What would you choose as THE anthem of rock'n'roll, the song that most epitomizes that whole original youth culture of the 1950's and early '60s (I don't think rock in the late '60s - '70s was mainly aimed at youth).

"Johnny B Goode" by Chuck Berry

or

"Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen

I think it must be one of these two, because every rock band in the world knows these two songs and can probably play them too - at least that's how it was once, I don't know about now.

"i know it's only rock and roll (but i like it).

Good choice! Even though it's from the '70s rock era, it sums up that vitality perfectly.

Even though it's from 1965, I go with "Satisfaction."

Another good choice! Perhaps the greatest riff as well.

My first thought when I saw the topic

Johnny B Goode - Chuck Berry - which I guess was your first choice already.

Second thoughts

Whole Lotta Shakin Going On - Jerry Lee Lewis
Tutti Frutti - Little Richard
Shake, Rattle & Roll - Big Joe Turner
Be Bop A Lula - Gene Vincent
Summer Time Blues - Eddie Cochran
Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Presley
Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins
Suzy Q - Dale Hawkins

I hadn't decided yet when I posted, but now I'm leaning more towards Johnny B Goode. I think Louie Louie is more of an American phenomenon, whereas Johnny B Goode is known all over the world.

I vote for "Satisfaction". One of the all-time classic guitar riffs, with a lyric that boils the central conflict of the rock and roll fan down to a single sentence. It summed up every great song that proceeded it, and every great song that has followed seems only to echo it.

Ask Paul Stanley:



"This is the rock and roll national anthem! 'Rock And Roll All Nite' and party every day!!"

"We will now do the national anthem, but you needn't rise..."



(Singing.) "And now, the end is near... and so I face... that final curtain..."

The Who - My Generation

What year is that from?

I'm going with "Johnny B Goode". It's not my favorite Berry record, but it's got the riff, and it tells the story.

Of the era, I'd say "Johnny B Goode". Maybe Roll over Beethoven, even if it just takes the same riff as Johnny.
For me all time it's Blitzkrieg Bop though!

If you hadn't limited it to just the youth scope, one which could be argued for inclusion, in a different way for certain, is "Rock On" from David Essex.

I was tempted to say "This is Pop" by XTC just to shake things up a bit ... but honestly, I'd have to go with "Johnny B Goode" too.

I like the idea of the XTC track, too, but think I'd have to agree with Pip and go with "My Generation."

Johnny B Goode!

1965, the pivotal year. Good anthem, but perhaps more like a mod anthem?

Either:
Led Zeppelin "Rock And Roll"
Kiss "Rock And Roll All Nite"
AC/DC "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)"
Culture Club "Kharma Chameleon"

OK, maybe not that last choice...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GvyATsknxk&feature=related[/youtube]

I don't really have an answer, but I'm surprised no one has said "Rock Around The Clock."

Actual topic is before my time; I was born late 50's. Closest I can honestly come would be "She Loves You" or "I Wanna Hold Your Hand".

To the best of my memory, that's where rock started for me as a child. I'm sure it's due to what I was exposed to, but for me, most pre-Beatles rock (with a few exceptions like Chuck Berry, & some rockabilly) sound like the "grown up" easy pop that my parents would listen to.

My 50's & early 60's appreciation tends to be Chicago Blues, Jazz & some R&B/Jump.

I own a couple Chuck Berry best of's & am really familiar with a lot of his recordings. But to be honest when I think of Johnny B Goode, the first thing that comes to my mind is Jimi Hendrix or Johnny Winter's versions..

On a slightly related topic, Mott The Hoople had a great song on "The Hoople" album called "Born Late '58" (not my birth year, but close enough). The song's topic was about a slinky 14 year old girl. She's 49 or so today.............