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The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974

This course will survey the music of the Rolling Stones, beginning with the roots and first formation of the band in the early 1960s, and following the group through the release of It's Only Rock 'n' Roll in late 1974.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Students of the Blues

Beginnings through the release of the early singles, and album, 1962-64.

The Year of Satisfaction

1965, the big breakthrough in the US, singles and albums through December 1965.

The Music Matures

1966, singles, compilations, and the live experience.

Psychedelia and Beyond

1967 and the rise of psychedelia, in the shadow of the Beatles?

Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers

The Stones leave peace and love behind, jumping and fighting with some sympathy for the Devil, 1968-69.

Exile on Main Street

The band defines 70s rock with two classic albums, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street, 1970-72.

The End of an Era

Continuing at the height of their musical powers, the group releases Goat's Head Soup and It's Only Rock 'n' Roll, 1973-74.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by John Covach, recognized for their work in music history, theory, and popular music studies

Examines the early years and influences of the Rolling Stones, providing a deep dive into their roots and formation in the early 1960s

Covers the band's early singles and albums, as well as the impact of their breakthrough in the US in 1965

Explores the band's maturation in the mid-1960s, including their singles, compilations, and live performances

Analyzes the band's experimentation with psychedelia and their move away from peace and love themes in the late 1960s

Explores the band's classic albums, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street, which defined 70s rock

Focuses on the band's continuing musical powers in the early 1970s, with the release of Goat's Head Soup and It's Only Rock 'n' Roll

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Reviews summary

Rolling stones history in music

Learners say this engaging course covers the period of 1962-1974 in great detail. Students loved learning about the band's history, musical influences, and the stories behind songs. They also commented on the instructor's knowledgeable and passionate delivery. Note that the course does not cover the Rolling Stones' full history, just up to 1975.

Talks about impact from various music genres.

"I was really impressed with the depth and different genres that they were influenced by."

Experienced and passionate instructor.

"The instructor gets deeper into the meaning and stories behind songs, album titles and artwork than anything I've seen before."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 with these activities:

Read a biography of Mick Jagger

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Provide insights into Jagger's stage presence, songwriting, and role as the frontman of the band.

View Wild Thing: The Short, Spellbinding Life of... on Amazon

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Read the biography
Identify key events and their impact on Jagger's career
Analyze Jagger's leadership style and communication skills

Read Keith Richards' memoir

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Provide insights into the band's early years and Richards' songwriting process.

View Life on Amazon

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Read the book carefully and take notes
Identify key themes and their relevance to the Stones
Write a summary of the book, focusing on its relevance to the course topics

Create a playlist that showcases the evolution of the Rolling Stones' sound

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of the band's musical journey by curating songs that represent different eras and styles.

Browse courses on Music History

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Research the Rolling Stones' discography
Select songs that illustrate the band's evolution
Write annotations for each song, explaining its significance and context

Five other activities

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Discuss the Rolling Stones' influence on rock music

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Engage in active discussion and exchange perspectives, deepening understanding of the band's impact on the genre.

Browse courses on Music History

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Prepare talking points on the Rolling Stones' influence
Participate in a peer discussion, sharing insights and perspectives
Summarize the key points of the discussion

Learn to play a Rolling Stones song on guitar

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Develop practical skills in playing songs by the Stones, enhancing understanding of their musical style.

Browse courses on Music Performance

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Find a tutorial for a Rolling Stones song
Practice playing the song
Record yourself playing the song and analyze your strengths and weaknesses

Analyze Rolling Stones songs using music theory

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Develop advanced analytical skills by examining the structure, harmony, and melody of Stones songs.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Identify the key, time signature, and form of a Rolling Stones song
Analyze the harmonic progression and melodic contour
Discuss the use of musical devices such as repetition, variation, and development

Design a concert poster for a Rolling Stones show

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Apply knowledge of the band's image and aesthetics to create a visually appealing and authentic promotional item.

Browse courses on Graphic Design

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Research the Rolling Stones' visual style
Sketch out a design for the poster
Digitize the design and add text and images
Print the poster and submit it for feedback

Contribute to an open-source project related to the Rolling Stones

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Apply technical skills and contribute to the community by developing tools or resources for Rolling Stones fans.

