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Professor David Carlson
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.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Four basic themes of our course
Some basic tenets of rock 'n' roll
In the beginning: American popular music
There were many, many genres, styles and sub styles of American pop
Read more
Syllabus
Four basic themes of our course
Some basic tenets of rock 'n' roll
In the beginning: American popular music
There were many, many genres, styles and sub styles of American pop
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers in detail the genres, styles and people that converged to create this new music
Accessible to those with no prerequesite knowledge, it is appropriate for beginners
Explores the factors — musical and cultural — that led to the birth of American rock 'n' roll music in the early 1950s
Taught by Professor David Carlson, who are recognized for their work in this area
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Reviews summary
The genesis of rock 'n' roll
According to students, this course offers a fascinating historical journey into the birth of rock 'n' roll. Learners appreciated the deep dive into rock's roots, specifically exploring its origins in blues and jazz. The structure, which explores key cities like New Orleans, Chicago, and Memphis, was highlighted as a particular strength. While providing a rich historical context, it's important to note that the course focuses specifically on the genesis period in the early 1950s and does not cover later developments in rock history. Overall, students found the material engaging and informative.
Concentrates solely on the very early genesis.
"Be aware this course is strictly about the *birth* of rock 'n' roll in the early 50s."
"It doesn't cover later rock history, focusing only on the roots."
"Great if you want a deep dive into the genesis, less so for a broad overview."
Lectures are well-presented and informative.
"The instructor made the material very interesting."
"Lectures were clear and easy to follow."
"Really enjoyed listening to the historical accounts."
Highlights New Orleans, Chicago, Memphis, blues.
"The sections on the three cities were particularly engaging."
"Learning about the connection to the blues and jazz was a highlight."
"Focusing on the specific geographical influences was very insightful."
Explores the rich history of rock's roots.
"I really appreciated the detailed historical context provided."
"Learning about the deep roots of rock 'n' roll was fascinating."
"The course gave me a much deeper understanding of where the music came from."
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 Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll with these
activities:
Join a study group to discuss the history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding through shared discussions, exchange ideas, and collectively deepen your knowledge about the history of rock 'n' roll.
Show steps
-
Find a study group to join
-
Attend the study group meetings
-
Participate in discussions
Review 'Blues Power' by Robert Palmer
Show steps
Introduce yourself to one of the most influential books on the genre and its historical roots.
Show steps
-
Read the book
Review 'Rock 'n' Roll: An Introduction' by Theodore Gracyk
Show steps
Learn the basics of rock 'n' roll music and its history, a valuable resource for beginners.
View
Making Meaning in Popular Song: Philosophical...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on the history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Engage with experts and fellow enthusiasts, immersing yourself in the subject matter.
Show steps
-
Find a workshop on the history of rock 'n' roll
-
Attend the workshop
Create a playlist of the first 10 rock 'n' roll songs
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of the roots of the genre, and share it with others.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
-
Research the first rock 'n' roll songs
-
Create a playlist of 10 songs
-
Share your playlist with others
Follow tutorials on how to play basic rock 'n' roll guitar
Show steps
Develop a practical skill directly related to the course subject and improve your musicality.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
-
Find tutorials on how to play basic rock 'n' roll guitar
-
Follow the tutorials and practice regularly
-
Experiment with different techniques and styles
Build a timeline of important events in the history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Explore the major events that shaped the genre, and present it in a clear and concise way.
Show steps
-
Research the history of rock 'n' roll
-
Identify the most important events
-
Create a timeline of the events
Write a brief history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Practice your writing skills and demonstrate your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
-
Research the history of rock 'n' roll
-
Organize your findings into a cohesive outline
-
Write a draft of your history
-
Revise and edit your draft
Join a study group to discuss the history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding through shared discussions, exchange ideas, and collectively deepen your knowledge about the history of rock 'n' roll.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group to join
- Attend the study group meetings
- Participate in discussions
Review 'Blues Power' by Robert Palmer
Show steps
Introduce yourself to one of the most influential books on the genre and its historical roots.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
Review 'Rock 'n' Roll: An Introduction' by Theodore Gracyk
Show steps
Learn the basics of rock 'n' roll music and its history, a valuable resource for beginners.
View
Making Meaning in Popular Song: Philosophical...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on the history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Engage with experts and fellow enthusiasts, immersing yourself in the subject matter.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a workshop on the history of rock 'n' roll
- Attend the workshop
Create a playlist of the first 10 rock 'n' roll songs
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of the roots of the genre, and share it with others.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the first rock 'n' roll songs
- Create a playlist of 10 songs
- Share your playlist with others
Follow tutorials on how to play basic rock 'n' roll guitar
Show steps
Develop a practical skill directly related to the course subject and improve your musicality.
