Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Introduction to Rock and Roll: 1950-1959

During the Spring 2015 semester, I am teaching an Introduction to Rock and Roll course at Vermont Technical College. Designated as a 1000-level arts and humanities elective, the class meets once a week, on Wednesday evenings. Students compose a series of short non-fiction essay, examining key individuals, groups, musicians, producers, studios, concerts, films, etc. from each decade (1950-1999), and participate in discussions in class. This course is by no means comprehensive, in representing the evolution of the rock and pop genres. This and other blog posts will provide highlights from this teaching experience, and document some materials used in class. 

Please note: this listing is neither sequential, nor cited in any standard form. Media includes vinyl, VHS cassette, DVD, and videos available online.

1950-1959

Robert Johnson, "Crossroads"
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, "Didn't It Rain"
Louis Armstrong, "Hello, Dolly"
Guy Lombardo (78rpm)

Elvis Presley, "Hound Dog" (Ed Sullivan appearance)
Elvis Found Alive (2012), segments two and three
Elvis Presley, Tupelo 1957
Elvis Presley, Sun Sessions

Hank Williams, "Your Cheatin' Heart"
Hank Williams, "I Saw The Light"
Conway Twitty, "It's Only Make Believe"

Danny and the Juniors, "At The Hop" (American Bandstand, 1958)
Carl Perkins, "Blue Suede Shoes"
Bill Haley and the Comets, "Rock Around the Clock"
Ernie Warren, Latin From Manhattan in Hawaii
Battle of the Groups Vol. 2 
Elektra Folk Pop Jazz Sampler

The Weavers, Live at Carnegie Hall
Pete Seeger, "It Takes a Worried Man" (Pete Seeger On Campus)

Hail Hail Rock and Roll (1987), 0:00-0:14
 

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