History of Rock and Roll
This course looks at the development and history of rock and roll music, mostly from an American perspective, from its early influences (mid 20th century) through the 1990’s and beyond. An overview of the music itself along with bios of some of rock music’s most influential artists and performers and a look at the historical and cultural context of the music.
Prerequisite: None
½ credit
Topics
Introduction to Rock Music
How do we define rock music?
What are the various instruments used in rock music?
What is the importance of film and TV in rock music?
Popular Music Before Rock and Roll
How was a National Audience for music created in the early 20th century.
How did the music business market music?
Recognize regional styles of music: country and western, blues.
List some important early music stars.
The Beginnings of Rock and Roll
Rise of youth culture in the 1950's.
The influence of radio and records.
Crossover music.
List some of the early rock and roll crossover artists.
The rise of Elvis Presley.
List some rockabilly artists.
What were some of the problems that affected major rock stars in the late 50's.
The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul
What was the Brill building and what influence did it have on the music industry?
Who were some teen idols of the late 50's and early 60's?
What was the role of American Bandstand and dance crazes?
Whom did folk music appeal too and why?
What was the role of the producer in hits of the 50's and early 60's?
What was sweet soul and who were some of the performers known for it?
What was rockabilly and who were some of the performers known for it?
What was surf music and who were some of the performers known for it?
The Beatles and the British Invasion
What was British pop music like in the late 1950's and early 1960's?
How did the Beatles form and what did their act consist of?
What was Beatlemania?
How did the British invasion affect the American music scene?
Who were some of the British groups to have success in America?
Who were some of the groups that formed the British blues revival?
American Responses
What was folk rock? What were its influences? Name some American folk rock performers.
Describe the role of garage bands?
How did TV capitalize on the music industry in the 1960's?
Motown and Southern Soul
Describe the rise of Motown. Identify several Motown artists.
What was Southern soul?
What role did James Brown play in the development of funk?
Psychedelic Music
What role did drugs play in the development of psychedelic music?
How did the Beach Boys and Beatles begin the psychedelic movement?
Discuss the psychedelic scene in the following locales: San Francisco, London, Los Angeles and New York.
What influence did festivals (Woodstock) and radio have on the music business in the late 1960's and early 70's?
Rock Music of the late 60's and Early 70's
What was the hippie aesthetic?
Who were some of the big bands that played blues-based British rock?
Can you identify the following genres of rock music and some of the artists associated with them: American blues rock Southern rock, progressive rock, glam rock, singer-songwriters, and county rock.
The late 70's and early 80's: Mainstream, punk and New Wave
How did FM radio influence the music industry?
Big Albums.
Describe mainstream rock in the late 70's and early 80's?
Punk Rock in the US.
Rise of Punk Rock in Britain
From punk to New Wave.