Browse courses on
Rock Music
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find tutorials on how to play basic rock 'n' roll guitar
- Follow the tutorials and practice regularly
- Experiment with different techniques and styles
Build a timeline of important events in the history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Explore the major events that shaped the genre, and present it in a clear and concise way.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the history of rock 'n' roll
- Identify the most important events
- Create a timeline of the events
Write a brief history of rock 'n' roll
Show steps
Practice your writing skills and demonstrate your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the history of rock 'n' roll
- Organize your findings into a cohesive outline
- Write a draft of your history
- Revise and edit your draft
Career center
Learners who complete Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Historian
Music Historian
Music Historians research and write about the history of music. They may also teach music history at colleges or universities. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll can aid Music Historians who want to build a foundation in the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music Critics write reviews and articles about music. They may also interview musicians and attend concerts. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for Music Critics who want to build a foundation in the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
Music Teachers teach music to students of all ages. They may also lead choirs, bands, or orchestras. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for Music Teachers who want to learn more about the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Music Director
Music Director
Music Directors oversee the musical aspects of a production, such as a concert, opera, or play. They may also select the music and conduct the orchestra or band. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for Music Directors who want to learn more about the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Record Producer
Record Producer
Record Producers oversee the recording and production of music. They may also work with musicians to develop their sound and style. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll can help build a foundation for Record Producers who want to specialize in rock 'n' roll. It can also teach them about the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Music Producer
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. They may also work with musicians to develop their sound and style. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll can aid Music Producers who want to learn more about the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Singer
Singer
Singers perform music for audiences. They may also write, arrange, and record music. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for Singers who want to learn more about the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Musician
Musician
Musicians perform music for audiences. They may also write, arrange, and record music. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for Musicians who want to learn more about the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists preserve and maintain records, artifacts, photographs, and original historical documents. They also help people access and use historical information. The Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll course will provide you with essential knowledge about the early days of rock 'n' roll. This can help enrich your work as an Archivist, especially if you are interested in specializing in music or popular culture.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. They may also organize and maintain library collections. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll can aid Librarians who are interested in building a foundation in music or popular culture. It can help them better understand the history of music and provide resources to library patrons.
Radio DJ
Radio DJ
Radio DJs play music on the radio and may also host talk shows or interviews. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for Radio DJs who want to learn more about the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help them understand the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
College Professor
College Professor
College Professors teach and conduct research at colleges or universities. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for College Professors who want to build a foundation in the history of rock 'n' roll. It can also help those who are interested in teaching courses or conducting research on music and popular culture.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on current events and other topics of interest. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll can help build a foundation for Journalists who want to specialize in music or popular culture.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts conduct research to understand market trends and consumer behavior. They may also help businesses develop marketing strategies. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll can help you build a foundation in the history of popular music. It can also teach you about the factors that influence the success of a song or album.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may also draft legal documents and conduct research on legal issues. Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll may be useful for Lawyers who are interested in entertainment law or intellectual property law. It can provide a foundation in the history of music and the legal issues surrounding it.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yt6izx/music
Reading list
We've selected 11 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
Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll.
Save
An in-depth dive into Mississippi Delta blues with supplemental film and archival material. Provides depth and supplemental references.
Explores the role and influence of rhythm and blues during the Civil Rights Movement, adding social and cultural context to the course.
Analyzes the piano blues tradition of the 1920s, giving additional depth to the course's exploration of the blues roots of rock 'n' roll.
Examines the folk music revival and its influence on rock 'n' roll, adding another dimension to the course's examination of roots and influences.
Save
Offers a comprehensive history of the genre, reinforcing and expanding on the course's main topics and themes.
Save
Provides a comprehensive and encyclopedic reference for the genre, offering additional supplemental information and depth.
Save
A pictorial and narrative history of rock 'n' roll, offering a unique and engaging perspective to supplement the course.
Offers a concise and accessible overview of the first 50 years of rock 'n' roll, providing an additional perspective and reinforcing key concepts.
Provides a comprehensive history of rock 'n' roll, offering a different perspective and reinforcing key concepts.
Offers a comprehensive guide to the genre, including historical background and artist profiles.
Provides a comprehensive and authoritative reference for popular music, including rock 'n' roll.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yt6izx/music
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University of Florida
Instructor
Professor David Carlson
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