proto-punk

a hard-to-classify group of bands and performers who laid the foundation for and inspired punk rock's development in the mid-1970s. These acts sported tough guy looks, rebellious attitudes, the longest hair in the neighborhood, sometimes simple 3-chord arrangements and/or feedback and garage band aesthetics. Some of these acts were called "punk rock" by critics in the late 60s and early 70s. That label later was applied to later bands of the mid-70s, starting with the Ramones. Elvis Presley may be the original "proto-punk" rocker. He wore denim and leather, wore his hair long for the 50s, swiveled his hips provacatively, rode motorcycles, sneered when he sang, and more. The term "proto-punk" wasn't used until after punk itself came into its own.