Suggested Grade Level: 4-12
In the early 1950s, a new form of music exploded onto the scene, exciting the growing teenage audience while startling many others who preferred the music of Bing Crosby and Patti Page. Popularized by disc jockey Alan Freed in 1951, the term “rock and roll” came to be used to describe a new form of music, steeped in the blues, rhythm and blues, country and gospel. Teenagers fell in love with this new sound, listening to it on transistor radios and buying it in record stores. Many parents believed that this music was simply noise that had a negative influence on impressionable teens. No matter your position, it became clear that rock and roll was here to stay, bringing with it important changes. Teenagers often rejected the values associated with their parents’ generation and white and black audiences broke down racial barriers as they sought out the latest rock and roll artists. This class will examine the importance of geography, race, technology, and teen culture in shaping rock and roll music. Students will learn about the changes that took place in this remarkable era as they watch and listen to vintage performances by Hall of Fame Inductees such as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Little Richard.
Interested? Click here to book this program!
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Video Resources
Videos are offered as supplemental content to classes.
Director of Curatorial Affairs Howard Kramer talks about the impact of rhythm and blues musician Big Joe Turner on the development of rock and roll.
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Video Resources
These videos are designed as supplemental bonus content to further the student and teacher knowledge of the class subject.
Director of Curatorial Affairs Howard Kramer talks about the marketing strategy of rock and roll pioneer, Elvis Presley.
See below for additional video resources related to this class.
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Selected Song List
- Buy ListenJohnny B. Goode
- Buy ListenWhole Lotta Shakin' ...
- Buy ListenHound Dog
- Buy ListenTutti-Frutti
Class Resources
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.
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