The Popular Song – A Bird’s Eye View of our Course

The course is about immortal popular songs from 1927-1975.

1927 is a good year to start, as it represents the beginning of movies with substantial sound (e.g. The Jazz Singer), it’s the year of the first modern musical (Showboat), and the burgeoning popularity of the radio and the phonograph.

We assume that songs from before 1975 that are still much loved and performed have passed the ‘test of time’. Hence the cutoff. Yes, it’s arbitrary. It also reflects the personal taste of the teacher (get a life, everyone!).

Who gets to decide whether a song is immortal or not?

The students (you)

The hit parades

Polls

Awards

Famous artists and bands performing covers

The internet (including algorithms)

The commercial decision makers (DJs, Producers, etc.)

TV, movies, radio, etc.

Researchers, journalists

Me

What makes a song immortal?

The music

The lyrics

The performer

The hooks

A combination

Danceability and other interaction

The story

Luck

Magic

Why is it important?

Music is an integral part of our lives and wellbeing

Understanding what is immortal about certain songs may help us comprehend why other works of art may be immortal

A better understanding of the songs and music we hear

A love for genres we are not familiar with

Music is fun. Exploring is fun. Thinking is fun. Experiencing is fun. Learning is fun.

Here is one list with about twenty great songs. How many of these songs do you know? Would any of these songs be on your list? What other ones would you consider immortal?