History of Rock, Part One

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/history-of-rock

Introduction

**Course Review: History of Rock, Part One – A Deep Dive into the Cultural and Musical Evolution of Rock and Roll** If you're a music enthusiast or simply curious about the roots of rock and roll, Coursera's “History of Rock, Part One” offers an engaging and informative journey from the pre-rock era to the end of the 1960s. This course, as the first part of a two-course sequence, lays a strong foundation for understanding the socio-cultural impacts and musical innovations that shaped one of the most influential genres in modern music. ### Overview “History of Rock, Part One” examines the evolution of rock music in the United States, traversing the landscape before its inception in 1955 up through the transformative late 1960s. The course highlights iconic artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles while exploring the cultural context surrounding their music. In addition, it investigates how the music business and technological advancements shaped the industry and audience reception. ### Syllabus Breakdown The course is meticulously structured, focusing on key historical periods and phenomena: 1. **The World Before Rock and Roll (1900-1955)**: This introductory module sets the stage by discussing the role of Tin Pan Alley and the rise of mainstream pop. It provides context for how various genres, such as rhythm and blues and country, laid the groundwork for rock music. 2. **The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll (1955-59)**: Students will explore the initial crossover hits from legends like Chuck Berry and Fats Domino, as well as the meteoric rise of Elvis Presley. This section undoubtedly brings a sense of nostalgia while unpacking crucial events like the payola scandal. 3. **The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63)**: A thought-provoking analysis of whether this era was a low point for rock, featuring the rise of teen idols and the folk revival that foreshadowed the British Invasion. 4. **The Beatles and the British Invasion (1964-66)**: This pivotal moment in music history is expertly covered, detailing how The Beatles, and their successors, reshaped the American music landscape. 5. **American Responses (1965-67)**: This section showcases the American artists' creative responses to the British Invasion, spotlighting Bob Dylan and the folk-rock movement. 6. **Motown Pop and Southern Soul (1960-69)**: A deep dive into the genius of Berry Gordy and the Motown sound, alongside the vibrant Southern Soul scene, which adds a diverse layer to the rock narrative. 7. **Psychedelia (1966-69)**: Exploring the intersection of music and counterculture, this module delves into how psychedelia characterized late 60s music, culminating in iconic moments like Woodstock. 8. **Final Exam**: To reinforce the knowledge acquired throughout the course, students will take a final exam that encapsulates all learned material. ### Course Highlights 1. **Engaging Content**: The modules are rich with multimedia presentations that may bring to life the music and moments discussed, making it accessible and enjoyable. 2. **Historical Context**: The course does an excellent job of placing music within its broader cultural, social, and technological frameworks, illustrating how interconnected these elements are. 3. **Expert Instructors**: The course is led by knowledgeable instructors who provide significant insights and foster a captivating learning environment. ### Recommendation If you’re passionate about music history or simply curious about the origins and cultural significance of rock and roll, I highly recommend the “History of Rock, Part One” course on Coursera. Not only does it provide a comprehensive overview of rock's development, but it's also a captivating exploration of the myriad factors influencing this enduring genre. The course's structure, engaging content, and the blend of music and cultural studies make it worthwhile for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of music's transformational impact over the decades. Enroll in this course, and prepare to rock and roll through history!

Syllabus

Introduction

The Role of Tin Pan Alley in mainstream pop, the formation of a national audience through radio and the rise of television, the pre-rock pop of Frank Sinatra, Patti Page, and Les Paul and Mary Ford; rhythm and blues in the years before rock and roll; country and western and the rise of Nashville.

Chart crossover and cover versions, the first hits of Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Little Richard, the rise of Elvis Presley, the music of Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly, the rise of American Bandstand, the payola scandal and the "death of rock and roll."

Was this era the dark ages for rock music or was it a golden era cut short by the British invasion? The music of teen idols, the folk revival, early surf music, sweet soul, rockabilly pop, and girl groups. The Brill Building songwriters and the rise of the producer. Playlets and splatter platters.

The Beatles transform the UK music scene and then invade America. Other Beatles-type British bands. The London blues scene and the Rolling Stones. Other Stones-type bands. The Who and the Kinks.

Dylan, the Byrds and folk rock. Garage bands in the northwest. Sonny and Cher and the legacy of Phil Spector. TV rock, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and the Monkees. Music in New York and Los Angeles.

Berry Gordy and the rise and first flourishing of Motown. Atlantic, Stax, and southern soul (Memphis, Muscle Shoals, New York). Parallels between Motown and Stax. James Brown and the roots of funk.

How can music be psychedelic? Underground psychedelic scenes in San Francisco and London. Psychedelia in LA. The Summer of Love and the rise of hippie culture. The birth of FM rock and rock magazines. Woodstock and Altamont.

Final exam for this course.