poniedziałek, 22 czerwca 2026

A Note on Grades!

Okay, I've finally finished grading all the tests I've so far received (and just about all the remaining students seem to be planning on writing the test on Wednesday).

Probably by tomorrow night (Tuesday) I'll start entering grades on USOS. The grades are based on an average of attendance and test results (taking into account various individual cases, like illness or work, of individual students). Everybody, so far, has at least passed so you can relax about that.

If you're satisfied with the grade then you're done! If you'd like a higher grade then contact me and I'll give you an essay assignment or two to write and then discuss with me.

Those who aren't on USOS yet: I'll make a list of the names that I can't enter and give it to our IT guy, Monday at the latest (since I'm jammed up with exams all this week).

Thanks a lot for a great semester!

niedziela, 21 czerwca 2026

New Test Times announced! UPDATED!

UPDATE: I just realized I could also have a test time on Tuesday (11.30) room to be determined (look for me in 216B).

I've added that to the schedule here:

Okay, if I've told you that you can take the test tomorrow (Monday, June 22, 2026) at 12.00 then look for me in either 212cB or my office (216B) around a quarter to 12.00.

I'll also be able to administer the test on Wednesday, June 24 after 13.00. I have oral exams until 13.00 (time approximate) in 118B and can then look for a room for those who show up.

So I can have some idea, it might be a good idea to write down your names here:

Farris Elective Poll - Dokumenty Google

As for grades, I've been slammed with exam things the last week or so but hope to get to grading soon and will start inputting grades then. If you need it very quickly for some reason then please let me know and I'll expedite your test.

See some of y'all Monday or Wednesday!

poniedziałek, 15 czerwca 2026

Lyrics for June 15, 2026

Two things:

Here are the lyrics for June 16, 2026 (Rap in the 1980s and early 1990s). These are mostly partial and mostly just for songs where the lyrics seem important, in some others they're not so important.

I will also have an announcement about chances to take the Test for Credit next week! 

See y'all in class!


czwartek, 11 czerwca 2026

All Notes for Test, First Two Test Times Established

Okay, three (3) things. 

First.

Here is a zipfile with all the notes needed for the test

The notes are numbered chronologically with Gospel and Crossover Artists placed between the 1950s and Motown. The notes for the last class (this coming Tuesday) are also included.

You may have these notes (in printed form on paper) during the test, you may also have other notes you may have made as long as they are on paper. No digital devices are allowed.

The test will be about 50 fill-in-the-blank or short answer questions.

for example (nb examples here are fictitious, answers in italics.)

Doodle Hawkins was the first person to do the cornbread dance in public in 1917.

Which influential record label was based in Mobile, Alabama? Gulf-Jubilee.

Second.

I have established rooms/times for the first two sittings of the test.

The first is Wednesday, June 17 at 15.00 in room 212cB (same room as classes). Remember that although it's Wednesday the class schedule is the same as Friday.

The second is Friday, June 19 at 15.00 in room 212cB (same room as classes).

If you cannot be at either of these two sittings then don't panic. I'll be announcing other times and places as well, you will get a chance!

To facilitate things, I have set up a sign up sheet here.

Here is the link again:

Farris Elective Poll - Dokumenty Google

Third.

Due to scheduling issues, while you write the test in the back of the room, people in the front may be doing academic presentations, so be prepared for that eventuality.

środa, 10 czerwca 2026

Listening List for June 16, 2026

First, here are the notes for Roots of Rap!

Here's the listening list for this week.

Rap from the early 1980s to the early 1990s

The songs or more or less in chronological order from 1980 -1992

Rapture
Blondie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHCdS7O248g

Wordy Rappinghood
Tom Tom Club
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vl1m5FYlAo

Double Dutch Bus
Frankie Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK9hK82r-AM

The Message
Grandmaster Flash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PobrSpMwKk4

To be or not to be (Hitler rap)
Mel Brooks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmzPnpn63nA

Roxanne Roxanne
UTTO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KpngczmD7Q

Roxanne's Revenge
Roxanne Shanté
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eckRNcHCKA

The Real Roxanne
The Real Roxanne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1eNO4bLrT0

Human Beat Box
Fat Boys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJewbFZHI34

World Destruction
Time Zone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5S-q1gRxvw

Walk This Way
Run D.M.C.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk

Cookie Puss
Beastie Boys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DOMxm0o12c

