Ball of Confusion: Rock Music and Social Change in the 1960s

Suggested Grade Level: 7-12

The history of rock and roll overlaps with some of the most turbulent times in U.S. history. In the 1960s in particular, American society faced challenges stemming from the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, and the Women’s Liberation movement. During this time many people felt that the world was a “Ball of Confusion,” as described in lyrics of the popular Temptations song. This class features songs from artists including Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, Aretha Franklin, and Jefferson Airplane, and helps students identify ways that popular musicians have used messages of revolution, protest, and empowerment to question society and effect change. Supplemental media includes recordings and videos of Hall of Fame Inductees.

Interested? Click here to book this program!

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Video Resources

Videos are offered as supplemental content to classes.

Assistant Curator Meredith Rutledge talks about Counterculture band the Charlatans.

See below for additional video resources related to this class.

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Selected Song List

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Class Resources

Ball of Confusion Objectives and Ohio Academic Content Standards

Students will explore the ways rock and roll musicians reacted to domestic and international events

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Registering for this Class

To sign up for this class, click on the REGISTER NOW button below and follow the instructions for program registration. An education department representative will contact you within 2-3 days of the program request submission. If a representative does not contact you within 5 business days, please call the Education Department at 216.515.1202.

Additional Resources

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The kids were amazed that they could actually see and speak with you. It brought their history books to life.

- A middle school social studies teacher in Crooksville, OH

The lyrics that are presented during the program are rich in evoking the social concerns of that time period and the educator did an excellent job of helping the students discuss the poetic metaphors contained in a pretty challenging song

- A middle school legal sciences teacher in Rocky Mount, VA

The discussion of some of the lyrics caused me to look at them in ways I had not done before.

- A high school Vietnam War teacher in Newnan, GA

The students were enthusiastic about the program and have a better understanding of how music reflected social change in the 1960’s and 70’s. The students enjoyed analyzing the lyrics and thought the program was valuable and an enrichment to their daily learning activities.

- A high school American Cultures teacher in Landisville, PA

The presenter was perfect - knowledgeable and able to relate to high school students in a relaxed manner. Great!

- A teacher in Kenosha, WI

Your staff is extremely helpful and provides a learning experience that would benefit any student. It was a pleasure to work with [the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum] and we hope to continue working with [the Museum] in the future.

- Anonymous Teacher

This was an excellent program. Our students REALLY enjoyed the program. Your knowledge of music and history was impressive and the manner in which you tied the two together was extremely effective with the students. I registered for the program because it directly parallels our curriculum. The content was everything I hoped it would be. Thanks again for an excellent opportunity for our students.

- An AP American History high school teacher in Red Lion, PA

I think the students learned how music is a connection to their own life experiences and to the history of the world they live in. I was able to see how music helps students to connect to the content and how it helps them to hold on to the information in a new connection. I would recommend this program so that other students and teachers will see the connection and impact that music has on their lives.

- A 6th grade language arts / social studies teacher in Edwardsburg, MI