Rock and Roll Questions
1 Roots of Rock
To what degree did early rock music depend on sociological changes as distinct from technological developments? What were some of those sociological changes and how did they help create and popularize rock music? How might the blues be different if slavery had never existed and African Americans had been welcomed immigrants in the United States?
Remember that the idea behind the discussion boards in this class is a conversation that features your perspectives and ideas. The goal is not to simply answer the questions, it is to express your informed opinions. Treat it similar to Facebook, but no flaming or trolling.
2 Urban Blues and R&B
This one can be tough. Listen to Three O’Clock Blues by BB King and then to Bo Diddley by Bo Diddley. Compare the tempos, the feel of the rhythms, and the lyrics of the two. What are the differences between the Blues and R&B? Why do think the term “rhythm is there in “Rhythm and Blues”?
3 Gospel & Country Roots of Rock db
Both Blues and Country lyrics can express down-heartedness. What are some differences in the kinds of expression between the two styles, and what are some reasons for the differences? Can you name some similarities?
4 Early Rock and Roll
In what ways were the music and images of early Rock & Roll performers rebellious for their time? What would the same performers have to do maintain their rebellious reputations today? How did race affect popularity or did race matter to most fans?
5 Teen Styled Rock
In the early Sixties, Rock seems to move from a Blues and Country based energetic sound to a gentler, pop-oriented style called Teen Idol Pop. What do you think were some of the reasons for this shift? Compare some of those reasons to music you are familiar with. Can you think of some other times in history when popular music shifted from one style to another. Why did the music change?
6 Soul and Motown
Soul music and its performers affected the Civil Rights Movement. Describe some examples. Why is this important? Did the Civil Rights Movement in turn affect Soul music and Rock & Roll? In reading the chapter and listening to some of the music links in the Power Point, is there a particular Soul artist that impresses you?
7 The British Invasion db
What was it about the American social, political, and musical situations in the early sixties that made the country so ready for invasion by the British bands? Were the Beatles and the Rolling Stones so great that they could have taken over the US charts at any time, or was it mostly a case of good timing?
8 The British Invasion continues and America reacts
During the sixties, some people said that the British saved Rock & Roll. If true, what did they save it from? Would the post invasion US styles of garage bands and the blues revival bands have become popular without the popularity of the British bands?
9 Folk, Folk-Rock, and Singer-Songwriters db
Why do you think young adults were listening to Bob Dylan in the early sixties instead of Teen Idol or Soul music? Why were traditional Folk musicians offended when Dylan began to use electricified instruments? Frank Zappa said that singer/ songwriters were too personal and too quick to dump their problems and feelings on listeners. Do you agree with Frank or not?
10 Psychedelic Rock db
Psychedelic drugs were used by some young people in the sixties to “drop out” of society because they disapproved of how things were being done. In my regular class I constantly hear that students have no intention of voting because it would make no difference. Do you agree? Society can seem chaotic and personal circumstances uncontrollable. What do some young people do today to “drop out” of society in general? Does or can music be used to express disapproval of today’s society?
11 Country and Jazz Rock
Many southern bands proudly identified with cultural aspects of the former confederate states of the southern United States. Are there other regions in the United States that have music that similarly represents the region? Is the southern identity residue from the Civil War or are there other reasons for it? How do you feel about the confederate flag? Does it imply a sense of racial injustice or is it simply a symbol of rebellion?