(Cookie Puss commercial)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7wj9UmcjYk

You gotta fight (for your right)
Beastie Boys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBShN8qT4lk

Push it
Salt 'n Peppa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCadcBR95oU

Supersonic
J.J. Fad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3nPLoODtGU

Straight outa Compton
N.W.A.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMZi25Pq3T8

Me so horny
Two Live Crew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6VTj7LhCtE

Fight the Power
Public Enemy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PaoLy7PHwk

Fight the Power
Public Enemy (danced by Rosie Perez)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkfJ-HsPfA

Poor Georgie
M.C. Lyte
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r5MzLsaVWc

Sometimes I rhyme slow
Nice and Smooth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgXQ3hEIDMA

Millie pulled a pistol on Santa
De la Soul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WwKGN6MjpQ

My definition of boombastic jazz style
Dream Warriors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoE5yHMrP0A

Set adrift on memory bliss
P.M. Dawn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AOVf9p9ht4

Tennessee
Arrested Development
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VCdJyOAQYM



poniedziałek, 8 czerwca 2026

Notes for 1950s, Motown and Soul

Okay, no lyrics this week, because that's not the point.

But I do have notes for old lessons:

Here are the notes for the 1950s (early rock 'n roll, vocal groups, doo wop and covers)

Here are the notes for Motown

Here are the notes for Soul Music

Notes for this week's class (on the roots of rap) are ready and will be posted on Wednesday.

See y'all in class!

piątek, 5 czerwca 2026

Listening List for June 09, 2026

 Here's the listening list for this week. There probably won't be lyrics because..... too much work.... :(


NON-AFRICAN AMERICAN

Other uses of the word 'rap' in relation to speaking

Hippy style 'rap session' (not really, but as close as I could find, starts 3:50)
(from Mad Men, season 7, episode 14, 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPxLruTzHug

The Rapper
The Jaggers (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWcbKgEK_uM

Patter songs: the Music Man (1957, 1962 film)

Rock Island:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiF1klsLM0o

Ya got trouble:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ySBtVLCYA

Pick a little: (from 1:40-1:50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ySBtVLCYA


AFRICAN AMERICAN

Spoken cultural traditions

The Dozens
(from In Living Color)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn5pbHxvChU

Signifying Monkey
(from Dolemite!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Voxp3ckwJZ0

Double Dutch (early 1980s)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRdwTxMeTL8

Black Preachers

Rev. C.L. Franklin (father of Aretha)
And he went a little farther (1960s) (start around 18:45)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN3ilK_4_40

Rev. W.B. Smith
Watch them dogs (1986) (start around 31:30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edRP3HoWR3U

Funk

I feel good
James Brown (1966
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlTRwnjFygU

Earth Wind and Fire
Shining star (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwc0AW67CmA

Early "raps"(spoken sections between or during songs)

Isaac's rap 2
Isaac Hayes (1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfVbrPoLc3w

Woman's viewpoint
Irma Thomas (1973)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_TYYhrWIxY

The Rap (interlude in If lovin' you is wrong (I don't wanna be right))
Millie Jackson (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G-UAsJ61Zs

Jamaica

Fire Corner (DJ)
King Stitt (1960s)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts_sJbr1Mhc

Dread beat an' blood (dub)
Linton Kwesi Johnson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwDnb_u1-kg

Jazz poetry

The revolution will not be televized
Gil Scott Heron (1971)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnJFhuOWgXg

Ego Tripping
Nikki Giovanni (1973)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJPOBu8qp6M

Proto-rap

Here come the judge
Pigmeat Markham (1968)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRS62nccwmw

Turn the beat around
Vicki Sue Robinson (1976) (short rap like section around 1:40)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRSzZsQV5fc

Enter Sylvia Robinson

Sylvia
Pillow Talk (1973)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JWWzerVfqE

Shirley and Company
Shame Shame Shame (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEJnK8nvlk4

First rap records

King Tim III (Personality jock)
Fatback band (1978)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojQqAnlrW_M

Rapper's delight
Sugarhill gang (1978) (esp from 9.30 to 10.30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAnojTvyc0g


środa, 27 maja 2026

Listening List for June 02, 2026

Here's the listening list for this week, featuring some of the greatest American popular music of the 20th century (yes, I'm biased).

