Another semester has begun, and it is time to get into the swing of things. As usual, the first few days was all about going over the syllabi and explaining to the students the plan for the next couple of months. That means talking about assignments, class rules and all sorts of things.
This time I am teaching a couple of survey classes, which students have to take as part of the General Education Core. I am also teaching a class on Middle Eastern history. However, I am really looking forward to the new class on the History of American Music. With that kind of title, the course could go in many directions, but I am focusing on the 20th Century. There are some performers that college students need to know about.
In honor of that class and because I need to be working on classes instead of blogging, we are going into my iPod to see what is happening. The music class is going to hear a lot of stuff that is crammed in there. Let us warm it up and get it ready for the semester.
“I’m a Man” by Bo Diddley
“Silver Wings” by Merle Haggard
“Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland
“Cover of the Rolling Stone” by Dr. Hook
“The Lonely Man” by Tennessee Ernie Ford
“Rocky Top” by The Osborne Brothers
“Outlands” by Daft Punk
“Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley
“Comin’ Home Baby” by Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis
“Passing Zone Blues” by Coleman Wilson
“Voyager” by The Alan Parsons Project
“We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” by The Animals
“The Wanderer” by Dion
“My Heavy Load” by Big Mama Thornton
“Opening Mandelbrot” by Blue Man Group
“Volare” by Gipsy Kings
“All I Have to Do is Dream” by The Everly Brothers
“If You Don’t Know Me By Now” by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
“Look What You’ve Done to Me” by Boz Scaggs
“L&N Special” by Christine Kittrell
In a few days, I will be introducing students to some great artists. Hopefully, it will lead them to like some good music.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
Your listening list is nothing if not eclectic 🙂 I’d take your course. When I was studying music, history of music succeeded in being surprisingly dull. Sounds like yours will be much more entertaining … as it should be.
I hope it’s entertaining. At least, that’s the way I have envisioned it. I started out by showing the first tv appearance. It was on a local music show here in Nashville.
What is Middle Eastern history? Is it Middle Eastern USA or somewhere else?
It’s the history of Arabia and it’s surrounding areas.
Dang can I take the history of American music class for fun not credit? 🙂
You’re welcome anytime. I hope it turns out well.
Thank you but it would be a long commute to your school each class day.