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	A.R.M.E. LECTURE/CONCERT - MOBILITY IN THE 20TH CENTURY Let us look at the influence of American Roots Music on our culture. While indigenous Music has always reflected both the economic and technological changes within a culture, it is fascinating and enlightening to examine the icons of the culture, in this case, means of transportation, as musical symbols of how we think. Before each song, the time period is discussed with the emphasis on how we traveled and how that means of travel reflected what was going on in American History. After each song, the theme of the song as well as the "feel" of the music is discussed. Parallels are drawn between the country's overall progression and the music that America produced. Slavery Times – The seeds of American Music are sown by Africans and Europeans. FEATURED SONG – A “FIELD HOLLER” 00’s to the 20s- We walked, rode horseback, and took riverboats. We listened to the Blues of Robert Johnson, the Jazz of Fats Waller, and the Ballads of Woody Guthrie. We experienced the birth of our own national music, due to the American Negro Experience. We lived through the great depression and heard the first stirrings of the musical protest. FEATURED SONG- WALKING BLUES - ROBERT JOHNSON The 30’s - 40's- We enjoy the golden era of the railroad and foresaw the arrival of the automobile. We listened to the swing of Louis Jordan and Country Music of Hank Williams. Electric instruments and accessible phonograph records changed the musical landscape forever. We experienced joy of prosperity and the anxiety of war. FEATURED SONG- CHOO CHOO CH' BOOGIE - LOUIS JORDAN The 50's- We revel in the age of the automobile and individual mobile independence. Rock and roll is born and Chuck Berry is at its forefront. The car is immortalized in song. Personal independence, even in teens, revolutionizes mobility and the economy. FEATURED SONG- MAYBELLINE- CHUCK BERRY The 60's and 70's- Airplane travel becomes available to the common man. We question authority. Rebellion is in the air and in our music. We listen to Bob Dylan, and others who embraced earlier folk music. A strengthened counterculture spawns politically motivated music. Vietnam adds fuel to the fire. FEATURED SONGS- THE LETTER- (BOXTOPS) & BLOWIN' IN THE WIND (DYLAN) The 80s through the Turn of the century- What is the new meaning of mobility during this era of technology? What are the roles of TV and the internet? Is Rap music the next step in the evolution of American Roots music? What is the future of Roots music? FEATURED SONG- IT’S GONNA RAIN - A "RAP" PERFORMED IN GOSPEL STYLE
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