MU 1133: The History of Rock and Roll Term Paper Topics The purpose of the term

MU 1133: The History of Rock and Roll Term Paper Topics
The purpose of the term paper is to provide each class member the opportunity to delve deeply into at leas one topic related to the History of Rock and Roll in great depth. The premise is that each of you will select a topic that has great interest to you and as a result, you will do your best work. I am anxious to read what you discover!
In order to be certain that you have the maximum amount of time to research and write, a list of topics is provided below. Please think about what area of R&R you want to spend your time reading and investigating once you have decided, send me your topic request. If you pick one that has already been selected, I will inform you to either select another topic or to design one yourself. You may propose a topic not on the list, but it must have my prior approval before you proceed.
It is required that you document all of your sources in a bibliography at the end of the paper, and you may use websites as part of your source material. However, you should utilize books and other material as part of your research. I recommend that you examine a variety of musical and cultural issues in the preparation of your paper. Each paper must utilize a minimum of five sources, not including the class text. Use standard bibliographic methods to document your sources. Paper should be 5-7 pages of text (not including title page and bibliography) in MLA format.
Final note: You will submit this paper through TurnItin, so please do not engage in plagiarism of any kind. Copying anyone else’s work, whole or in part, will be an infringement of the Honor Code of MSU.
Naturally, feel free to contact me with any questions. There will be a list of instructions posted in a few days that explain how to utilize this method for submitting your paper.
Recall that the paper is 20% of your final grade, so you will want to give your best effort.
List of Topics
Before Rock and Roll became a trend in the 1950’s, the three prominent music markets in the U.S. included mainstream pop, rhythm and blues, and country and western. Discuss what was happening in American culture at the time and explain in detail how these three genres affected American taste in popular music. Describe any musical artists that illustrate your viewpoint. Be certain to cover the years following World War II.
The “First Wave of Rock and Roll” has gained an almost mystical quality in the minds of those who study the topic. Some of it is myth, but there is a great deal of fact as well. While it is true that Rhythm and Blues contained a number of artists who impacted the history and style of R&R in the 1950’s, it is easy to make assumptions that overreach the reality. Discuss the artists Fats Domino, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry in a paper that explains their roots and influences prior to them becoming stars. Address the issue of crossing over from blues to rock as part of your presentation.
Perhaps no term in early rock is as unclear as the use of the words “Soul Music.” Select three groups and/or artists from the years 1960-1964. Compare and contrast their styles paying particular attention to the previous influences that helped to formulate their approach to soul. (Note: This should not be “I like this artist because I like his/her songs.”) Talk about the area of the country that impacted stylistic issues and include the recording process if this highlights their musical differences.
“Surf Music” usually means the music of the Beach Boys. However, others produced records with this characteristic as well. Compare and contrast the music of a band that performed in the surfin’ style with the music that was produced by the writers within the Brill Building. Identify the differences and discuss what the cultural influences were that led to these differences.
The folk revival has its roots in other types of music outside the world of Rock and Roll. Select three folk-based groups from the mid 1950’s through the early 1960’s and describe and contrast their approach to music and lyrics. Compare and contrast the type of sound that was produced by each group and identify how this was impacted by the rise of Rock and Roll in the early 1950’s.
The term “Motown” has been used to describe a sound, to refer to a period of time in the history of black music, a place in Detroit, and a host of other definitions as well. Compare and contrast the music of one Motown group that recorded for Berry Gordy with the music of Aretha Franklin. What are the influences that led to their unique sounds, and what impact did the Civil Rights Movement have upon the music of the time?
Psychedelia came about in the mid 1960’s for a number of cultural and musical reasons. Many believe that the movement started in San Francisco while others believe that Great Britain sowed the seeds for this era of Rock and Roll. Compare and contrast the music of one American group from this period with one British group from this period. Discuss the impact that the Vietnam War had upon the issues surrounding both the music and social issues of the time.
In order to understand the music of the 1970’s, the authors of the textbook state that one must understand the “hippie aesthetic.” Compare and contrast the music of Led Zeppelin with the music of either Deep Purple or Black Sabbath. Cite the influences that led to each group’s individual style and discuss the impact that other musical forms (blues, classical, etc.) had upon their music.
Southern Rock had its own unique category within the history of Rock and Roll. Describe the early influences that led to southern rock’s unique sound. Compare and contrast the music of southern rock with the music of the British blues bands. Be certain to mention specific artists and specific songs.

