Course

Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll

University of Florida

Discover the genesis of American rock 'n' roll in the 1950s with the course "Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll" by University of Florida. Delve into the musical and cultural factors that led to the birth of this iconic genre, exploring the convergence of various styles, genres, and people that shaped this revolutionary music.

Throughout the course, you will explore the evolution of popular music in the early 20th century, the influence of the blues and the impact of key cities such as New Orleans, Chicago, and Memphis. Engage with captivating modules that cover topics such as the influence of country and rural blues, early jazz, and the emergence of artists like W.C. Handy, Charley Patton, and Robert Johnson.

With detailed insights into the musical and cultural landscape of the time, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of the birth of rock 'n' roll and its enduring impact on American music and culture.

Certificate Available ✔

Get Started / More Info
Music's Big Bang: The Genesis of Rock 'n' Roll
Course Modules

Delve into the evolution of American rock 'n' roll music with engaging modules covering the emergence of popular music in the early 20th century, the influence of the blues, and the impact of key cities such as New Orleans, Chicago, and Memphis.

Four basic themes of our course

Delve into the four basic themes of the course, including a class introduction and insights on the art, business, technology, and linear evolution of music.

  • Class Introduction (8 minutes)
  • An Art and a Business (9 minutes)
  • A Threat to Mainstream American Culture (6 minutes)
  • A Showcase of Technology (6 minutes)
  • Linear Evolution (8 minutes)
  • Meet and Greet (10 minutes)

In the beginning: American popular music

Explore the early 20th-century popular music landscape, including the emergence of country and rural blues, early jazz, and the influence of artists like Bob Wills and Hank Williams.

  • Intro: Popular Music in the Early 20th Century (10 minutes)
  • Part 1: Country and Rural Blues; Early Jazz (9 minutes)
  • Part 2: The Ladies of Risque or Hokum Blues (4 minutes)
  • Part 3: Early Male Blues and Jazz Players (5 minutes)

The blues: Mississippi Ghosts 1

Uncover the impact of influential blues artists like W.C. Handy and Charley Patton in shaping the evolution of American rock 'n' roll music.

  • W.C. Handy (9 minutes)
  • Charley Patton: Part 1 (7 minutes)

The blues: Mississippi Ghosts 2

Delve into the lives and music of influential blues artists such as Robert Johnson, Lead Belly, and Son House, exploring their contributions to the birth of rock 'n' roll music.

  • Robert Johnson: Part 1 (8 minutes)
  • Robert Johnson: Part 2 (4 minutes)
  • Lead Belly: Part 1 (9 minutes)

A tale of three cities: New Orleans

Explore the musical influence of New Orleans through the lives and music of iconic artists like Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, and Lloyd Price.

  • Jelly Roll Morton (7 minutes)
  • Louis Armstrong (7 minutes)
  • Professor Longhair (6 minutes)

A tale of three cities: Chicago

Uncover the musical influence of Chicago through engaging modules covering the emergence of influential artists and the evolving music scene in the city.

  • Chicago: Part 1 (6 minutes)
  • Chicago: Part 2 (14 minutes)
  • Chicago: Part 3 (9 minutes)

A tale of three cities: Memphis

Discover the musical influence of Memphis through engaging modules covering the emergence of influential artists and the evolving music scene in the city.

  • Memphis: Part 1 (11 minutes)
  • Memphis: Part 2 (15 minutes)
  • Memphis: Part 3 (9 minutes)
More Music and Art Courses

Creative Writing

Wesleyan University

Craft Your Story Like the Great Writers.

The DIY Musician

Berklee

The DIY Musician course provides practical skills for creating and recording music, developing an artist identity, and running a successful crowdfunding campaign....

Guitar for Beginners

Berklee

Grasp the essentials needed to begin playing acoustic or electric guitar. This course provides an easy-access foundation that covers exploring the instrument, performance...

The Piano Sonata: Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers

University of Michigan

Explore the evolution of piano sonatas in the 20th and 21st centuries, focusing on Russian composers and avant-garde styles, and discover how this genre continues...