including Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. The list of influential musicians also includes Arkansans Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty and Sonny Burgess.
Elvis in the Swifton High School Gymnasium
Photograph of original photo by Mary Lou Kilgore Campbell in December 1955
The New Madrid Fault Line is a 150-mile long fault system that begins in Illinois and extends down through Blytheville and Marked Tree, Arkansas – just a hop, skip and a jump east of Rock N’ Roll Highway 67. The area was the location of four of the largest earthquakes to ever occur in North America; all reaching nearly 8.0 on the Richter scale in 1811 and 1812.
The last major earthquake to occur along this line took place in November 1968 and was measured at 5.4. The quake was said to be felt in 23 states and as far away as Boston. Elvis himself must have felt the quaking because his hips were back in motion less than a month later when his comeback special “Elvis” aired on NBC, resurrecting his career and putting the rock back into his roll. This was also the year that Johnny Cash made a comeback with the release of his live album At Folsom Prison which went to No. 1 on the country music charts and was certified gold right around the time of the 1968 earthquake.
This map is a simulation of the February 1812 earthquake. Many researchers believe there is a significant risk for a similar situation in the near future. More than 8 million people could experience ground shaking rated between 5.0 and 8.0 on the Richter scale.
Researchers disagree somewhat in regards to the potential future activity of the New Madrid fault line. Some researchers believe that any current activity is the result of aftershocks from the 1811 and 1812 earthquakes. Others believe that since there has been no decrease in activity over time, the fault zone is still active and holds the potential for a major earthquake. In 2014, the U.S. Geological Survey increased the risk assessment of the New Madrid fault line indicating that the potential for a major earthquake is very real.
Rock and roll can be characterized by the sudden, rapid shaking of the hips, much like an earthquake can be characterized by the sudden rapid shaking of the ground. Rock and Roll doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon and neither does the chance of earthquakes.
Fortunately, rock and roll has prepared us for many of the “bumps” in the road of life with its inspiring lyrics and nuggets of wisdom.
• “I said shake, rattle and roll.” ~Elvis Presley
• “Put another dime in the jukebox baby.” ~Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
• “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need.” ~The Rolling Stones
• “There’s still time to change the road you’re on.” ~Led Zeppelin
• “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.” ~Michael Jackson
• “Any time you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain, don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.” ~The Beatles
• “Though nothing will keep us together, we can be heroes, just for one day.” ~David Bowie
An earthquake can strike unexpectedly, but there are several things we can do to be more prepared when the rocking and rolling begins.
• Store critical items such as food, water and medication. A 48 or 72-hour kit is a good thing to keep on hand. These can be purchased in many outdoor and sporting goods stores as well as online.
• Purchase earthquake insurance. Most homeowners policies do not cover earthquakes and require a separate earthquake rider. Policy costs vary depending on the size of your home but should be less than a few hundred dollars a year. Would you rather spend a few extra dollars a month or pay a mortgage on a pile of rubble for 10 or 15 years?
• Drop, cover and hold on. Drop to your hands and knees so you are not knocked over and injured. Seek cover under a sturdy piece of furniture and cover your neck and head with your arms. Hold on to something sturdy until the shaking stops. *Disclaimer: In the event of a real earthquake, do not bring a guitar with you into the cover and hold position.
• If you are in a vehicle, stop and stay. Stay in your vehicle and avoid parking under or near utility lines, buildings, overpasses and trees.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks can often be just as strong as the initial earthquake. Once the initial shaking has stopped, be prepared for it to begin again.
• Teach your children. Make sure your children know what to expect and what to do during an earthquake and practice frequently.
I tried to make this article light and fun but the truth is the possibility for a significant earthquake is strong. Knowing the possibility exists and having knowledge of what to do in the event of an earthquake could save your life. If you would like more information of earthquake preparedness FEMA, the Red Cross, ready.gov and the CDC all have excellent online resources.
For more information on the history of Rock n’ Roll in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Rock N’ Roll Highway 67 Museum at 201 Hazel Street in Newport.
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[…] Experts recommend that families have emergency plans in place and discuss what to in the event of an earthquake. Earthquake insurance is also something to consider. You can learn more about how to prepare for an earthquake and some facts about Arkansas’s Rock N Roll Highway in my previous article Drop, Cover, Hold On and Rock N’ Roll. […]