Rock and Roll Class

 
 
 
Development of Popular Music, 1954-79  It has always been my intention for this class to make it through the time span of the first 25 years of rock-and-roll. Frankly, it usually doesn’t make it! The beginnings of the rock era and the numerous artists, styles and events in the 60s, take up 90% of the class time. I am planning, however, on starting the F2006 class with a general overview of the stylistic trends of this 25-year period, before returning to the mid-50s and presenting/discussing artists and events in more detail. Contrary to popular belief, I do not get bogged down in The Beatles history. In fact, I purposely go light on them because of The Beatles class in the Spring semester. I spend about 1/3 of the semester in the 50s to make sure students learn about the society and culture of the 50s, in addition to the ‘originators’ of rock-and-roll. The mid-60s and on through the decade are an explosion of musical, cultural, and societal developments and it was so much fun growing up then. If only I had been a little older to take advantage of the numerous concerts and other activities centering around rock. Back then, parents weren’t so free to let early teens--or even pre-teens--go off to rock concerts as they are more willing to allow in our current world. Plus, rock music and musicians seemed so much more dangerous; after all, it was still somewhat new. It didn’t die away, as most parents, politicians, and religious figures had hoped. Just when it looked like it was retreating, The Beatles led another British Invasion of America, only this time, they didn’t stop here. They took over the free world and actually made more inroads into the Communist empire than politicians were able to accomplish! What a time it was!!! And we seem to keep trying to ‘get back’ to it, too. Most current comparisons are with people and events in the 60s. The 70s weren’t so bad, though. I was old enough to participate more, with or without my parents’ knowledge or blessing! True, I was in denial that The Beatles had broken up, but then again, when have we been without them? The poor 50s!! Just as I do in The Beatles class in the Spring semester, I invite guests to come and talk with the class. Last year, rock legend drummer Johny Barbata, visited and even presented a masterclass to the drum set class at OU. He will return this year, and I am working on having another guest, maybe two, visit the class. In case you’re wondering, Johny Barbata was instrumental in changing the drum style in rock music. He was the drummer for The Turtles, CSN&Y, and Jefferson Airplane/Starship. Click on Johny to go to my page about him. Johny is pictured above with the small, but very intelligent, F2005 class!  Other special classes include Oklahoma Bandstand day, A Day in the Summer of Love, and Disco/Punk day! These are voluntary dress-up days with prizes awarded for the most authentic appearance. I look forward to meeting the students of the F2006 class in August. Rock On!!! HOMEBarbata.htmlHome.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1

The Development of Popular Music, 1954-79 (CMC 242; MW 2:30-3:50) is offered through the University of Oklahoma Honors College. It is an upper-level (4000) class and may be used for an elective. Non-Honors College students may enroll on the 1st day of class by attending the class to see if there are openings.


F2006 Text: John Covach’s

What’s That Sound


Available at OU Bookstore or Amazon.com