NORTHERN SOUL


Chicago

Rescue me
Fontella Bass (1965)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7BeGDZewHs

Have you seen her?
The Chi-lites (1971)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVYxKRXDT2I

Freddie's dead
Curtis Mayfield (1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_vGs980z-o


Philadelphia

One of a kind love affair
The Spinners (1973)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8uRhUSPBjk

The Love I Lost
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STs1QlyawpY

The sound of Philadelphia
MFSB (with the Three Degrees) (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS2PQs_IRNk

Be thankful for what you got
William DeVaughn (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSt5MaSDDj8


New York

Not on the outside
The Moments (1968)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ztb5cLT2uk

Linda Jones (1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtjaorD-950

So many ways to die
Barbara Jean English (1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Agd_UbCymg

Home is where the hatred is
Esther Phillips (1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvdnMzQGbEQ

SOUTHERN SOUL


Memphis

Respect yourself
The Staple Singers (1971)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InYaB16xEd0

I'll take you there
The Staple Singers (1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K9xgx6fA5E

If loving you is wrong (I don't wanna be right)
Luther Ingram (1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvJj7SN9EWI

I let my chance go by
Frederick Knight (1973)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Htk_XpfEbw8

I can't stand the rain
Ann Peebles (1973)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmGig_b2QLI

Sha la la
Al Green (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNCLir1hdZ8


Muscle Shoals

I'd rather go blind
Etta James (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbha6lKNBhs

Share your love with me
Aretha Franklin (1970)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYqJzYsjyXQ


Miscelaneous

Funk

I feel good
James Brown (1966
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlTRwnjFygU

Jungle boogie
Kool and the Gang (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHGOO73Gxg4

Disco

You're the first, the last, my everything
Barry White (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtwOeoeWhoo

Never can say goodbye
Gloria Gaynor (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCSvNZWpXaM




środa, 20 maja 2026

Listening List for May 26, 2026

Here is the listening list for Motown, songs marked with *** are more likely to be used in class. If links are dead you should be able to find videos by searching song title and artist.

EARLY YEARS 1960-63)

Money (That's what I want)
Barret Strong (1960)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5KU34DrrPI

***Shop around
The Miracles (1961)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ftvr7xzS7Y

***Please Mr. Postman
The Marvelettes (1961)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=425GpjTSlS4

Beechwood 4-5789
The Marvelettes (1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us18AUBM2RI

***Fingertips (Part 2)
Little Stevie Wonder (1963)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjCfRvcXuY0

Heat wave
Martha and the Vandellas (1963)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k0GDQrK2jo

GLORY YEARS 1964-1970)

My Guy
Mary Wells (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WT7nBGX5eU

My Girl (1964)
The Temptations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bsdGo8dEoY

***Where did our love go?
The Supremes (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wQZ7dIX5U

How sweet it is (to be loved by you)
Marvin Gaye (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM0vRHUu6eI

Dancing in the streets
Martha and the Vandellas (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KhbM2mqhCQ

Baby, I need your loving
The Four Tops (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joqjBAJx4ZA

Baby love
The Supremes (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_y6nFjoVp4

***I can't help myself (Sugar pie honey bunch)
The Four Tops (1965)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3bksUSPB4c

Stop! In the name of love
The Supremes (1965)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPBkiBbO4_4

Ain't too proud to beg
The Temptations (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxHMHrWJ2SE

What becomes of the brokenhearted?
Jimmy Ruffin (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQywZYoGB1g

You keep me hangin' on
The Supremes (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3bjMtqpGBw

Reach out! I'll be there
The Four Tops (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c56Sj7kMbLk

***I heard it through the grapevine
Gladys Knight and the Pips (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQRcUxNJEbs

***Ain't no mountain high enough
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC5PL0XImjw

Cloud Nine
The Temptations (1968)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BdhhQayeWw

Love Child
Diana Ross and the Supremes (1968)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3oU1AlVATs

***I heard it through the Grapevine
Marvin Gaye (1968)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPnZZTVp_2A

I can't get next to you
The Temptations (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RfGe6MvY84

Someday we'll be together
Diana Ross and the Supremes (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXGz8i0I2L0

Ball of Confusion
The Temptations (1970)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9poCAuYT-s

If I were your woman
Gladys Knight and the Pips (1970)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfORYJt3OJU

The tears of a clown
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (1970)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4heHLbchPKk

