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John Covach
This course, part 1 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the days before rock (pre-1955) to the end of the 1960s. This course covers the music of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Phil Spector, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and many more artists, with an emphasis both on cultural context and on the music itself. We will also explore how developments in the music business and in technology helped shape the ways in which styles developed.
Read more
This course, part 1 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the days before rock (pre-1955) to the end of the 1960s. This course covers the music of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Phil Spector, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and many more artists, with an emphasis both on cultural context and on the music itself. We will also explore how developments in the music business and in technology helped shape the ways in which styles developed.
Read more
This course, part 1 of a 2-course sequence, examines the history of rock, primarily as it unfolded in the United States, from the days before rock (pre-1955) to the end of the 1960s. This course covers the music of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Phil Spector, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and many more artists, with an emphasis both on cultural context and on the music itself. We will also explore how developments in the music business and in technology helped shape the ways in which styles developed.
Rock emerged in the mid 1950s as a blending of mainstream pop, rhythm and blues, and country and western--styles that previously had remained relatively separate. This new style became the music of the emerging youth culture and was often associated with teen rebellion. We will follow the story of how this rowdy first wave of rock and roll (1955-59) was tamed in the early 60s but came roaring back with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and then went psychedelic by the end of the decade.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/muabjm/history
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
The World Before Rock and Roll (1900-1955)
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.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
The World Before Rock and Roll (1900-1955)
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.
Read more
The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll (1955-59)
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."
The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63)
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 and the British Invasion (1964-66)
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.
American Responses (1965-67)
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.
Motown Pop and Southern Soul (1960-69)
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.
Psychedelia (1966-69)
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
Final exam for this course.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Covers the core ideas and events in the history of rock music, particularly in the United States
Provides historical and cultural context for the development of rock music
Includes a variety of artists and genres from the early days of rock and roll to the late 1960s
Taught by John Covach, an experienced and well-respected music historian
Save this course
Save History of Rock, Part One to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Engaging history of rock survey course
Learners say this course is largely positive and provides a well-rounded overview of American rock music history. They praise the engaging and knowledgeable instructor and say his lectures are entertaining and easy to follow. Some learners note that the quizzes are difficult and can feel like an information dump. Overall, learners say this course is well-organized and helps them appreciate the social and cultural impact of rock music.
Extensive knowledge
"Very comprehensive course."
"Excellent course on history of rock music!"
"A comprehensive survey of the roots of rock and roll."
Fun
"Fun course to take and professor is engaging in his lectures."
"Fun and informative."
"A cool overview of the History of Rock - Artists, producers, social environment."
Rock n Roll!
"amazing teacher!"
"Great! Excellent teacher."
"Excellent course and an excellent tutor."
Missing Music
"no mention of Sister Rosetta Tharpe."
"very well produced and great visuals"
Hard Questions
"The quizzes are very specific."
"Quizzes are not too difficult"
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 History of Rock, Part One with these
activities:
Compile a list of the key events and figures in the history of rock music
Show steps
Compiling a list of the key events and figures in the history of rock music will help you to understand the evolution of the genre and its impact on popular culture
Show steps
-
Research the history of rock music
-
Identify the key events and figures in the history of rock music
-
Compile a list of these events and figures
-
Review your list and make sure that it is comprehensive and accurate
Follow a tutorial on how to play a rock song on the guitar
Show steps
Following a tutorial on how to play a rock song on the guitar will help you to develop practical skills in playing rock music
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on how to play a rock song on the guitar
-
Follow the instructions in the tutorial
-
Practice playing the song until you can play it proficiently
The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night
Show steps
The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night is a film that captures the essence of the band's early career and the British Invasion. Reviewing this film will provide you with a deeper understanding of the cultural context and impact of rock music in the 1960s
Show steps
-
Watch The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night
-
Identify the key themes and messages of the film
-
Understand the film's historical and cultural context
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Create a playlist of your favorite rock songs from the 1950s and 1960s
Show steps
Creating a playlist of your favorite rock songs from the 1950s and 1960s will help you to identify the key characteristics and evolution of rock music over time
Show steps
-
Identify your favorite rock songs from the 1950s and 1960s
-
Create a playlist on a streaming service or music player
-
Share your playlist with friends and family
Volunteer at a local music festival
Show steps
Volunteering at a local music festival will provide you with an opportunity to contribute to the rock music community and gain valuable experience in the event planning industry
Show steps
-
Find a local music festival to volunteer at
-
Contact the festival organizers and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Complete the volunteer application and attend the volunteer training session
-
Perform your volunteer duties at the festival
Compile a list of the key events and figures in the history of rock music
Show steps
Compiling a list of the key events and figures in the history of rock music will help you to understand the evolution of the genre and its impact on popular culture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the history of rock music
- Identify the key events and figures in the history of rock music
- Compile a list of these events and figures
- Review your list and make sure that it is comprehensive and accurate
Follow a tutorial on how to play a rock song on the guitar
Show steps
Following a tutorial on how to play a rock song on the guitar will help you to develop practical skills in playing rock music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on how to play a rock song on the guitar
- Follow the instructions in the tutorial
- Practice playing the song until you can play it proficiently
The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night
Show steps
The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night is a film that captures the essence of the band's early career and the British Invasion. Reviewing this film will provide you with a deeper understanding of the cultural context and impact of rock music in the 1960s
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch The Beatles: A Hard Day's Night
- Identify the key themes and messages of the film
- Understand the film's historical and cultural context
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Create a playlist of your favorite rock songs from the 1950s and 1960s
Show steps
Creating a playlist of your favorite rock songs from the 1950s and 1960s will help you to identify the key characteristics and evolution of rock music over time
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your favorite rock songs from the 1950s and 1960s
- Create a playlist on a streaming service or music player
- Share your playlist with friends and family
Volunteer at a local music festival
Show steps
Volunteering at a local music festival will provide you with an opportunity to contribute to the rock music community and gain valuable experience in the event planning industry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local music festival to volunteer at
- Contact the festival organizers and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Complete the volunteer application and attend the volunteer training session
- Perform your volunteer duties at the festival
Career center
Learners who complete History of Rock, Part One will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Journalist
Music Journalist
The History of Rock course will provide an excellent foundation for an aspiring Music Journalist who wants to understand the evolution and cultural impact of rock music. By studying the key figures, genres, and events that shaped rock's development, you'll gain a deep understanding of the industry and be better equipped to write insightful and engaging articles.