The jazz-rock fusion was influenced both by Rock and Roll and Jazz. Compare and contrast the music of Blood, Sweat and Tears with the music either the music of Frank Zappa or the music of Steely Dan. Discuss the importance of the use of instruments not traditionally associated with Rock and Roll to the success of this particular sound.
There are a myriad of artists that loosely fall into the category labeled as, “singer-songwriters.” Compare and contrast the music of James Taylor with that of Carole King or Carly Simon. Discuss the relationship of their music to the music of the folk revival that took place in the late 1950’s and early 60’s.
Perhaps no music raises more negative backlash among fans of popular music than the “Disco” craze of the 1970’s. Compare and contrast the music of Donna Summer with the music of Reggae represented so well in the music of Bob Marley. Describe the influences that led to these two very different types of popular music.
“Black Pop” was very influential during the 1970’s, and it is difficult to categorize the music by attempting to describe one trend/style. Compare and contrast the music of the Jackson 5 with the music of either 1) Earth, Wind, and Fire or 2) Sly and the Family Stone. Discuss how the Motown sound evolved during this period, considering how society at large had changed their view of black music after the Civil Rights Movement.
During the late 1970’s, the Punk movement evolved in the music of American groups such as the Talking Heads and Blondie. Compare and contrast their individual styles with that of the British Punk movement in the music of either the Sex Pistols or Clash. Discuss the societal issues that led to the Punk movement in both the United States and Great Britain.
14a. Art Rock Discussion: Art Rock Discussion: From 1967 until 1974 the British Progressive/Art Rock band “Genesis” was fronted by lead singer and songwriter, Peter Gabriel. Upon Gabriels’ departure in 1975, drummer Phil Collins took over as lead singer and chief songwriter. How did the aesthetic of the band change due to this personnel shift? Provide a detailed descriiption of the style of “Gabriel” Genesis vs “Collins” Genesis. How does the thematic material differ between the two bands? Which band tended to produce more concept albums? (Give examples.) Provide relevant historical and biographical background on each lead singer/songwriter to demonstrate how the differences in their individual background and personalities drove the differing visions and styles of the band. Discuss any other external factors that might have led to this stylistic shift.

