Country Rock, Part 1: The Beginnings
This exhilarating, music-packed course describes the origins, evolution and impact of the genre known as country-rock, from its humble beginnings in mid-60's Los Angeles to what is now commonly refered to as Americana music. Part 1 showcases the Everly Brothers, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Gram Parsons, and other greats, taking you on an enlightening and uplifting musical journey with audios, videos, live music, and first person stories.
Please note: Part 1 and Part 2 of “Country Rock” are standalone courses featuring different time periods and artists. You may sign up for one or both.
Faculty Bio
Pete Elman is a musician, an author, a journalist, a historian — and a star educator. He has performed, recorded and produced popular music since 1962, authored four books, been a sportswriter, taught K-12, and, since 2015, wowed OLLI members with more than a dozen courses on American music.
This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course
- Classes will be held in person at Freight & Salvage at 2020 Addison St., Berkeley
- Classes will also stream live simultaneously, and be video recorded
- Please note: Due to copyright restrictions, some songs and video clips may be edited out of the final recording
- Fee assistance is available if cost is a barrier. Learn more.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Tuesday, Sept. 19 and ends on Tuesday, Oct. 10
- Classes meet for four weeks, two hours per session (1–3 PM)
- Videos will post on Fridays in Member Dashboards
- All course materials, including videos, will be available to view and enjoy through Dec. 31
Member Praise for Pete Elman
Another wonderful class from Pete! Once again, he added to my appreciation and understanding of the music and contributions from artists I already have enjoyed and admired for so long.
I gained so much appreciation for the musicians and their music than I expected to. Very, very enjoyable. I'll take any course Pete Elman offers.
Faculty Q&A
- Read an interview with Pete Elman from our archive.