MUSGEN 2001 - From Elvis to YouTube II

A survey of popular music of the Rock era. This course considers the stylistic, socio-cultural, economic, and technological aspects of popular music. Greatest attention is given to the stylistic evolution of popular music from the late 1950s (birth of Rock and Roll) through the end of the century (end of the ‘Golden Age of Recording’). Genres covered include Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Folk Rock, Country, The Beatles/British Invasion, Motown and Soul, Progressive Rock, Metal, Funk, Disco, Punk, Rap/Hip-Hop, Grunge, Alternative, Electronic Dance Music, Avant-Garde Rock and Mainstream Pop. The first part of the course looks at the precursors of Rock-era music including Anglo-American Folk and early Blues. The latter part of the course samples artists and styles in the digital era of the past two decades, with emphasis on the impact that changes in technology and business practices have had on both the creation and consumption of popular music.