This course covers the golden age of American rock ’n’ roll, 1955–70. It will be taught chronologically and geographically (“a road trip”) across several regions — plus a one-class exploration of a legend’s 1965 rock ’n’ roll masterworks — where key American musical movements sprung up. The classes will be presented as a cultural and musical journey through those periods and places where that region was at the forefront of American popular music.

Special guest musicians include Tom McCord, Paul Kotapish, Bethany Sorkey, Joe Cadora, and Bob (Justice) Lindfors.

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, has wowed OLLI members with more than a dozen courses on American music. Pete has taught with us for a decade — 10 years down the road!

This is a Best of OLLI Course

• Best of OLLI subscription courses are popular courses recorded a previous term
• Videos are available to watch the moment you sign up through Aug. 31
• Please note: Due to copyright restrictions, some songs and video clips have been edited out of the final recordings
• Accessible to Annual Plus, Premium Plus, Best of OLLI and Fee Assistance members. Learn about membership.
• Current Annual and Premium members can upgrade to Annual Plus or Premium Plus for an additional $10

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.