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.
Offered By
History of Rock, Part One
University of Rochester
About this Course
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Approx. 20 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Italian, Serbian, Chinese (Simplified)
Offered by
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University provides exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are complemented by its Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and the Memorial Art Gallery.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Introduction
1 hour to complete
1 video (Total 4 min), 7 readings
1 video
7 readings
Welcome to the Course10m
General Overview10m
Syllabus10m
Grading and Logistics10m
Music Fundamentals10m
Listening Guides (19 videos)10m
About the Professor10m
2 hours to complete
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.
2 hours to complete
11 videos (Total 95 min)
11 videos
Radio and Regional vs National Audiences8m
The Stars of Pop Music Before Rock and Roll12m
Les Paul, Inventor - The Role of Technology6m
Origins of Country & Western (pre WWII)9m
The Rise of Nashville13m
Rhythm and Blues (Pre 1945)7m
Rhythm & Blues (Post 1945)11m
Regional R&B Radio in the 1950s6m
Doo Wop and Gospel6m
Hokum Blues and Sexual Lyrics5m
2 hours to complete
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."
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 88 min)
8 videos
Radio and Records12m
Crossovers and Covers10m
The First Rock and Rollers Cross Over13m
The Rise of Elvis Presley12m
Sam Phillips Selling Elvis Contract3m
Rockabilly in the Wake of Elvis12m
The Day the Music Died11m
1 practice exercise
The World Before Rock and Roll and The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll1h
1 hour to complete
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.
1 hour to complete
9 videos (Total 81 min)
9 videos
The Brill Building Approach to Pop8m
Teen Idols6m
Producers and Girl Groups9m
Sweet Soul7m
TV, Movies, and Dance Crazes15m
The Folk Revival10m
Rockabilly Popsters8m
Surf Music10m
2 hours to complete
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.
2 hours to complete
10 videos (Total 83 min)
10 videos
The Early 1960s in the US & UK11m
The Rise of the Beatles11m
Beatles as Students of American Pop Music5m
Beatles From Craftsmen to Artists9m
Blues in the UK4m
The Rolling Stones Emerge7m
The Stones in The States5m
Other British Bands10m
The Kinks and the Who12m
1 practice exercise
The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63) and The Beatles and the British Invasion (16964-66)1h
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM HISTORY OF ROCK, PART ONE
by BLMar 12, 2018
Provided insight into what I was listening to as a pre-teen. I didn't have the exposure to some of the older roots or the an understanding of the business forces that shaped the music I had access to.
by SMOct 1, 2016
This course has really helped to fill out my piecemeal understanding of the development of rock music. The pace and content of learning has been well considered and Prof Covach is to be congratulated.
by PGJan 16, 2017
I found the course to be very interesting. I enjoyed learning about the artists and songwriters that shaped the birth of Rock and Roll and made it into the genre that so many are great fans of.
by CSep 20, 2017
I'm loving this course! Not only is it educational, and I'm retaining information, it's FUN! John Covach is a fantastic teacher, and very enjoyable to listen to & learn from.
by ADSep 7, 2017
I had a great time learning in the course! The professor did a great job in educating and providing an unbiased history of rock music. I had a lot of fun!! Ready for Pt II!!!
by CTOct 8, 2016
This is an excellent course that I would highly recommend to any music and history lover. The professor is wonderful and is obviously passionate about the subject matter.
by SDSep 11, 2017
Great course! Learnt so much about the culture and music genres such as blues, pop and rock during the 50s-80s. Enjoyed the lessons and music recommendations! Thank you!
by SJOct 29, 2017
This course has given a good explanation of the inspiration behind Rock, as well as a perfectly understandable explanation of why things were the way they were.
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Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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