***I want you back
The Jackson 5 (1970)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGDyAb6pePo

RELATED VIDEOS

***James Jamerson isolated bass (I can't help myself)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZUFGe06Ylw

***Funk brothers instrumental track (Love is like an itching in my heart)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-2kPilg5uQ

Funk brothers with the Andantes (Just ask the lonely)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXtbhSu0OQw

Supremes a capella track (Come see about me)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgSi18lwvmQ

Temptations a capella track (Just my imagination)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBZze-PA7EA

Somewhere (cover by the Supremes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDFUqLgI3Rc




poniedziałek, 18 maja 2026

Class Materials for May 19, 2026

Okay, first an important announcement.

Class this week, May 19, 2026, will be held in 102A (other side of the building).
Remember, class will be in 102A!

See y'all in class!

poniedziałek, 11 maja 2026

niedziela, 10 maja 2026

Listening List for May 12, 2026

I've been busy coughing, so I haven't had as much time as I wanted to update the materials for this week (kind of a slumgullion).

Anyway, here it is:

Early Rock and Roll

Move to Alabama 
Charley Patton (1929)
(first listen at normal speed and then listen at 1.25 normal speed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuY6NROhCQw

Rocket 88 (1951)
Jackie Brenson/Ike Turner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbfnh1oVTk0

Rock Awhile
Goree Carter (1949)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZlESMXHFfY

Rhythm and Blues Dirty and Clean

Keep on Churnin' (till the butter comes)
Wynonie Harris (1952)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8swz7WFgrU

Further on up the Road
Bobby Bland (1957)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsl_swTQCVU

Vocal group history

Barbershop

Explanation of Barbershop harmony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zyQSDyI5q4

Let me call you sweetheart
Shannon Quartet (1926)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAPnv6RqZDs

Sincere
Buffalo Bills (from the movie The Music Man) 1962
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uXNag2XWYA

I get around
Proper Sound Barbshop Quartet (2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z-FUk00fYk

The evolution of modern vocal groups

Crazy People
Boswell Sisters (1932) (not African American but hugely important)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-O5U4uuPF8

My Prayer
The Ink Spots (1939)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7KJCns5v3g

Paper Doll
The Mills Brothers (1943)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaMeSrynug0

Platters
Smoke gets in your eyes (1958)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLFZSoeXbnI

Doo Wop

Sixty Minute Man
The Dominos (1951)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXfJj8R3q20

Little Darlin'
The Gladiolas (1957)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHsSkI81Sgk

The Wah Watusi
The Orlons (1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3b5WS2xAYk

Cover Versions

Ain't That a Shame?
Fats Domino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbfMlk1PwGU

Pat Boone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVuI_cVNW4Y

Tutti Frutti
Little Richard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_C9q4tuwXI

Pat Boone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFxTvffJqOg





piątek, 24 kwietnia 2026

Communication through Teams (and email)

From now until further notice. For technical reasons. I will communicate with the class through Teams and with individual students through Teams and/or email.

Listening List for May 05, 2026 (and notes for Gospel)

Okay, first here are the notes for Gospel (Can I get an 'Amen'?!)

Anyway, here is the listening list for class May 05, 2026.

I don't have the time to check if each video is still there. If you find any dead links, please let me know.

Extra credit for anyone who can figure out the theme (yes, there is one).

Ethel Waters (1933)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zywZUhaUqMo

One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
Lena Horne (1945)

Tired
Pearl Bailey (1945)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz5gV6_MRoQ

Blue moon
Billy Eckstine (1948)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g83L5M_8Nt8

Nature boy
Nat King Cole (1948)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQerH4nRTUA

Banana Boat Song
Harry Belafonte (1956)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMigXnXMhQ4

Wonderful wonderful
Johnny Mathis (1957)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7wr2FBxcyI

Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
Leontyne Price (1960)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXhFiUaNksU

Guess who I saw today
Nancy Wilson (1960)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFbDj5RBouE

Do you know the way to San Jose?
Dionne Warwick (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnzTgUc5ycc

Kiss an angel good morning
Charley Pride (1971)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-pU-DHEVaU

Wedding bell blues
The 5th Dimension (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhtCGZbxTfc


Some auxiliary videos:

Ethel Waters singing "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in the 1952 movie "Member of the wedding"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gua-NE8y8lE