Browse courses on Software Development

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Identify an open-source project related to the Rolling Stones
Contribute code or documentation to the project
Discuss your contributions with the project maintainers

Career center

Learners who complete The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Archivist

Music Archivists work in libraries, typically, where they handle and identify a variety of historical media. Some Music Archivists specialize in the music of a particular artist or genre, or of a specific geographic region. This role might catalog materials, obtain rights to materials, and provide research services for both internal and external patrons. The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 could provide contextual details of the band's growth and development, which could be applied to the work of archiving.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Archivist

Music Critic

Music Critics provide reviews and commentary on new albums and singles to the public. Most work for magazines, newspapers or websites, but some may work freelance, working for themselves or under multiple employers at once. Music Critics might interview artists, attend concerts or sessions, and give expert analysis of a band's progress or changes. Those who want to enter this career field may benefit from the focused study of a single band, such as The Rolling Stones, because it allows one to see the band's development and growth in more detail.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic

Music Journalist

Music Journalists write for magazines, newspapers, and websites. These writers report on industry trends, publish interviews, and cover a variety of music events. Some Music Journalists specialize in a particular genre of music, such as rock and roll, and may become known for their specific expertise. Studying The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 can provide the opportunity to explore the group's influence, development, and genre influences, which may help a future Music Journalist to write and discuss rock and roll with greater depth and facility.

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Musician

Musicians work with a variety of instruments, including traditional acoustic instruments and modern electronic ones, in order to create and perform music. Working as a Musician requires a strong background in, and passion for, music theory, and familiarity with a broad range of musical genres. For musicians who are interested in forming a band or working in the rock and roll genre, studying The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 could be beneficial as it would allow an aspiring musician to see firsthand the development of one of the great rock and roll bands in history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musician

Music Producer

Music Producers work to shape the overall sound of an artist's music while working either live or in a studio environment. Music Producers may be responsible for selecting studio locations, hiring session musicians, proposing arrangements, supervising recording sessions, and mixing the finished product. Taking a course called The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 may help an aspiring Music Producer to understand the various styles, techniques, and resources it takes to create a successful and influential rock and roll album.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Teacher

Music Teachers help students of all ages to learn musical forms and styles. They teach students theory and technique, help develop a student's ear, and work with students on their own composition and performances. Working as a Music Teacher might require a bachelor's or advanced degree in music education, and those with a passion for rock and roll may find great use in the course The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 as it can help them to learn the history, techniques, and styles of one of the most influential rock and roll bands in history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Music Therapist

Music Therapists work with patients who suffer from mental, physical, emotional, or social challenges. Working as a Music Therapist requires a bachelor's or master's degree in music therapy from an accredited institution. A Music Therapist may use music and musical activities to help patients to develop language and communication skills, coping mechanisms, and social skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Radio Announcer

Radio Announcers introduce and play music, as well as talk about current events, traffic, and sports. They may also take requests from callers and interview artists and bands. Radio Announcers need to have strong communication and public speaking skills, and should have a broad knowledge of music trends. Taking the course The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 could help an aspiring Radio Announcer to learn about the evolution of the rock and roll genre, and to become more familiar with the roots and influences to contemporary rock and roll music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Announcer

Record Executive

Record Executives deal with every aspect of the record making process, including overseeing talent acquisition and development, working with artists to create marketable albums, and overseeing marketing and sales. Record Executives are generally required to have a bachelor's or advanced degree in business or music, but some may also have a background working in other areas of the music industry. Taking The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974 may be helpful as it provides insight into the commercial success of influential rock and roll albums, as well as the management of a successful rock and roll career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Record Executive

Singer

Singers work in a broad range of musical genres and styles, including rock and roll. Singers must have a good ear for music and be able to sing in tune, as well as having an in-depth understanding of musicality and music theory.

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Songwriter

Songwriters create and write music for others to perform, using any musical genre or style. Most Songwriters work freelance, and may write for both individual artists and bands.

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Talent Agent

Talent Agents negotiate the terms of contracts, such as concert bookings, television appearances, and branding deals, on behalf of their clients.

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Tour Manager

Tour Managers plan and execute the logistics of a band's tour, including organizing events, arranging transportation, and booking accommodations.

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Venue Manager

Venue Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a live music venue, including booking artists, managing the bar and concessions, and ensuring the safety of staff and patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venue Manager

Music Librarian

Music Librarians organize, manage, and preserve musical collections and materials in a library or archive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974.

A Happy Has-Been

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A founding member of the Rolling Stones recounts the band's early years and provides an insider's perspective on their rise to fame.

The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Rolling stones history in music

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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