The History of Rock and Pop Music in America

In this course students will learn that during the mid-1950s, Rock and Roll slammed into the consciousness of the American people. Whether you liked it or not, there was no denying that Rock and Roll had arrived.

It was the first American musical tradition constructed from the many musical traditions that animated life in the 20th century, including Gospel, Blues, Country, Jazz and R&B. In bringing together these musical bloodlines, Rock and Roll also brought people together, from across regions, across race and class lines, and, finally, across oceans.

It was the beginning of a historical turn that would change daily life in the modern world. This first chapter, The Birth of Rock and Roll, explores the roots of Rock and Roll, its emergence and its entrance into the cultural mainstream of America.

Lets start by discussing our favorite songs now.

In groups, come up with a list of the top five songs of today.

Groups share your list. Choose one person to be the sharer.

What are some common themes of these songs? What are they about?

In your group, come up with some reasons why would love be a common theme.

Does music have a special ability to express feelings that other types of are do not? Examples: paintings/drawings, movies, etc.

What other types of feelings about relationships can be expressed through songs?

As a class, watch the video of the Doo Wop group the Flamingos singing the song “Would I Be Crying” (1956), and discuss:

• Whose point of view is expressed in this song?
• Whom is being addressed? How do you know?
• What kind of message or story does the song have?
• What do you imagine has happened to the singer and the person he is singing to?

Discuss the musical qualities of the song. What does the music sound like?

• Is the music happy or sad? What makes it sound that way?
• What instruments are used in the background?
• How do the performers present the song? Do they act out the lyrics in any way?

Play the video of Dion DiMucci (a singer-songwriter and leader of the Doo Wop group Dion and the Belmonts), “Music as a Way Out,” starting at 1:34.  Ask:

• What does Dion say about emotional songs like the Flamingos’ “Would I Be Crying”? What is his “secret”?
• Why might it be easier to sing rather than speak about emotions like love or heartbreak?

Read some of the lyrics of “Would I Be Crying” out loud:

I can't be lying
Can't you see that I'm crying
Would be I crying
If I were lying to you     
       
My heart is about to break
I regret making my mistake
My love for you burns the same
And my tears can't put out the flame

Does adding music to these lyrics change your experience of listening to them?

How do you think music helps to create or enhance emotions?

Describe what kind of emotion is being expressed in these lyrics, and what they think the corresponding music should sound like.

Hey, girl, I got something I think you ought to know.
Hey, babe, I wanna tell you that I love you so.
I wanna hold you in my arms, yeah!
I’m never gonna let you go, ’cause I like your charms. 


Listen to the clip of Led Zeppelin performing the song (the second verse begins at 0:48). Discuss the performance in your groups. Use one person to write answers for all group:

• Did the music meet your expectations? Why or why not?
• How does this song compare to the students’ list of love song features? Is it loud or soft? Fast or slow?
• How does “Communication Breakdown” compare to “Would I Be Crying” by the Flamingos?
• Does using the instrumentation of a Rock and Roll band (electric guitars, drums), along with the fast tempo and high volume, make this seem more or less like a song about romance?

The kinds of lyrics used in love songs can change over time, too. For example, listen to these two songs, one of which was written in the 1950s, before the feminist movement of the 1960s began, and one that was written at the beginning of the movement.

 “With My Eyes Wide Open, I’m Dreaming,” performed by Patti Page

“You Don’t Own Me,” performed by Lesley Gore.

Discuss in your group which song you think is from which era, and why. Write down your answers and be prepared to share.


Compare and contrast the following three love songs, all from the mid-1960s:
“You’ve Really Got Me,” by the Kinks;
“She Loves You,” by the Beatles;
“Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” by Herman’s Hermits.

These three songs demonstrate different perspectives on relationships. In your groups, answer the following questions about each song:

• Who is speaking?
• To whom are they speaking, and what about? (Pay attention to nouns and pronouns.)
• What perspective on the relationship in the story does the speaker have?
• How does the music set the mood for the conversation taking place in the song? Is the song fast or slow? Soft or loud? What instruments are being used?

Writing Assignment:

Write your own love song lyrics, using the songs in this lesson as models.

First you must decide who will be speaking and to whom or what the song will be addressed (a boyfriend/girlfriend, family member, friend, pet, even a place).

After writing the lyrics,you should write a short description of the music you imagine might deliver the message of the song: is it loud or soft? Fast or slow? What instruments might the musicians use?