This course will give an overview of some of the most popular musical genres from the 1940s to the 1970s, including the main figures, important recordings, and the musical features of each style. The cultural importance and impact of this music will also be discussed, including the overlap between these genres, and the ways in which one genre influenced another. From Muddy Waters and Marvin Gaye to Aretha Franklin and James Brown, this class will be an exciting musical journey.

Schedule of topics:

Week 1:
Some background on African American Music. Early blues and 1940s Chicago blues. Muddy Waters.

Week 2:

1950s Chicago blues and Memphis blues. Howlin’ Wolf.

Week 3:
1950s R&B: Sun Studios in Memphis, and Atlantic in New York City. Sam Cooke.

Week 4:
1960s R&B: FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Motown in Detroit. Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye.

Week 5:
1960s Soul: Origins of Soul, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding.

Week 6:
1960s and 1970s Funk: James Brown, George Clinton, Sly Stone.

Instructor: Keith McQuaig
Dates: September 17-October 22
Time: Thursdays 1:00-3:00pm
Cost: $175