In the late 1970’s, blues and mainstream rock did not disappear. Rather, it evolved with new groups and new styles. Discuss the “progressive rock” movement of this era. Select three bands (i.e. Foreigner, Kansas, Rush, etc.) and compare and contrast their individual styles. Discuss the musical roots that preceded the appearance of these bands and discuss where the progressive trend led the popular musical world after the late 1970’s.
The textbook refers to the years from 1977-1980 as the “Rise of New Wave.” What exactly is the music of the new wave? Using the band, the Cars, as your reference point, select two other bands (or solo artists) that are reflective of the new wave sound. Compare and contrast their unique styles, and iscuss the relationship of the New Wave music to the music of the past history of Rock and Roll.
During the 1980’s, the music of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty would be classified as mainstream rock. Compare and contrast their music with the music of either the Police or U2. Discuss the societal and cultural influences that led to each of their individual styles.
The textbook describes Rap as often “challenging the status quo and reflecting on the problems of urban life.” Discuss the roots of rap as an art form, describing the early proponents of the medium. Compare and contrast these artists with either Public Enemy or N.W.A. Describe both the nature of the recording technique used by each artist as well as the approach taken to developing lyrics. Indicate how the lyrics of individual artists reflected societal issues of the period.
Alternative Rock began to have its own threads emanating from the mainstream of rock during the 1990’s. Contrast the music of the Seattle band, Nirvana with the style of the Los Angeles band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Compare and contrast their approach to music and describe the past musical styles that influenced the sound of these bands.
Indie Rock had long avoided the culture of the “business side of music” by developing a culture of “do it yourself.” Select three different bands that took this attitude and compare and contrast their approach to music. Trace their individual influences back to the previous generations of rock and roll styles.
Record sales in the 1990’s indicate that women were doing very well in popular music. Sex symbols such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were very popular, as were solo artists such as Ani DiFranco and Tori Amos. Select one female artist from each category above (i.e. sex symbol vs. solo artist) and compare and contrast their approach to musical style. Draw inferences about the musical influences from the past that led to the emergence of these artists, highlighting their unique backgrounds.
Rap evolved in the 1990’s into separate threads in different parts of the United States. Compare and contrast the music of “gangsta rap” with either 1) west coast artists or 2) the music of Eminem. Discuss the societal and cultural issues that influenced the artists mentioned within your paper.
A number of artists in the 1990’s went the musical route of “feel good” music, not finding that other threads of pop music was a good fit for their talents. Compare and contrast the music of Sheryl Crow with Hootie and the Blowfish. Give particular attention to the issue of song style and lyrics in formulating your paper.
According to the textbook, hip-hop’s “growth was so dramatic that hip-hop deserves to be considered as the focal point of its own history and not as one facet of the history of rock music.” Discuss the hip-hop movement as it existed in the 1990’s. Mention the artists that propelled the movement forward, and compare and contrast the styles that each artist brought to the hip-hop movement. Mention specific artists and specific songs that illustrate your premises.
Technology has dramatically changed how young people purchase and listen to popular music (i.e. iPods, cloud-based streaming, etc.) As a result, music is now ubiquitous in every way. Select two artists that utilized this changing technology to great personal advantage and describe how the new technology allowed them to promote themselves and their music. Compare and contrast this method to the old fashioned “producer” method used in previous generations.
The 2000’s have seen a return to older rock styles and new evolutions within the pop world. Country stars often utilize rock styles (i.e. Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, etc.) within their music performances while simultaneously applying it to their personal styles. Select two country artists from the 2000’s and compare and contrast their style with earlier country artists from the 1950’s and 60’s. Be specific about the comparisons in terms of both the music and the lyrics. Be certain to comment upon the cultural issues that impacted their individual styles.
Heavy rock has maintained its presence well into the new millennium with such bands as Linkin Park and Nickelback. Compare and contrast the musical styles of either of these two bands with the style of one heavy metal band from an earlier era. Focus on the content of the musical style and the lyrics, highlighting the similarities and the differences.
Buddy Holly was considered one of the founders of rock and roll, having created such a fresh sound in the 1950s. Sadly, his life was cut short from a plane crash before he was able to reach his full potential. Give a biographical sketch of his life and rise to fame and discuss his impact on the rock and roll genre and on music in general. Which artists have been influenced by him or emulated by him? In what ways does this come to expression in their music and personas? Use specific songs by Buddy Holly and show specific songs by other artists to demonstrate this influence. Which vocal techniques and guitar riffs are used?

Throughout the history of rock, the “holy trinity,” of rock & roll has been The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who since their styles of music and performance on stage have impacted many bands. Discuss how these bands got started, their style of music and performance on stage, the people and bands they influenced, and why these three bands are referred to as the “holy trinity,” of rock and roll.

While some may say the Tulsa Sound was just a fad of the 1970s, it influenced many legendary artists and still has influences in artists today. Tulsa artists such as Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and Jamie Oldaker had a huge influence on rock and roll music. Artists such as Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Elton John, and many others cite these three Tulsa Sound artists as having a major influence on their music and careers. Both the Rolling Stone magazine and Eric Clapton have said that J.J. Cale is one of the greatest influences in rock history. Leon Russell’s work as a member of The Wrecking Crew brought the sound to the mainstream, and allowed him to become an inspiration and mentor to Elton John. Jamie Oldaker helped bring country artist Ronnie Dunn to stardom, played a pivotal role in revitalizing Eric Claptons career post Cream, and his influence may have even brought reggae and Bob Marley into the public eye. (topic created by Fall ’22 student Samuel Murray)

In the 1950s, Rock and roll began to see success as a counter-culture genre. Initially enjoyed by a niche market, only being played by a small number of radio stations, it exploded in the mid-1950s as it found itself as the poster child of teen rebellion. As rock evolved an increasing number of artists fell into destructive lifestyles of extreme drug and alcohol abuse. The personal lives of many artists became severely damaged. Being a rock and roll artist led to mounting pressure to “practice what you preach.” Indulging in such a culture brought about many premature deaths, horrendous crimes, and life-altering events, thus tragically ending many careers prematurely.