FYSM 124 - Elvis,Billie,and Tupac

Institution:

Trinity College

Subject:

Description:

This course explores the work of iconic figures Elvis Presley, Billie Holiday, and Tupac Shakur in the context of their social times. We will look at Elvis, the so-called "King of Rock and Roll," in terms of the musical culture of the 1950s and try to understand the many reasons for his rise to pop superstardom as well as his continued popularity. Along the way, we will read two of the most important studies of Elvis: Peter Guralnick's Last Train to Memphis and the sequel, Careless Love. Our discussion of Billie Holiday will center largely on her recorded work and its importance in shaping the direction of jazz in the 1940s and 1950s. We will read her controversial co-authored "autobiography" as well as several studies of her life and work. Finally, we will consider the multifaceted personality of Tupac Shakur, looking at his music and his influence on rap and hip-hop culture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. To these ends, we will read articles in popular culture magazines, including The Source, Rolling Stone, and Vibe, as well as those contained in popular music and culture anthologies. An optional two-day visit to Graceland during the fall Trinity Days is plann 1.00 units, Seminar

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.Trincoll.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 297-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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