Pearl Bailey and Nat King Cole (1957 TV)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmnx49qMs2U

Harry Belafonte British pop singer Petula Clark in 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQXVjY1oqRo

Ethel Waters singing Suppertime on TV in 1969
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Zvjjbc-Hk

Pearl Bailey doing Hello Dolly! (Tony Awards 1968) Pearl's part begins around 3.45
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4eS0x16v1k

Pearl Bailey with Ethel Waters (around 1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpSmPaisB6o

Charley Pride and Johnny Cash (in 1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=276aBrM2-FM

The Pointer Sisters singing Fairytale (1974)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQWgKvvbT1g

Leontyne Price at the White House (around 1980)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGwyXrWuSyw


see y'all in class in May!

piątek, 17 kwietnia 2026

Listening (and Watching!) List for class April 21, 2026

This week's list is longer than usual and I split it up between things that should be listening to (that is the sound is more important than the visual) and videos that should be seen.

More than almost any other kind of music in this course, Gospel is about public live performance and many songs are far more expressive and emotional with audience feedback than their studio versions suggest.
As always, if you find dead links, please let me know.

NB. PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE WATCHING SECTION, ESPECIALLY THE LAST THREE VIDEOS IN THE LIST, BY JAMES CLEVELAND, THOMAS DORSEY AND THE CLARK SISTERS!

LISTENING

Arizona Juanita Dranes
I Shall Wear a Crown (1927)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79hhWYVY75s
Proto gospel, has elements of ragtime and honky tonk.

Thomas Dorsey
If You See My Savior (1932)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2-twJpqjFY
Early song by the man known as the father of gospel music. Has a lot in common with white country gospel of the time.

The Heavenly Gospel Singers
Precious Lord, Take My Hand (1937)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTi0KwX5bb0
The first recording of what is generally thought to be the first gospel song, written by Dorsey.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Strange Things Happening Every Day (1944)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-88l-M0KgkI
A joyful number that revolutionized the genre. It's influence went far beyond the field of gospel and pre-figures many features of rock 'n roll. Tharpe was one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century.

Mahalia Jackson
Move on up a Little Higher (1947)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtJbvdzXas4
Another record that helped create the genre. Originally a two-sided 78, the second side begins at around 2:39. Jackson went onto become the most iconic gospel performer.

Brother Joe May
Search Me Lord (1950)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ExcTBYpBU
Uptempo and syncopated number by the most famous gospel male soloist. The influence of Bessie Smith is very strong.

Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers
(He's So) Wonderful (1956)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMVJPsfnXr8
Smooth sound with a lead vocal by Sam Cooke who become something of a gospel teen idol before beginning a career in secular pop music.

Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke
At the Gate (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g50fNe-__d8
At one point one of the most popular gospel performers. She had a modest voice that could not boom out like Mahalia Jackson, and achieved emotional intensity through melisma (moving between notes on a single syllable) and was a key figure in mainstreaming this technique in gospel singing.

Bottle of Tears (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8i0wRtROY4
Cooke was also known for "sermonettes" short spoken and partly sung messages. This is an interesting example of a woman 'sightseeing' in Heaven.

The Edwin Hawkins Singers
Oh Happy Day (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJohGa66FJM
A recording of a hymn from 1755 that unexpectedly became a worldwide hit in 1969.

The Dixie Hummingbirds
I Found a Friend (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvogNMKule4
A catchy number with a non-trivial influence from white country gospel.

Andraé Crouch
Take Me Back (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0I9iEUfRvI
More an arranger than a performer, Crouch freely mixed elements of secular popular music with gospel formulas. He also closely worked with a number of secular artists including Michael Jackson, Madonna and Elton John.

The Winans
It's Time (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7-4BWW6W1M
This number mixes elements of hip hop (including rap).

WATCHING

Ethel Waters
His Eye is on the Sparrow (1957)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3-p3GDV6w
Her career lasted over 50 years and included both secular and sacred music as well as performances on stage and screen (film and TV) for both black and white audiences. This song, more than any other, was associated with her and was the title of her autobiography. The song begins at 0:54.

Five Blind Boys of Alabama
Too Close (1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5OnA6JOacE
Many gospel groups last for decades with regular changes of membership. The very committed lead vocal is by Charles Fountain. The emotional charge seems to invoke not just spiritual but perhaps also erotic ecstacy (there is a long history of one leading to the other).

Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Up Above My Head (1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeaBNAXfHfQ
A live performance showing off, among other things, her mastery of the electric guitar which was far more advanced than anything happening in secular music at the time.

The Clara Ward Singers
Medley (1963)
(Travellin Shoes; He's got the Whole World in his Hands; When the Saints go Marchin' in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoWZX3If9gs
Clara Ward was second only to Mahalia Jackson in recognition with the general public. She led the group but only occasionally sang lead. In this clip she plays the piano for the first two numbers before assuming the lead of the third. The massive wig was very on brand for her in the 1960s.

Where is your faith in God?
Rev. James Cleveland (1981)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wl4ogb0ZbQ
Cleveland was known as the "King of Gospel" and was responsible for mixing elements of popular music or jazz into performances.

Thomas Dorsey
Oh Precious Lord (1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2YlkpLGkSg
The song that made gospel music almost 50 years later. Dorsey, himself, was in his 80s. Part of the 1982 documentary "Say Amen, Somebody".

The Clark Sisters
Medley (1983)
(including Name it, Claim it; Is My Living in Vain?; Halleluja)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmA2M6yVa70
The biggest selling female gospel group of all time. This set is the highlight of the 1983 concert movie "Gospel" and one of the finest and most emotional gospel performances caught on film.

BONUS - SERMONS:
Recorded sermon (audio only).
Rev. C.L. Franklin (father of Aretha).
Dry Bones in the Valley (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67nR827F-aw

Recorded sermon (video).
Rev. B.W. Smith
Watch Them Dogs (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hlHPYbTPZI

Enjoy! And see you sinners in class!

wtorek, 7 kwietnia 2026

Listening List for April 14

UPDATED!!!!

Here are the lyrics for April 14, 2026. A lot of instrumental stuff this week so not so many lyrics.

Time to get back to jazz.

Boogie Woogie

Cleo Brown (1935)
Boogie Woogie

Gene Rodgers (1939)
Jukebox Boogie

Fats Waller (1943)
Ain't Misbehavin' (from the film Stormy Weather)

Evolution from Pop to Jazz singing

Duke Ellington / Adelaide Hall (1927)
Creole Love Call

song: More than you know (1929)
(In class we'll just listen to a short section)

Helen Morgan (1929) Torch (nightclub) singer

Ruth Etting (1929) Pop Singer

Mildred Bailey (1936) Pop (proto-)jazz singer

Billie Holiday (1939) Jazz singer

Big Bands

Chick Webb and his Orchestra (vocal by Ella Fitzgerald)
A-tisket a-tasket

Count Basie and his Orchestra (1940)
Lousiana

Duke Ellington (1952)
Satin Doll

Duke Ellington (from the movie Reveille with Beverly, 1943)
Take the A-Train

Lionel Hampton (1942)
Flying Home

Bebop

Dizzy Gillespie Quintet (1942)
Salt Peanuts

Charlie Parker (1946)
Confirmation

Big Bands and Dance

Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers (1943)
Jumpin' Jive

Whitey's Lindy Hoppers (1941)
from Hellzapoppin

Bonus: Info on the movie Stormy Weather, from which a number of clips are taken.

And the whole(?) movie itself.


(just for fun)
Chicago Steppin' (2010)

See y'all in class!

poniedziałek, 23 marca 2026

Notes on the Blues and Lyrics for March 24, 2026

Here are the notes for the Blues.

Here are the lyrics for this week. No, we won't get through all of them (or anywhere near all of them) so it may be revised next week. (nb some of the lyrics are NSFW).

See y'all in class!



piątek, 20 marca 2026

Listening List for the Blues (class March 24, 2026)

 Here is the Blues listening list. There is a lot here, and we probably won't finish this week but I might add a few items next week.

While Blues music has only been very popular for short periods of time, it was one of the  most influential types of music from the 20th century and has affected almost every other kind of popular music in America (and beyond). Jazz, rock, country, soul, gospel and other genres all owe their existence at least partly to Blues music, so it needs to be examined in more detail than some other varieties of music.
As always, I haven't checked each link so if you find any dead links please let me know.
Enjoy!

