Rock 'n' Roll and American Society, Part 1

by William McKeen

For several years, I taught an honors course in the mass media and society, which was about as exciting as it sounded. So one semester I thought, “What the hell—you’ve written all this stuff about rock ’n’ roll, so why not teach a course in it?” So I redrafted that same course and turned it into a rock ’n’ roll and society class.

Genres: History, Audiobook, Music

Audiobook

About the author

Author of Mile Marker Zero, Outlaw Journalist, Highway 61, Rock and Roll is Here to Stay and several other books, William McKeen teaches at Boston University and chairs its department of journalism. He lives on the rocky coast of Cohasset, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is Vol 2? I really enjoyed the time spent with Prof Mckeen. Great stories . Selling souls to the devil. Great listening recommends that were new to me (like Prof Longhair) Lots of trivia I did not know. Highly recommended.

[Don Heiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2012 Modern Scholar released William McKeen’s 14 audio lectures titled “Rock and Roll and the American Society Part 1 From the Beginning to 1960.” Each lecture is 30 minutes long. At the time of release, McKeen served as a professor of journalism at Boston University. His audio lectures trace the history of American Rock and Roll from its roots in rockabilly, African American blues, vocal group rock, and folk genres such as Appalachian ballads. From these roots, McKeen explains how Gospel music, New Orlean’s jazz and the sounds of Memphis as well as Chicago popular music created Rock and Roll. He then discusses how Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and the musical talents of Little Richard, Fats Domino, and many others teamed with independent studio producers to create a musical form that profoundly changed American values and mores. His narrative is captivating and insightful. (P)

[RA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just kinda "okay" Rock & roll history stuff. A few informational errors, which I won't list; but which lead me to question the depth & accuracy of his research.

A little too maudlin, but a reasonable overview of such history. A couple of good references for further reading.

And no mention of "jump blues" at all!?!?

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, and filled with titbits of knowledge. Very easy to listen to McKeen, almost conversational. Not that there is no social history, but the course is much more "Rock 'n' Roll" than "American Society".

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these lectures and will look for more by the author.

[Nick Bronzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep & collegiate look at formative Rock & Roll.
Dry in places; listen close for best parts.
Gets better as it goes.
MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT: Parts 2 & 3 ready - but scrapped by publisher.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! A must for anyone that plays Rock ‘n’ Roll! Were there ever follow-ups?

[Cat. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. I learned a great deal about the early years. I really wish they'd been able to include the songs in the recording. While I knew many of them, there were a large number of early ones that I haven't heard. Oh, well.

The best parts of this were stories about what went on behind-the-scenes, like Little Richard singing the original lyrics to "Tutti-Frutti" while facing away from the young English teacher/songwriter who wrote the ones we all know now, because he was mortified at how dirty those original lyrics were. I hope there is a Part Two (and following).

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to these cds on a trip to Bemidji and back. WONDERFUL and interesting history and stories of the beginnings for rock n roll. Lots of social and intellectual commentary, too.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 1 out of 5]

A decent survey of the history of rock during the 50s but only a few stories that I didn't already know.