Join Keith McCuaig for an overview of some of the most popular musical genres from the 1940s to the 1970s. Enjoy examples of blues, rhythm & blues, soul and funk music, while exploring their history. This will include main figures, important recordings, and the musical features of each style. We will also discuss the cultural importance and impact of this music, including the overlap between genres, and the ways in which one genre influenced another. From Muddy Waters and Marvin Gaye to Aretha Franklin and James Brown, this series will be an exciting musical journey.
Dates: Wednesdays, March 20 – April 24, 2024
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Location: In-Person, Carleton University Campus – St. Patrick’s Building
Registered participants will receive an email from the LLeaP team, sharing the room number and parking instructions prior to the first day of this series.
Topics:
- Week 1: Some background on African American Music. Early blues and 1940s Chicago blues. Muddy Waters.
- Week 2: 1950s Chicago blues and Memphis blues. Howlin’ Wolf.
- Week 3: 1950s R&B: Sun Studios in Memphis, and Atlantic in New York City. Sam Cooke.
- Week 4: 1960s R&B: FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Motown in Detroit. Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye.
- Week 5: 1960s Soul: Origins of Soul, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding.
- Week 6: 1960s and 1970s Funk: James Brown, George Clinton, Sly Stone
About the Lecturer: With an M.A. in Music and Culture, and over 25 years experience as a musician, Keith McCuaig is dedicated to all things music and art. Keith has taught a dozen different courses through Carleton University’s Lifelong Learning Program; is a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa; and has presented at international musicology conferences. From performing, writing, and recording, to giving music lessons, lecturing, and working with community music programs, Keith’s life and passion is music. (Photo Credit: Anita Grace)
Policies: Please review the Lifelong Learning Policies