The Songbook Series:
The Evolution of American Popular Music in Six Defining Songs
Moderated by Edward Barnes
This seminar explores the creation and performance of six iconic American songs, each a keystone moment in the evolution of popular music. Starting with the blues, each session will use the story of one singular song to chart the course through the origins of jazz, swing, rock, pop, and soul: the pillars of American musical style. Journey through six decades of classics, from Bessie Smith’s “St. Louis Blues” to the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Ethel Merman’s “I Got Rhythm” to Marvin Gaye’s soulful “What’s Goin’ On,” to discover the craft, innovation, and talent behind some of America’s greatest hits. Includes videos of historical and contemporary performances.
Seminar Dates & Times
Thursdays | 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. EST
or
Thursdays | 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. EST
| March | 11, 25 |
| April | 8, 22 |
| May | 6, 20 |
| Session 1 |
BLUES: “St. Louis Blues” (1925) Bessie Smith, written by WC Handy |
| Session 2 |
JAZZ: “I Got Rhythm” (1930) Ethel Merman, written by George & Ira Gershwin |
| Session 3 |
SWING: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (1943) Andrews Sisters, written by Don Raye & Hughie Prince |
| Session 4 |
ROCK: “Maybellene” (1955) Chuck Berry, written by Chuck Berry |
| Session 5 |
POP: “Good Vibrations” (1966) Beach Boys, written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love |
| Session 6 |
SOUL: “What’s Goin’ On” (1971) Marvin Gaye, written by Obie Benson, Al Cleveland & Marvin Gaye |
Seminar Cost: $450 (tax-deductible portion $225)