Teacher Summit: Roots of Rock & Roll

An essential work for rock fans and scholars, Before Elvis: The Prehistory of Rock ‘n’ Roll surveys the origins of rock ’n’ roll from the minstrel era to the emergence of Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. Unlike other histories of rock, Before Elvis offers a far broader and deeper analysis of the influences on rock music.

Deanna R. Adams is an award-winning writer whose books include Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection. She is an instructor at Lakeland Community College and coordinator of several writers' conferences. She lives in the Greater Cleveland area where she shares her love of music with her husband, Jeff.

Dick Clark, known widely as "America's oldest teenager," single-handedly formed the culture of the day on American Bandstand, and helped give rise to rock 'n' roll. He was a man of many roles: an entrepreneur, producer, game-show host and much more. It didn't feel like New Year's Eve in America if you weren't watching Dick Clark count down the minutes. In this book, Life brings back an earlier piece in which he reminiscences about the exciting early days of rock 'n' roll.

The blues and its roots -- Country and its roots -- Jazz, gospel, and the birth of the "backbeat" (Roots of rhythm & blues) -- From R&B to rock and roll -- Rock and roll -- The new pop (Rock and roll in the mainstream) -- The folk revival, civil rights, and soul -- The Beatles go Transatlantic, Dylan goes electric -- Psychedelia and beyond -- Aftermath

This study explores garage rock as it evolved alongside mainstream music and examines how it reflects notions of self through the assertion of individuality and rebellion. Section one examines the creation of the scene, the importance of relationships to the past and the appearance used throughout. Section two analyzes the alliances and relationships to society.

The Rock History Reader is an eclectic compilation of readings that tells the history of rock as it has been received and explained as a social and musical practice throughout its six decade history. The readings range from the vivid autobiographical accounts of such rock icons as Ronnie Spector and David Lee Roth to the writings of noted rock critics like Lester Bangs and Chuck Klosterman. It also includes a variety of selections from media critics, musicologists, fanzine writers, legal experts, sociologists and prominent political figures. Many entries also deal specifically with distinctive styles such as Motown, punk, disco, grunge, rap and indie rock. Each entry includes headnotes, which place it in its historical context.

This ambitious mixture of dramatic reconstruction with traditional documentary affords excellent insight into legendary bluesman Robert Johnson's life, the enduring power of his music, and the myth which surrounds him.

A reconstruction of the life of mysterious Delta bluesman Robert Johnson, based on the research of blues scholars Mack McCormick and Gayle Dean Wardlow.

Featuring a very rare 1963 performance of Ray Charles in Sao Paulo, Brazil, recorded one day before his 33rd birthday, complete with Brazilian commercials