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History of Rock, Part One

Explore rock's evolution from pre-1955 to late 1960s. Learn about Elvis, Beatles, Dylan, and more.This course, led by Professor John Covach.

Explore rock's evolution from pre-1955 to late 1960s. Learn about Elvis, Beatles, Dylan, and more.This course, led by Professor John Covach.

This course, led by Professor John Covach, examines the history of rock music in the United States from its pre-1955 roots to the end of the 1960s. It covers the music of iconic artists such as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix, emphasizing both the cultural context and the music itself. The course traces rock's emergence in the mid-1950s as a blend of mainstream pop, rhythm and blues, and country and western, exploring its evolution through various stages including the British Invasion, folk rock, Motown, Southern soul, and psychedelia. Students will learn about key developments in the music business and technology that shaped rock's stylistic evolution, as well as its role in youth culture and association with teen rebellion.

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History of Rock, Part One

This course includes

13 Hours

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

2,435

What you'll learn

  • Understand the origins and evolution of rock music from pre-1955 to the late 1960s

  • Analyze the cultural and historical context of rock's development

  • Recognize the musical characteristics of different rock styles and subgenres

  • Explore the impact of technology and the music business on rock's evolution

  • Examine the contributions of key artists like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan

  • Understand the British Invasion and its influence on American music

Skills you'll gain

rock music
music history
popular culture
1950s music
1960s music
British Invasion
folk rock
Motown
psychedelia

This course includes:

596 Minutes PreRecorded video

4 quizzes

Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop

FullTime access

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There are 9 modules in this course

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of rock music's history from its pre-1955 origins to the end of the 1960s. Led by Professor John Covach, it covers the evolution of rock through key periods including its birth and first flourishing (1955-59), the British Invasion, American responses, Motown and Southern soul, and the rise of psychedelia. Students will learn about influential artists, important technological and business developments, and the cultural context that shaped rock's development. The course examines how rock emerged as a blend of mainstream pop, rhythm and blues, and country and western, becoming the soundtrack of youth culture and often associated with teen rebellion. It traces the music's journey from early rock and roll through the Beatles era, folk rock, soul music, and the psychedelic movement, providing a deep understanding of rock's transformative first decades.

Introduction

Module 1 · 1 Hours to complete

The World Before Rock and Roll (1900-1955)

Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete

The Birth and First Flourishing of Rock and Roll (1955-59)

Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete

The Demise of Rock and the Promise of Soul (1959-63)

Module 4 · 1 Hours to complete

The Beatles and the British Invasion (1964-66)

Module 5 · 1 Hours to complete

American Responses (1965-67)

Module 6 · 1 Hours to complete

Motown Pop and Southern Soul (1960-69)

Module 7 · 1 Hours to complete

Psychedelia (1966-69)

Module 8 · 1 Hours to complete

Final Exam

Module 9 · 30 Minutes to complete

Fee Structure

Payment options

Financial Aid

Instructor

John Covach
John Covach

4.9 rating

139 Reviews

1,04,366 Students

4 Courses

Renowned Scholar and Musician Shaping Popular Music Studies

John Covach, a distinguished musicologist and guitarist, holds B.Mus., M.Mus., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan and was a Fulbright scholar in Vienna, Austria. He has taught at prestigious institutions like Interlochen Arts Academy, University of North Texas, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with his students securing prominent academic positions. Covach has published extensively on popular music, twelve-tone music, and aesthetics, co-editing influential works and authoring What’s That Sound?, the leading rock music textbook. He serves on editorial boards and remains an active performer, touring and recording in the U.S. and Europe.

History of Rock, Part One

This course includes

13 Hours

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

2,435

Testimonials

Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.

4.8 course rating

1,147 ratings

Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.