HIST 6159 - Social History of Rock & Roll

An analytical examination of the development of rock and roll music with emphasis on social, cultural, religious and political elements. In broad terms the course will begin with a treatment of early African American musical traditions and how, with the aid of musical traditions from Europe, they formed the foundation of American rock and roll music in the twentieth century. General areas of discussion include the work chants and “field hollars” of the cotton field in the pre and post-Civil War South; early European ballads; the development of “country blues” and “hillbilly music” and jazz around the turn of the twentieth century; the influence of gospel and/or religious music on the genre; the impact of the phonograph on American culture; the “integrated” nature of southern music in the segregated South; the impact of radio and television; early rock and roll performers; the commercialization of rock and roll music; the impact of rock and roll music on youth culture; an examination of the societal backdrop against which the rock and roll music was produced and how both the music and society evolved over time; and the overall musical expressivity of the genre.

Hours:
3