Music Historian
Music Historian
If you want to become a Music Historian, this course is an excellent starting point. It'll give you a solid understanding of the origins and development of rock music, from its roots in blues, country, and pop to its emergence as a dominant force in popular culture. This knowledge will be invaluable for researching and writing about rock music's history.
Music Producer
Music Producer
This course will provide essential knowledge for aspiring Music Producers. It will teach you about the history of rock music and the techniques and technologies used to create it. This knowledge can be invaluable when working with artists to develop their sound and produce high-quality recordings.
Record Executive
Record Executive
For those interested in music business, the History of Rock course provides valuable insights into the industry's evolution. By studying the rise and fall of artists, record labels, and trends, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how the music industry operates. This knowledge can be helpful for making strategic decisions and navigating the competitive music business landscape.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
This course may be useful for those interested in teaching Music. It will provide a deep understanding of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for developing engaging lesson plans and teaching students about the different aspects of rock music.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
The History of Rock course may be useful for aspiring Music Librarians. It will give you a comprehensive overview of the development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for organizing and cataloging rock music collections and providing reference services to researchers and music enthusiasts.
Music Archivist
Music Archivist
For those interested in becoming Music Archivists, the History of Rock course may be helpful. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for preserving and managing rock music collections.
Radio Disc Jockey
Radio Disc Jockey
Aspiring Radio Disc Jockeys may find the History of Rock course useful. It will provide a deep understanding of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for selecting and presenting music for a radio audience.
Music Critic
Music Critic
The History of Rock course may be useful for aspiring Music Critics. It will provide a deep understanding of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for analyzing and critiquing rock music.
Entertainment Lawyer
Entertainment Lawyer
Entertainment Lawyers specializing in music may find the History of Rock course useful. It provides a comprehensive overview of the legal issues that have shaped the music industry, including copyright, contracts, and artist rights. This knowledge can be helpful for advising clients and negotiating deals.
Music Professor
Music Professor
For those interested in becoming Music Professors, the History of Rock course may be useful. It will provide a deep understanding of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for teaching college-level courses on rock music.
Talent Agent
Talent Agent
Aspiring Talent Agents specializing in music may find the History of Rock course useful. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for understanding the industry and representing rock musicians.
Concert Promoter
Concert Promoter
For those interested in becoming Concert Promoters, the History of Rock course may be helpful. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for understanding the industry and promoting rock concerts.
Music Business Manager
Music Business Manager
Aspiring Music Business Managers may find the History of Rock course useful. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for understanding the industry and managing the business affairs of rock musicians.
Music Supervisor
Music Supervisor
For those interested in becoming Music Supervisors, the History of Rock course may be useful. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and development of rock music, including its key figures, genres, and cultural impact. This knowledge will be helpful for selecting and licensing music for film, television, and other media.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/muabjm/history
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
History of Rock, Part One.
Discusses the origins of rock and roll and its impact on popular culture. It provides valuable background information for the course, particularly on the pre-rock era and the emergence of rock and roll as a distinct genre.
This biography of Elvis Presley provides insights into the life and career of one of the most influential figures in rock and roll. It valuable resource for understanding the impact of Presley on the development of the genre.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Beatles' career, from their early days in Liverpool to their breakup in 1970. It valuable resource for understanding the impact of the Beatles on the development of rock and roll.
Save
This biography of Jimi Hendrix provides insights into the life and career of one of the most influential guitarists in rock and roll. It valuable resource for understanding the impact of Hendrix on the development of the genre.
Save
Provides an overview of the Summer of Love, a period of social and cultural upheaval in the United States in 1967. It provides valuable context for understanding the impact of the hippie movement on rock and roll.
Provides a sociological analysis of the history of rock and roll. It provides valuable insights into the role of rock and roll in shaping social and cultural change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock and roll. It valuable resource for understanding the development of the genre over time.
Save
This encyclopedia provides detailed information on a wide range of rock and roll artists and bands. It valuable reference tool for learning more about the history of rock and roll.
Provides a comprehensive list of the top 40 hits on the Billboard charts. It valuable resource for understanding the popularity of rock and roll songs over time.
Provides an overview of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and its inductees. It valuable resource for learning more about the history of rock and roll and its most influential artists.
This encyclopedia provides detailed information on a wide range of popular music genres, including rock and roll. It valuable reference tool for learning more about the history of rock and roll and its most influential artists.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of rock and roll and its most influential artists. It valuable resource for learning more about the history of rock and roll and its most influential artists.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/muabjm/history
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Effort
12-24 hours of videos and quizzes
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Rochester
Instructor
John Covach
Language
English
Transcripts
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Good to know
Covers the core ideas and events in the history of rock music, particularly in the United States
Provides historical and cultural context for the development of rock music
Includes a variety of artists and genres from the early days of rock and roll to the late 1960s
Taught by John Covach, an experienced and well-respected music historian
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