Blues Structure

8 bar blues (Key to the Highway)

12 bar blues (random)

16 bar blues (Watermelon man)

A more formal explanation (don't worry if you don't understand)

Another one (again, don't worry if you don't understand)


Country Blues

Black snake moan
Blind Lemon Jefferson (1926)

Devil got my woman
Skip James (1931)

Cross Road Blues
Robert Johnson (1936)

Last Kind Words
Geeshie Wiley (1930)

Good mornin' blues
Leadbelly (193?)

Key to the Highway
Big Bill Broonzy (1941)

Trouble in Mind (1924 song)
Lightning Hopkins (1967)


Classic Blues

Crazy blues
Mamie Smith (1920)

Shave 'em dry blues
Ma Rainey (1923)

Send me to the 'lectric chair
Bessie Smith (1927)


Memphis Blues

Dirty Butter
Minnie Wallace (1929)

Cocaine Habit Blues
Memphis Jug Band (1930)


Hokum/Dirty Blues

Tight like that
Clara Smith (1929)

Shave 'em dry
Lucille Bogan (Bessie Jackson) (1935)


Jazz and Blues

Fine and mellow
Billie Holiday (1939)

New blow top blues
Dinah Washington (1951)



poniedziałek, 16 marca 2026

Class Materials for March 17, 2026

Kind of a change in plans as I realized I made a mistake in scheduling, namely there will be Early Jazz and maybe scat singing tomorrow and the rest of Jazz will happen later, after we get through the Blues.

Anyway, here are the lyrics for tomorrow.

The notes for Early Jazz will be made available when I finish the Jazz section in a couple of weeks.

See y'all in class!

niedziela, 15 marca 2026

Listening List for March 17, 2026

We will finish elements from the last class (Coon songs, Minstrels and Ragtime) and begin with some elements of Jazz. As always I haven't check if all the links are good, if you find any dead links then please let me know and I'll try to find replacements.

Boogie Woogie

Cleo Brown (1935)
Boogie Woogie

Gene Rodgers (1939)
Jukebox Boogie

Fats Waller (1943)
Ain't Misbehavin' (from the film Stormy Weather)

Early Jazz / New Orleans (review)

King Oliver
Canal Street Blues (1923)

Jazz Funeral of Juanita Brooks (2009)

History of Scat Singing

Gene Greene
King of the Bungaloos (1911) starting at about 1:44

Cliff Edward (1922)
Homesick

Louis Armstrong (1926)
Heebie Jeebies

Duke Ellington / Adelaide Hall (1927)
Creole Love Call

Ella Fitzgerald (1960)
How High the Moon

Evolution from Pop to Jazz singing

song: More than you know (1929)
(In class we'll just listen to a short section)

Helen Morgan (1929) Torch (nightclub) singer

Ruth Etting (1929) Pop Singer

Mildred Bailey (1936) Pop-jazz singer

Billie Holiday (1939) Jazz singer

Big Bands

Chick Webb and his Orchestra (vocal by Ella Fitzgerald)
A-tisket a-tasket

Count Basie and his Orchestra (1940)
Lousiana

Duke Ellington (1952)
Satin Doll

Duke Ellington (from the movie Reveille with Beverly, 1943)
Take the A-Train

Lionel Hampton (1942)
Flying Home

Bebop

Dizzy Gillespie Quintet (1942)
Salt Peanuts

Charlie Parker (1946)
Confirmation

Big Bands and Dance

Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers (1943)
Jumpin' Jive

Whitey's Lindy Hoppers (1941)
from Hellzapoppin

(just for fun)
Chicago Steppin' (2010)

See y'all in class!




piątek, 6 marca 2026

Pre-class Listening List - 1

Here is a pre-class listening list. Please note that these are general videos meant to give you an idea about the content to come. Not all videos will necessarily appear in class and some videos not here will be shared in class.

nb. I mostly cut and pasted links, if any are dead please let me know (email/chat on teams) and I'll try to repair.

I should have lyrics for the class videos during the weekend.

 

AFRICAN ROOTS

Rhythmic complexity: Adowa Dance.

Exhuberant dancing.

Similar to Breakdancing (Northern Nigeria, 1959).

Costumed religious dance (Zaouli - Ivory Coast).

Kumpo dance from Senegal.

Sexualized dancing (la ventilateur from Senegal).

Singing while farming (Ghana).

Post office employees from Ghana (starts at around 0.17).


ON TO THE AMERICA:

Field Hollers and Work Songs.

