Learning in Retirement
1516 Dunton Tower, Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Dr. Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
613-520-2600 ext.1756 carleton.ca/linr
Road Trip USA: Exploring the Musical
History of Six American Cities
Lecturer: Keith McCuaig
Email: (optional – participants will contact you directly if you provide your email address)
(Fill this section out if/when your proposal is accepted)
Session: Early Spring
Dates: February 28, March 7, March 14, March 21, March 28 (5 weeks only)
Time: 10-12:30
Location: Leeds
Schedule of topics:
Note that this course is five two-and-a-half-hour classes instead of six two-hour classes. All of the same
material will be covered, although each week’s class will contain material from the following week as
well (i.e.: week one will contain some material from week 2; week 2 will contain some material from
week 3, etc.)
Week 1
New Orleans. The Crescent City has been a melting pot of culture and musical styles since at least the
early 1800s. During the days of slavery in the US, this was also one of the few cities where African
Americans were able to express their musical culture. By the early 1900s, this led to the birth of jazz.
Week 2
Memphis. It’s can be difficult to connect a musical style to only one city, but when it comes to rock ‘n’
roll, its origins are most definitely in Memphis. This city was also a hotspot for blues, as many Mississippi
blues musicians performed and recorded here.
Week 3
Chicago. The Northern Migration brought a lot of musicians from New Orleans, Memphis and other
Southern states to the city of Chicago. These musicians brought along New Orleans jazz and Delta blues,
although these styles quickly changed in the Windy City.
Week 4
Detroit. The Motor City was key in the development of R&B and Soul music. The record label Motown
was a major force in recording and promoting these styles, which became popular all over the world.
Did you know? Your registration in the LinR program allows you to borrow materials from Carleton University’s
MacOdrum Library. To receive a temporary borrowing card, visit the circulation desk and identify yourself as a
participant of LinR.
Week 5
New York City. The Big Apple has been an incubator for many of the most popular and influential styles
of music of the 20th century. From bebop in the 1940s, to punk rock in the 1970s, and hip hop in the
1980s. Although these styles may seem unrelated, they all share influences from the same great city.
Week 6
Nashville. Sometimes referred to as Music City, USA, Nashville is without a doubt, a country music city.
We’ll learn about the history of this style of music, including the genre’s musical influences and main
figures.
Recommended readings for continued learning:
Other interesting resources: