Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/rock-and-roll-music
**Course Review: Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll** If you’ve ever found yourself tapping your feet to the beat of a classic rock'n'roll song or delving into the history behind legendary artists, the Coursera course "Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll" is a must-enroll. This course offers both music enthusiasts and history buffs a fascinating journey into the origins of one of America’s most iconic musical genres. **Overview** “Music's Big Bang” revolves around the intricate musical and cultural tapestry that blossomed in the early 1950s, leading to the birth of rock 'n' roll. The course is curated to explore various genres, styles, and influential figures that played pivotal roles in shaping this revolutionary sound. By delving into the rich landscape of American popular music, learners will gain a nuanced understanding of how rock 'n' roll emerged from a confluence of cultural and musical influences. **Course Syllabus Highlights** The course content is structured around four fundamental themes, each addressing significant aspects of rock 'n' roll's origins: 1. **Some Basic Tenets of Rock 'n' Roll** This introductory section lays the groundwork, highlighting the essential characteristics that define rock 'n' roll music. Students will familiarize themselves with the genre's key components, including rhythm, melody, and cultural context. 2. **In the Beginning: American Popular Music** Here, participants will explore the vast array of musical styles and genres that existed in America prior to the rise of rock 'n' roll. This segment is pivotal for understanding how diverse influences such as jazz, blues, country, and R&B combined to pave the way for rock. 3. **The Blues: Mississippi Ghosts 1 & 2** The Mississippi Delta is lovingly depicted as the birthplace of the blues. Through an examination of its vibrant history and the legendary figure of Robert Johnson, students will discover the emotive storytelling and profound influence of blues music on the rock genre. 4. **A Tale of Three Cities: New Orleans, Chicago, and Memphis** Each city is portrayed as a crucial player in the rock 'n' roll narrative: - **New Orleans**: Often hailed as the birthplace of jazz, it sets the stage for the rhythmic complexities that would later influence rock. - **Chicago**: The Windy City transformed the blues from acoustic to electric, a crucial evolution for the genre. - **Memphis**: Recognized as the “delivery room of rock 'n' roll,” this city is profoundly explored, showcasing iconic moments and figures that defined the rock movement. **Why You Should Enroll** “Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll” is more than just a course about music; it’s an immersive journey that captures the soul of a cultural revolution. Whether you’re a musician looking to understand your roots, a music history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys learning about the arts, this course caters to a wide audience. The engaging content, rich with audio samples, video lectures, and historical perspectives, ensures that the learning experience is not only informative but also entertaining. Plus, the flexibility of Coursera’s platform allows you to learn at your own pace, making it accessible for everyone. **Conclusion** As rock 'n' roll continues to influence countless genres and artists around the world, understanding its origins becomes increasingly important. "Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll" is an engaging, well-structured course that sheds light on the cultural and musical dynamics that shaped a generation. If you're eager to expand your knowledge and appreciation for rock music, look no further — this course comes highly recommended!
Four basic themes of our course
Some basic tenets of rock 'n' roll
In the beginning: American popular musicThere were many, many genres, styles and sub styles of American pop
The blues: Mississippi Ghosts 1The Mississippi Delta, an area surrounding the Mississippi River, becomes the cradle of the blues
The blues: Mississippi Ghosts 2The legend of Robert Johnson and his visit to "the crossroads"
A tale of three cities: New OrleansNew Orleans is the city of jazz
A tale of three cities: ChicagoChicago is where the blues went electric
A tale of three cities: MemphisThe delivery room of rock 'n' roll
Explores the factors — musical and cultural — that led to the birth of American rock 'n' roll music in the early 1950s. Covers in detail the genres, styles and people that converged to create this new music.
What an awesome course! I am truly learning about the foundation of what we call Rock n Roll music. The professor does such a wonderful job of instructing this class. Thank you
I loved this class... it was lively and well presented covering a wide variety of early influences on rock'n'roll. I would sign up for a continuing class if it was available.
It was way more interesting that I thought it would be.\n\nLoved every week of the course.
This was an entertaining, complete synopsis of the beginning of rock n' roll. The teacher is engaging, and and there is a good selection of music.
Ability to integrate even small soundbites of audio enhances the lecture material.\n\nProf. "Rock" visiting notable landmarks adds a positive dimension to the lectures.