Hoe Emma Hoe

first version

second version

Prison work songs

Early in the morning.

Black Betty

Studio version - Leadbelly

British rock version – Ram Jam

Spirituals

Swing Low Sweet Chariot (Fisk Jubilee Singers) -1909

Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen (Paul Robeson)

Deep River (Marion Anderson)

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (Odetta)

Oh Freedom! (Princely Players)

Coon songs

The Whistling Coon

Nigger Loves his Possum

If the Man in the Moon was a Coon

Minstrels and Blackface

General info:

Sand Dance

Comedy (in theory)

Black and White Minstrel Show (late 1970s UK TV)

Cake walk

Historical footage

Stage performance (recreated from a 1936 movie, Cake Walk starts around 0.35)

Stage performance (from 1903)

Ragtime

Dueling Pianos (something like a cutting session).

Maple Leaf Rag

The Entertainer (piano version)

The Entertainer 1973 version (from the Sting)

Solace

Bethena

A Real Slow Drag from Treemonisha

Commercial recorded version.

Live performance.

Enoy! And See y'all in class!

 


poniedziałek, 2 marca 2026

poniedziałek, 2 lutego 2026

Class Stuff for February 03-04, 2026

UPDATE: Here are the most important things to know for the test.

Okay, this week.

Tuesday (which is... Tuesday).

There will be a Class Review (and preparation for the test).

I will also give a preview of my elective class next semester.

Wednesday (which apparently will also be Tuesday).

The test!

The test will be made up of fill-in-the-blank and short answers. 

It is open book (you may have notes from the class, mine or yours) but only in printed paper form, no digital devices will be allowed.

You will have (but probably won't need) 90 minutes for the test. If someone needs more time I'll probably give it to them....

After grading the test I will calculate grades based on the test and attendance and enter them, mostly likely by Friday or Saturday.

If you're satisfied with the grad I enter, then.... course over!

if you want a higher grade (up to 1 1/2 points) I will give you essay assignments followed by an in person meeting with me (more info on this in class)

If someone needs an exam then I can do that but it will be essay assignments (and an in person meeting with me).

See y'all in class! 


piątek, 30 stycznia 2026

piątek, 23 stycznia 2026

Listening List for Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Here is the listening list for class on January 27, 2026.
Some recurrent themes of train songs are:
building railroad lines,
specific trains,
trains as a symbol of loss and/or alienation
trains as a metaphor for a person's life
There's more that we'll talk about on Tuesday.
Songs here are in (rough) chronological order (when they were written, not necessarily the particular performance).

JOHN HENRY
performed by Sing an American Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF-3t8Id6mA

ROCK ISLAND LINE
performed Kelly Pace and Prisoners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NTa7ps6sNU

FREIGHT TRAIN
performed by Elizabeth Cotten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2DCWfBkMSI

CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO
performed by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, Dorothy Dandridge and the Nicholas Brothers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTwy8ruyY40

TAKE THE A-TRAIN
peformed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, Betty Roche
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb2w2m1JmCY

THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE
performed by Judy Garland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRTMnvQYHUI

ROCK ISLAND
perfomed by ensemble (from the Music Man, 1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ9U4Cbb4wg

BLUE TRAIN
perfomed by John D. Loudermilk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_KFjUDLpmA

THE L & N DON'T STOP HERE ANYMORE
performed by Johnny Cash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj8_ZOqo5Bs

LAST TRAIN TO CLARKSVILLE
performed by the Monkees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-nyqMyEjRQ

CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY
performed by Gordon Lightfoot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXzauTuRG78

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
performed by Arlo Guthrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvMS_ykiLiQ

MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA
performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVAxJB3DkDE

JUST LIKE THIS TRAIN
performed by Joni Mitchell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLIArmiG0wY

TULSA QUEEN
performed by Emmylou Harris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjrvXvGM-PI

DRIVER 8
performed by R.E.M.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im8SCqUwIZE

DOWNTOWN TRAIN
performed by Tom Waits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWDJIwqCXi4

RUNAWAY TRAIN
performed by Roseanne Cash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvcdrXwAxAk

RUNAWAY TRAIN (different song)
peformed by Soul Asylum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzzKBxlIiEQ

BLUE TRAIN (different song)
performed by Linda Ronstadt, with Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CeLJuLp3mQ

See y'all in class!